OT: To test or not to test...what would you do?



"Kathleen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Nexis wrote:
>> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>>
>> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could
>> find with a few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>>
>> I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a
>> hereditary condition that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not
>> only do they thicken, which causes the heart to have to work harder to
>> pump the oxygenated blood, but the cells are in disarray, which
>> eventually causes the affected segments to become unstable, causing
>> erratic heart rhythm.
>>
>> As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my
>> brother's heart surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining
>> siblings be tested. At first, I was intending to do just that...at least,
>> until I began reading up on it. Basically, what I learned is, if it is
>> going to affect you, it is just simply going to. There's nothing really
>> preventative you can do, not until it is bad enough to require treatment.
>> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause
>> stress, would you do the test?
>>
>> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to
>> make my choice for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>
>
> I would have the test. Knowledge is power. Although there is no cure for
> the condition, the timely implantation of a pacemaker to correct
> arrhythmia could extend both the quantity and quality of life.
>
> Kathleen

I'm not sure what is the cause of f-i-l's arrhythmia, and it may be much
more benign than the condition you are referring to, but f-i-l has lived
with arrhymthimia with medication for many, many, many years, with all sorts
of other serious health problems.
Dee Dee
 
"Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:kNw2g.173736$bm6.85264@fed1read04...
> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>
> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could
> find with a few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause
> stress, would you do the test?


It seems to me, it would be just as stressful not knowing, maybe even worse
because of the uncertainty. At least if you knew, you would eventually come
to accept it.

Jen
 
"Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:BnA2g.173792$bm6.106373@fed1read04...
>
> "Margaret Suran" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>>
>> Nexis wrote:
>>> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>>>
>>> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could
>>> find with a few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>>>
>>> I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a
>>> hereditary condition that involves a thickening of the heart muscles.
>>> Not only do they thicken, which causes the heart to have to work harder
>>> to pump the oxygenated blood, but the cells are in disarray, which
>>> eventually causes the affected segments to become unstable, causing
>>> erratic heart rhythm.
>>>
>>> As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my
>>> brother's heart surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining
>>> siblings be tested. At first, I was intending to do just that...at
>>> least, until I began reading up on it. Basically, what I learned is, if
>>> it is going to affect you, it is just simply going to. There's nothing
>>> really preventative you can do, not until it is bad enough to require
>>> treatment.
>>> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause
>>> stress, would you do the test?
>>>
>>> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to
>>> make my choice for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>>>
>>> kimberly
>> I am sorry that you find yourself in this terrible quandary. I believe
>> that I would want to know, but this is easy for me to say, as I do not
>> have to do it.
>>
>> Why did the doctor in Minneapolis suggest that you be tested? If you are
>> found to be a potential hypertrophic cardiomyopathy sufferer, are you
>> certain that there is no medication available, blood thinners or
>> something like that, that would be beneficial? I do not mean that there
>> would be a cure, you said here is none, but there may be something to
>> slow down the progress or to make you more comfortable.
>>
>> I am so sorry, Kimberly. Let us know what you decide to do and whatever
>> it will be, I know it will be the best choice for you.
>
> First, thank you for your kind words, Margaret.
>
> I think that things like Atenelol have the potential to slow it down a
> little, but there's no guarantee it works.
> The doctors at the Mayo clinic wanted all of us to be tested, as it runs
> in families, and especially my sister and I as we were the only other ones
> born with a heart murmur. (Both of my brothers were born with a murmur
> too). I have also had cardiac arrhythmias from time to time, which is
> worrisome in and of itself. They aren't sure there is a connection, from
> what they've told us. In fact, they're not sure why it happens. They ask
> when they do the surgery if they can keep a piece of the heart muscle they
> remove to send to pathology for testing.
>
> Again, thank you.
>
> kimberly
Not to be a Pollyanna, but there are different murmurs. I was recently
diagnosed with a murmur, but doctor poo-poo'd it. Again, not to say that
yours is not serious. I recently had a thumping of my heart, but again the
doctor said it was not serious. Before I would have any surgery or biopsy,
I recommend at least two opinions, and two opinions of pathology.
Dee Dee
 
