Hereditary links?

[CuriousResearcher]

Hi, I'm new here and I've been exploring my family tree which has given me a couple of things which I hope somebody here can help with - apologies in advance for the long post.

My Great-Great Grandfather looks like he died as a result of tertiary syphilis, although my Great-Great Grandmother looks like she didn't(I'm guessing his first wife died of this though). My Great Grandfather died partly due to Pagets disease of the bone(named on the death certificate as well as a related heart condition) My Grandfather had arthritis, became deaf overnight and died young due to a stroke/heart attack. Finally, my Mother suffers with arthritis, osteoporosis, and had both hips replaced before she was 60(All these people are in the same line)

My question is, does anyone think there could be a link between these issues which could affect me or my children? I've always had back problems, and now having hip pain regularly, despite being in my 40's and thought I would ask here before seeking any help from my GP.

Thanks in advance!

[Mandy5]

Hello there. I believe people do inherit a predisposition towards early develop of Paget’s disease of the bone, so there may be a greater chance that you have inherited this from your great grandfather’s line. It’s always worth telling your GP and hospital clinicians that there is PDB in your family. My husband has PDB, so we advised his siblings and our adult children to make their GPs aware.

If you have symptoms that might be attributed to PDB (but could be something else too) a blood test can check your ALP level and a radiographer can carefully examine X-rays of your back and hips to look for pagetic changes in the bone. I’d always rather know so that the right treatment can be given if needed.

Best wishes

[Kuifje]

I was diagnosed with PDB when I was 50 - and immediately realised that my mother had had it for years but had kept it from the health professionals as it did not bother her too much even though her femur was VERY curved. She was diagnosed at about 89 and is still alive at 102 and with no treatment.