Five Generations of Lymphedema

Five Generations of Milroy's Disease (Milroy's Syndrome)

Hereditary Primary Lymphedema

Recently, I have received mails regarding the chance of passing on hereditary lymphedema to children. I especially want to thank Jen too, for her recent post.

Though I would put a "quickie" article showing how the lymphedema gene has been transferred through my family.maternal grandmother (1881-1963) - generation one lymphedema of left leg had 9 children without further complications of the lymphedemaas far as we know, she was the only one in her generation mother (1927 - ) - generation two mild lymphedema in both feet and ankles 5 children with no further lymphedema complications temporary increase during pregnancy only one of her generation with lymphedema

My generation (Pat) - generation three from birth experience bilateral leg lymphedemamild lymphedema of right hand starting as a teenagermild/moderate lymphedema of left arm starting in 2003one. A cousin with lymphedema, started in his late fiftiesthere are about 20 of us in my generation, my sister also has lymphedema of the left leg. Another sister is now also experiencing swelling as a result of a botched rotator cuff surgery.

My children's generation - generation fourdon't know how many there are - too many to keep track ofno lymphedema present in anyonemy two children show no signs of any lymphatic disorder

Our children's children - don't know exact count - we are prolific - however, no lymphedema present in anyone

Conclusion:While it is possible to pass on the lymphedema gene, it does not automatically mean that offspring will exhibit or present with active lymphedema. In our family as the generations continue, it seems the lymphedema gene gets pushed further and further in recession.