Dee Randall wrote:
> "Jke" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>>> When you apply for insurance, don't many/most companies ask for family
>>> history?
>> A few questions, but not in much detail.
>>
>> Everytime I go to a new doctor, I'm asked for my family history.
>>
>> I'm not, unless there is a specific reason.They rarely do a full amnio (?)
>> here. The GP knows a lot about you, and when you are referred to a
>> specialist MD, the GP wirtes down any relevant info on the referral. From
>> experience, I know it can be different in other countries.Different
>> medical cultures, but also different systems.
>>
>>
>>> Dee Dee
>>>
> From my experience they will take a history for numerous tests, as well,
> even though your own doctor has prescribed the test.
> If you go to the hospital for any procedure, for instance at Georgetown
> University Medical Hospital and also at Johns Hopkins, not only will they
> take your history once, but you might get 2-4 other interns that will come
> in and interview you and take your history.
>
> I'm not saying that all of the facts go into one big data base to be used
> or checked in your insurance requests; but I don't think even if it were to
> go into a data base, it wouldn't keep me from being upfront with my data,
> nor would I decline taking a test for that reason -- who knows, it may save
> one's life.
> Dee Dee
>

Just remember, it's not a preexisting condition if it's never been
diagnosed.


Bob
 
On Sat, 22 Apr 2006 13:57:51 -0700, "Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote:

>I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>
>If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find with a
>few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>
>I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary condition
>that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not only do they thicken, which
>causes the heart to have to work harder to pump the oxygenated blood, but the cells
>are in disarray, which eventually causes the affected segments to become unstable,
>causing erratic heart rhythm.
>
>As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my brother's heart
>surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining siblings be tested. At
>first, I was intending to do just that...at least, until I began reading up on it.
>Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it is just simply going
>to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not until it is bad enough to
>require treatment.
>So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress, would
>you do the test?
>
>Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my choice
>for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>
>kimberly
>

I'd get tested. This is information a treating physician or GP needs
to know and even emergency personnel might require it should a
situation ever arise.

If you have no problems after testing, thank your lucky genetic stars,
and if there is something, keep in touch with a cardiologist once a
year or so and get yourself monitored. One never knows when a
medication or procedure could come along and help and if there is any
deterioration, however minor, intervention can be started faster with
knowledge of the diagnosis ahead of time.

Best of luck to you and to your sibs.

Boron
 
Nexis wrote:
> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>
> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find
with a
> few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>
> I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary
condition
> that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not only do they thicken,
which
> causes the heart to have to work harder to pump the oxygenated blood, but
the cells
> are in disarray, which eventually causes the affected segments to become
unstable,
> causing erratic heart rhythm.
>
> As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my
brother's heart
> surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining siblings be tested.
At
> first, I was intending to do just that...at least, until I began reading up
on it.
> Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it is just
simply going
> to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not until it is bad
enough to
> require treatment.
> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress,
would
> you do the test?
>
> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make
my choice
> for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>
> kimberly
>
>

About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with a hereditary genetic disorder that
affects my hypothalamus. There is no 'cure' or treatment for the disorder
itself, mostly we just keep the symptoms in line.

Had I known this is to be the case I would not have pursued a diagnosis. I'd
spent years trying to deal with a set of mystery symptoms with the hopes of
putting an end to them and now that I found out what it is there is nothing I
can do about it.

It's done me no good to know.

--
..:Heather:.
www.velvet-c.com
Step off, beyotches, I'm the roflpimp!
 
Damsel in dis Dress wrote on 22 Apr 2006 in rec.food.cooking

> I'd want to know. I wish there'd been a way for me to find out if I
> had the evil breast cancer gene. Knowing that I was clear of danger
> would have been wonderful.
>

Knowing one way or the other would put my mind at ease....Being sure beats
worrying over it. If you ain't got it that's good and go on with your
life...If you have it life style and hard life choices might have to be
made...

I know that If the posibility was there it would eat at me...Knowing would
simpify things I think.

