Dear Dr. Lam,
I hope this message finds you well. I have an important question that I would kindly appreciate your expertise and advice about.

My grandmother (86 years old) recently explained to me that her husband gave her Gonorrhea (when she was 14 years old), and that she never saw a doctor about it and she never was treated for it. He died a premature death (unrelated) and ever since then she has a long history of severe problems with her reproductive and urinary tract, and has battled cancers in her stomach and uterus (cured through cobalt treatments), and suffered years of hemorrhaging (which led ultimately to a Hysterectomy). Her health seems to be more stable now, but for years now she has had frequent bouts of severe bladder infections and unexplained vomiting (for which has has been on almost a constant stream of antibiotics for many years). She has also had constant "sores" in her mouth, sometimes so debilitating she cannot eat (she still cannot eat any citrus because of the pain.) She is currently on thyroid medicine.

I am also wondering about the intergenerational effects. My grandmother had my dad at 19 years old, and she and he almost both died in the process. My dad also exhibits these mouth sores, as does his half-sister (her daughter) who is chronically ill, and as does my sister. I had to take milk of magnesia when I was young for my mouth sores and was a child chronically sick with respiratory and lung ailments.

I am wondering if you could please tell me what you make of all of this :

1) She has never told any doctor about the Gonorrhea, and I'm wondering it is still very important that she does (she has been too ashamed to tell anyone about this).

2) Is there a concern for intergenerational effects?

3) And what could be done at this point to intervene in any effects?

Thank you so much for your attention. A.