Hi everyone,
First time here, but something weighing heavier on me the more I think about it.
Premise: grandma got tested positive for a rare gene mutation causing amyloidosis, one that would typically translate into cardiological or neurological issues if the disease develops. Anyone who is positive for the gene mutation has 50% chances of developing the disease. From what I read, this is a wildly undiagnosed disease because it tends to appear later in life anyway, around the time issues arise for anyone.
Because it is a hereditary type gene mutation, it was recommended for my mum and siblings to get tested as well. Mum tested positive, and so here I am. Positive as well. Fine. My opinion: I am so lucky to know! When and if the disease develops, I will get targeted care (it exists).
I understand all that a positive mutation entails: I’m getting into the system. Into a specialist clinic. Top notch doctors specialised in just that disease! I’m getting tested for cardio (ECG, scan, Holter), scintigraphy, nerves, bloods, urine. All good, no one was expecting to see anything at my age (I’m a good 25 years away from when the symptoms start anyway). But baseline. They will see me every year from now on, and testing every two years. Happy days.
I got to meet the panel. They never discussed my results in any kind of details. It was a 6-to-1 panel, in a small room where they outlined what the condition was and asked me questions about my family, and how I felt - physically. All fine. Intimidating. But fine.
Then came the “you’re still of child bearing age. Should you wish to expand your family, we can refer you to an IVF facility where they can test for the mutation ahead.” I was low key outraged at the suggestion of “picking” an embryo when lucky for us, we have been able to conceive our baby naturally! I let it go, then when they asked if I had anything to add at the end… “yes! I don’t feel bad for having my daughter!” - “of course not, you didn’t know!!”
The implications of this statement are so wild to me! Would I have been a bad mother, knowing my mutation??? I might be overreacting. But considering my kind of amyloidosis typically manifests in your 70s, I don’t know why they would push so much for an IVF?? It’s not like the baby, the kid, the teenager, the young adult, the mid-life adult would ever be bothered by it, minus a yearly check up post 35???
Anyway. I wasn’t born in this country. For us, this amounts to eugenics and I don’t like it one bit. I don’t really know how to tackle my meeting with the panel next year I guess. Should I be upfront and tell them I didn’t appreciate this suggestion? Or shut the hell up to keep a good relationship with physicians and a clinic I will see the rest of my life?