My son has downs syndrome. He is 45 years old. He also has a servere heart murmur and medication controlled (fairly well) panic attacks. This medication has been taken about 20 years. In the beginning, he also had one grad mal seizure. However, what I am concerned very much about now is this: 4 months ago his white blood count was 3.30, and the blood test just taken was 3.5. His internist wanted to send him to a hematologist for a bone marrow biopsy. I asked if it hurt a lot, and he said "yes". I said I am not willing to put him through that. Now I understand that there is local and general anesthesia available. My son would not cooperate with such a test if he were awake. His IQ is about that of one who is 3 or 4. I am sick with grief over this.