--
-Alan
 
"Dee Randall" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:BnA2g.173792$bm6.106373@fed1read04...
>>
>> "Margaret Suran" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>>
>>>
>>> Nexis wrote:
>>>> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>>>>
>>>> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find with
>>>> a few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>>>>
>>>> I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary
>>>> condition that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not only do they
>>>> thicken, which causes the heart to have to work harder to pump the oxygenated
>>>> blood, but the cells are in disarray, which eventually causes the affected
>>>> segments to become unstable, causing erratic heart rhythm.
>>>>
>>>> As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my brother's
>>>> heart surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining siblings be
>>>> tested. At first, I was intending to do just that...at least, until I began
>>>> reading up on it. Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it
>>>> is just simply going to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not
>>>> until it is bad enough to require treatment.
>>>> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress,
>>>> would you do the test?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my
>>>> choice for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>>>>
>>>> kimberly
>>> I am sorry that you find yourself in this terrible quandary. I believe that I
>>> would want to know, but this is easy for me to say, as I do not have to do it.
>>>
>>> Why did the doctor in Minneapolis suggest that you be tested? If you are found
>>> to be a potential hypertrophic cardiomyopathy sufferer, are you certain that
>>> there is no medication available, blood thinners or something like that, that
>>> would be beneficial? I do not mean that there would be a cure, you said here is
>>> none, but there may be something to slow down the progress or to make you more
>>> comfortable.
>>>
>>> I am so sorry, Kimberly. Let us know what you decide to do and whatever it will
>>> be, I know it will be the best choice for you.
>>
>> First, thank you for your kind words, Margaret.
>>
>> I think that things like Atenelol have the potential to slow it down a little, but
>> there's no guarantee it works.
>> The doctors at the Mayo clinic wanted all of us to be tested, as it runs in
>> families, and especially my sister and I as we were the only other ones born with
>> a heart murmur. (Both of my brothers were born with a murmur too). I have also had
>> cardiac arrhythmias from time to time, which is worrisome in and of itself. They
>> aren't sure there is a connection, from what they've told us. In fact, they're not
>> sure why it happens. They ask when they do the surgery if they can keep a piece of
>> the heart muscle they remove to send to pathology for testing.
>>
>> Again, thank you.
>>
>> kimberly
> Not to be a Pollyanna, but there are different murmurs. I was recently diagnosed
> with a murmur, but doctor poo-poo'd it. Again, not to say that yours is not
> serious. I recently had a thumping of my heart, but again the doctor said it was
> not serious. Before I would have any surgery or biopsy, I recommend at least two
> opinions, and two opinions of pathology.
> Dee Dee

It's not the murmur itself that is worrisome...it's that this disease seems to have a
connection to this particular type of murmur, at least in our family line. It doesn't
mean that I would get or have the condition, just that it increases the likelihood.

Even if diagnosed, I wouldn't necessarily have to have surgery, at least not for some
time to come. One brother needed it within a year, the other is going on 5 years
without it. It's all dependent on the person and their health and the progression of
the disease in their system.

kimberly
 
Nexis wrote:
> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>
> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find with a
> few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?

Absolutely.

>
> I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary condition
> that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not only do they thicken, which
> causes the heart to have to work harder to pump the oxygenated blood, but the cells
> are in disarray, which eventually causes the affected segments to become unstable,
> causing erratic heart rhythm.

HCM isn't always hereditary. My Mom developed it after a HA at 40 -
she lived to be 79.

>
> As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my brother's heart
> surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining siblings be tested. At
> first, I was intending to do just that...at least, until I began reading up on it.
> Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it is just simply going
> to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not until it is bad enough to
> require treatment.
> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress, would
> you do the test?

Yep.

>
> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my choice
> for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>
> kimberly

The thing is, all diseases and influence your overall health and
influence the deveklopment and severity of other diseases. I want to
know - I have been tested for certain genetic anomalies that run
concurrent with a syndrome I have (autoimmune issues and blood-clotting
factoers). I now know my genotype for the traits and what to expect -
how the mutations affect my systems. I have a LOT more peace of mind
knowing that I am affected and how to deal with the repercussions.
Good luck!

-L.
 
On Sat, 22 Apr 2006 13:57:51 -0700, "Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote:

>I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>
>If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find with a
>few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>
>I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary condition
>Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it is just simply going
>to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not until it is bad enough to
>require treatment.
>So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress, would
>you do the test?

Yes. I'd have the tests, in the same way I already have regular
mammograms because my sister and aunt had breast cancer, and I have
colonoscopies because my mother died of bowel cancer.

It won't stop you getting the disease, but it will catch it in the
early stage. Your chance of recovery or a longer life are maximised.
 
"Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:g7E2g.173850$bm6.87842@fed1read04...

> Even if diagnosed, I wouldn't necessarily have to have surgery, at least
> not for some time to come. One brother needed it within a year, the other
> is going on 5 years without it. It's all dependent on the person and their
> health and the progression of the disease in their system.

I would rather know all there is to know about it, if it were me.
Sometimes, the fear of something can be worse than the actual knowledge and
coping with it.

