Replies to '08/25 Extreme Food Obsessions'

When I saw that Prader-Willi Syndrome would be the topic for Dr. Phil’s show I was surprised. The syndrome is rarely mentioned except in extreme cases.  I wish the whole hour could be devoted to Prader-Willi.  I trust that there will be resources and links to offer support after the show airs on Thursday.   

My nephew Scott was diagnosed with PWS in 1975. Only 20 years since it had been discovered, Scott’s disorder was somewhat rare when he was born. He was a failure-to-thrive baby and had poor muscle tone. Doctors thought he had cerebral palsy and would never walk. He walked when he was almost 3 years old. His speech was affected because of poor muscle control. Scott was always patient with us when we had difficulty understanding him. Scott started gaining weight when he was 6 or 7. My sister and her husband were faced with many trials and tribulations with Scott as he went through puberty. He attended a day treatment program that helped him become a caring, kind man.  He was active in Special Olympics. He traveled with my sister and her husband everywhere. Scott became a popular young man in his hometown. With love and guidance shown to him, he rarely had the tantrums that are known in Prader-Willi children. 

Scott brought our family so much joy and we were better people having had him in our lives for just a short time. Scott died in 2004 at just 29 years of age. He developed diabetes and deep vein thrombosis. His parents are still trying to deal with this terrible loss. Our family will never be the same.  Scott gave me wonderful gifts-- love, laughter and acceptance. Wonder and innocence and warmth.  

Sharon 

When I saw that Prader-Willi Syndrome would be the topic for Dr. Phil’s show I was surprised. The syndrome is rarely mentioned except in extreme cases.  I wish the whole hour could be devoted to Prader-Willi.  I trust that there will be resources and links to offer support after the show airs on Thursday.   

My nephew Scott was diagnosed with PWS in 1975. Only 20 years since it had been discovered, Scott’s disorder was somewhat rare when he was born. He was a failure-to-thrive baby and had poor muscle tone. Doctors thought he had cerebral palsy and would never walk. He walked when he was almost 3 years old. His speech was affected because of poor muscle control. Scott was always patient with us when we had difficulty understanding him. Scott started gaining weight when he was 6 or 7. My sister and her husband were faced with many trials and tribulations with Scott as he went through puberty. He attended a day treatment program that helped him become a caring, kind man.  He was active in Special Olympics. He traveled with my sister and her husband everywhere. Scott became a popular young man in his hometown. With love and guidance shown to him, he rarely had the tantrums that are known in Prader-Willi children. 

Scott brought our family so much joy and we were better people having had him in our lives for just a short time. Scott died in 2004 at just 29 years of age. He developed diabetes and deep vein thrombosis. His parents are still trying to deal with this terrible loss. Our family will never be the same.  Scott gave me wonderful gifts-- love, laughter and acceptance. Wonder and innocence and warmth.  

Sharon