Children..and chances

  At the present time my wife and I are contemplating having children.
  It was difficult for me growing up with NF1.
  And now that I am at the point in my life where I want a child,
  I am afraid that they too may have to face the adversity that I grew up with
  from peers.
  Because I was a spontanious mutation there is no prior history in my family,
  which makes this even harder to deal with.
  Anybody else go through these thoughts and feelings..?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

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Dear Chris:
It is a very difficult decision that you are faced with.  Since you know that you carry the disease, there is a 50% chance that your offspring will carry the mutation and have the disease.  In addition, there is some evidence that fertility, especially in males seems to be reduced by the disease.  I am also not aware of any laboratory doing DNA testing, but you can look into this through the NF society.  
The desire to have children is very strong in most of us, and I hope that your come to a place where the answer you and your wife make will rest easy in your souls.  
I wish there was an easy answer.  Your concern lets me know that your a quality human being and I know your choice in this matter will be the correct one.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD