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Keri Montague

Divisional Representative

My son Oliver died of Long QT Syndrome at 8½ months old.  He was diagnosed with Long QT at 3 weeks old and put on beta-blockers to treat the condition.  Comprehensive genetic testing, that was not available until after his death, showed that out of the seven variants, Oliver was suffering from LQT3 - the only form of Long QT that responds to sodium blockers rather than beta-blockers.

 

Since his death I have spent a lot of time researching the condition and the possible treatments. CRY put me in touch with a number of experts who have helped answer my questions. 

 

Our greatest concern was that Long QT is a genetic condition and it may be passed onto any other offspring we have.  We wanted to start a family again but did not want to put ourselves through the heartache of losing another child. 

 

Genetic testing on my husband and I showed that neither of us carried the mutation, so the chances were it was a one-off. We have since had another child who has been tested and shows no sign of Long QT.

 

A simple ECG performed from 3 weeks old is able to identify Long QT as well as other ‘dormant’ heart conditions and could prevent up to 20% of ‘cot deaths’ as well as preventing cases of SADS.  So much can be done to prevent other people going through the indescribable grief of losing a child and I want to help.

 

If you would like to contact one of our Representatives or a Bereavement Supporter please call the CRY office at 01737 363222 or e-mail cry@c-r-y.org.uk and we will put you in touch with someone who may be able to help you.

 

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