Paige Shiver, involved in a relationship with Sherone Moore, faced not only the loss of her job but also an unexpected pregnancy. She recently shared her emotional journey towards deciding to have an abortion.
The former assistant, aged 32, spoke in an interview about her initial desire to keep the baby. However, doctors advised her against it, citing her past diagnosis of Pompe disease as a significant risk factor.
Shiver mentioned, “Multiple doctors and specialists informed me that it wouldn’t be safe for me to have a baby,” a statement she made while visibly emotional.
Moore, who was fired from the University of Michigan last year after the affair came to light, met Shiver during their internship in 2022.
After their relationship turned tumultuous, it culminated in a serious incident in December where he broke into her home and threatened self-harm after she reported their affair to university officials.
Last week, Moore received an 18-month probation and was fined over $1,000 for his actions connected to this incident.
Shiver recounted how, when she expressed her concerns about the pregnancy, he advised her, “You need to do what’s best for your body.”
Shiver’s journey with Pompe disease began in her third year of college. Pompe disease, as explained, is a rare genetic condition that causes gradually worsening muscle weakness.
Understanding Pompe Disease
This condition stems from a genetic mutation that inhibits the production of an enzyme called acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), which is essential for breaking down glycogen, a sugar storage form utilized for energy.
When this enzyme’s function is impaired, glycogen accumulates within cells, disrupting their functions, particularly in the heart and skeletal muscles.
Prevalence of Pompe Disease
Despite being rare, new newborn screening techniques suggest a broader prevalence than previously recognized. It’s estimated that Pompe disease can affect around 1 in 18,000 to 1 in 23,000 infants worldwide.
Symptoms of Pompe Disease
There are various forms of Pompe disease, and the symptoms’ intensity can depend on the onset timing. The most severe variant, infantile-onset Pompe disease, presents symptoms within the first year of life, which can escalate quickly. These symptoms include severe muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and poor feeding.
By contrast, late-onset Pompe disease, which is more common, progresses more slowly. Individuals affected may experience symptoms in childhood or adulthood, with muscle weakness worsening over time.
Shiver reflected on her struggles, saying, “I thought I could go for a run, but my lungs couldn’t handle it after just five minutes.” She added, “Every day is a fight against pain throughout my body.”
Impact of Pompe Disease on Pregnancy
While Pompe disease doesn’t usually prevent pregnancies, it places women in a high-risk category due to increased bodily stress, potentially worsening existing symptoms. Some research indicates that pregnancy outcomes for women with Pompe disease may align with those of the general population, though there’s a hint of elevated stillbirth rates.
Treatment Options for Pompe Disease
There’s currently no cure for Pompe disease, but treatment methods exist. Enzyme replacement therapy aims to provide missing or malfunctioning GAA enzymes through regular infusions. This approach can help mitigate muscle damage, enhance mobility, and generally support heart function.
Supportive therapies, like physical and respiratory therapy, can also improve patients’ quality of life.
Life Expectancy with Pompe Disease
Infantile-onset Pompe disease sadly often leads to premature death in infants if untreated, typically before the age of two, often due to heart or respiratory failure. In contrast, individuals with late-onset forms of the disease can often live into their adult years with appropriate management.