Whatever you decide Kimberly, I send you all my best wishes and hopes for a
happy outcome.

God bless

Ophelia
 
Nexis wrote:

> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my choice
> for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.

I'd want to know.

Pastorio
 
Nexis wrote:

> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>
> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find with a
> few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>
> I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary condition
> that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not only do they thicken, which
> causes the heart to have to work harder to pump the oxygenated blood, but the cells
> are in disarray, which eventually causes the affected segments to become unstable,
> causing erratic heart rhythm.
>
> As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my brother's heart
> surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining siblings be tested. At
> first, I was intending to do just that...at least, until I began reading up on it.
> Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it is just simply going
> to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not until it is bad enough to
> require treatment.
> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress, would
> you do the test?
>
> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my choice
> for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>
> kimberly
>
>

I would think the _not_ knowing would be more stressful than knowing....

Question, if it's genetic, it it Autosomal or sex linked? Is it dominant
or recessive? Knowing those two factors would give you the statistical
odds of you having it.

Om
 
Nexis wrote:
>
>
> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my choice
> for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>

I would have the test. I would want to know. Hopefully it will be
negative. Sorry you have to make this decision.

--
Cheers
Chatty Cathy
 
In article <kNw2g.173736$bm6.85264@fed1read04>,
"Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote:

> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>
> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find
> with a few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?

This is such a personal issue. I am thankful that I am not confronted
with that kind of situation. If it were me, I would only do the test if
it allowed me to take actions to prolong my life that I would not have
to take if the diagnosis was negative.
 
On Sat, 22 Apr 2006 13:57:51 -0700, "Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote:

>I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>
>If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find with a
>few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>
>I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary condition
>that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not only do they thicken, which
>causes the heart to have to work harder to pump the oxygenated blood, but the cells
>are in disarray, which eventually causes the affected segments to become unstable,
>causing erratic heart rhythm.
>
>As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my brother's heart
>surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining siblings be tested. At
>first, I was intending to do just that...at least, until I began reading up on it.
>Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it is just simply going
>to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not until it is bad enough to
>require treatment.
>So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress, would
>you do the test?
>
>Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my choice
>for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>
>kimberly

I would have the test only if:
a. something could be done to prevent or slow the condition, OR
b. it would affect my decision to have children, OR
c. getting a positive result would NOT affect my ability to get or
retain health insurance in the future, OR
d. symptoms develop that require treatment.

In the absence of a, b, or d, the only beneficial result would be the
peace of mind from a negative test. So I would have to balance "c"
vs. getting the test for the chance of peace of mind. If I didn't
have the test, I'd worry for sure and follow news of treatment, etc.
closely, but would retain some hope that I didn't have it. If the
test came back positive, I'd worry much more, but now the hope would
only be that a cure would be discovered.

When there is nothing to be done and there are some negatives to a
test, I personally can live with the uncertainty of not knowing.

Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!
 
Curly Sue wrote:
> On Sat, 22 Apr 2006 13:57:51 -0700, "Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote:

> I would have the test only if:
> a. something could be done to prevent or slow the condition, OR
> b. it would affect my decision to have children, OR
> c. getting a positive result would NOT affect my ability to get or
> retain health insurance in the future, OR
> d. symptoms develop that require treatment.
>
> In the absence of a, b, or d, the only beneficial result would be the
> peace of mind from a negative test. So I would have to balance "c"
> vs. getting the test for the chance of peace of mind. If I didn't
> have the test, I'd worry for sure and follow news of treatment, etc.
> closely, but would retain some hope that I didn't have it. If the
> test came back positive, I'd worry much more, but now the hope would
> only be that a cure would be discovered.
>
> When there is nothing to be done and there are some negatives to a
> test, I personally can live with the uncertainty of not knowing.

I think I'm with you on this one. If there is nothing to be gained
from the knowledge, why have it? I'm reminded of Arlo Guthrie's
decision to not be tested for Huntington's when that test became
available. IIRC, his siblings did get tested.

