Short Telomere Syndrome

[Community Member]

STS is caused by a defect in the TERT gene, it has a 50% chance of passing to offspring, it presents with

– early family greying

– pulmonary fibrosis

– anemia

– increased occurrence (14%?) of blood cancers.

It affects the bone marrow and thus rbc and wbc components and counts. It is rare and there is scant information available. Found an overview from Mayo Clinic. Got most of my info from my hematologist.

[Community Member]

In my Family situation, STS & IPF came from my father’s side ( decedents from England).) Suggest comparing family member health conditions. Despite my good annual health checkups I was surprised with a multitude of issues starting at age 48.

Symptoms:

-anemic for most of my life

– gray hair started at age 17

– MCI age 48 & atherosclerosis

-AVR age 59, CT scans showed black spots at the base of my lungs

-Age 63 Lung CT scans showed increased black spots. Blood test revealed STS; overall declining energy levels and harder to run or walk up steep inclines. Short of breath Episodes

-Age 64 diagnosed with IPF & cirrhosis of the liver.

– mixed good & bad days (low energy vs normal energy). Lower motivation to get stuff done.