Gabby
 
"OmManiPadmiOmelet" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Nexis wrote:
>
>> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>>
>> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find with a
>> few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>>
>> I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary
>> condition that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not only do they
>> thicken, which causes the heart to have to work harder to pump the oxygenated
>> blood, but the cells are in disarray, which eventually causes the affected
>> segments to become unstable, causing erratic heart rhythm.
>>
>> As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my brother's
>> heart surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining siblings be tested.
>> At first, I was intending to do just that...at least, until I began reading up on
>> it. Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it is just simply
>> going to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not until it is bad
>> enough to require treatment.
>> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress, would
>> you do the test?
>>
>> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my
>> choice for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>>
>> kimberly
>
> I would think the _not_ knowing would be more stressful than knowing....
>
> Question, if it's genetic, it it Autosomal or sex linked? Is it dominant or
> recessive? Knowing those two factors would give you the statistical odds of you
> having it.
>
> Om

It's believed to be dominant inherited, and as I mentioned in another post, there are
also other factors in our particular family tree.

I'm about 95% sure I will have the tests, but I do think after reading the responses
that I might wait until after I have insurance again.

kimberly
 
Nexis wrote:

> "OmManiPadmiOmelet" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>Nexis wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>>>
>>>If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could find with a
>>>few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>>>
>>>I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a hereditary
>>>condition that involves a thickening of the heart muscles. Not only do they
>>>thicken, which causes the heart to have to work harder to pump the oxygenated
>>>blood, but the cells are in disarray, which eventually causes the affected
>>>segments to become unstable, causing erratic heart rhythm.
>>>
>>>As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my brother's
>>>heart surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining siblings be tested.
>>>At first, I was intending to do just that...at least, until I began reading up on
>>>it. Basically, what I learned is, if it is going to affect you, it is just simply
>>>going to. There's nothing really preventative you can do, not until it is bad
>>>enough to require treatment.
>>>So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause stress, would
>>>you do the test?
>>>
>>>Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to make my
>>>choice for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>>>
>>>kimberly
>>
>>I would think the _not_ knowing would be more stressful than knowing....
>>
>>Question, if it's genetic, it it Autosomal or sex linked? Is it dominant or
>>recessive? Knowing those two factors would give you the statistical odds of you
>>having it.
>>
>>Om
>
>
> It's believed to be dominant inherited, and as I mentioned in another post, there are
> also other factors in our particular family tree.

So Autosomal dominant?

>
> I'm about 95% sure I will have the tests, but I do think after reading the responses
> that I might wait until after I have insurance again.

That would be very wise. ;-)

>
> kimberly
>
>

Sending positive energy your way that the testing comes out negative!!!!!!

Cheers!
Om
 
"Nexis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:SfR2g.173930$bm6.99752@fed1read04...
>
> "OmManiPadmiOmelet" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Nexis wrote:
>>
>>> I'd like a few opinions if I may....
>>>
>>> If there was a chance that you had a hereditary disease that you could
>>> find with a few tests, but is incurable....would you do the tests?
>>>
>>> I have 2 brothers that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a
>>> hereditary condition that involves a thickening of the heart muscles.
>>> Not only do they thicken, which causes the heart to have to work harder
>>> to pump the oxygenated blood, but the cells are in disarray, which
>>> eventually causes the affected segments to become unstable, causing
>>> erratic heart rhythm.
>>>
>>> As many of you know, I went to Minnesota a couple months ago for my
>>> brother's heart surgery. At that time the doctor suggested the remaining
>>> siblings be tested. At first, I was intending to do just that...at
>>> least, until I began reading up on it. Basically, what I learned is, if
>>> it is going to affect you, it is just simply going to. There's nothing
>>> really preventative you can do, not until it is bad enough to require
>>> treatment.
>>> So given that it wouldn't benefit you to know, and may in fact cause
>>> stress, would you do the test?
>>>
>>> Thanks for anyone who responds, and no, I'm not looking for anyone to
>>> make my choice for me...I'd just like to know what others would do.
>>>
>>> kimberly
>>
>> I would think the _not_ knowing would be more stressful than knowing....
>>
>> Question, if it's genetic, it it Autosomal or sex linked? Is it dominant
>> or recessive? Knowing those two factors would give you the statistical
>> odds of you having it.
>>
>> Om
>
> It's believed to be dominant inherited, and as I mentioned in another
> post, there are also other factors in our particular family tree.
>
> I'm about 95% sure I will have the tests, but I do think after reading the
> responses that I might wait until after I have insurance again.
>
> kimberly
Just a word: Sometimes insurance will not cover anything that might hint of
genetic testing or even checking out to see if you have a certain disease or
proclivity when there are no actual symptoms. This might even make a
difference in the insurance company you choose, if you have that option.
Dee Dee
 
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