12 Comments
Samantha Greenough
4/28/2016 01:33:22 pm
If I had a parent with ALS or Huntington’s disease and a 50% chance of getting either I would get genetic testing done to see if I had the gene. At first I was inclined to say no, because I would not want to live in fear until it happens; however, it would be better to know earlier than to find out when it happens. The number one reason I would get tested is because I would not want to risk having children if I had either disease. It would be absolutely devastating to any family I may have if they had to watch me suffer, and I would not want to risk them inheriting the gene as well. The second reason I would want to know is so I am prepared and have knowledge on what’s going to happen, as well as anything I can do to help myself and the people around me. If I knew I was going to get Huntington’s disease my life would probably be very secluded and I would be much more cautious. I don’t even like hearing I have a normal sickness, I could not imagine how I would react to something so serious… However, I would take my time to do research and find ways to make myself healthier, as well as avoid anything that may make the disease affect me sooner or worse.
Reply
Margo Martin
4/28/2016 09:30:48 pm
The video didn't attach? I cut and paste the previous posting like I did for the other make up assignment. I will check that out. Thank you for letting me know.
Reply
Samantha Greenough
4/29/2016 09:00:36 pm
By secluded I mean more on the safe side, such as not putting my health at further risk for other problems. Though I would definitely want to go and do everything I want in life. I wonder the same thing about myself too, I feel that if I had either disease I would eventually try to find a positive side and live my life to the fullest. I guess we wouldn't really know unless we were actually in the position. That's a very good point though, instead of dwelling on it you could use the disease as a motivator to do everything you want before time is up.
Rachel McCusker
5/1/2016 07:04:30 pm
I agree with you Sam. I would want to know and I would not want to risk passing it on. I am not sure how I would handle such a devastating disease. I do know that I would not have children knowing that this could be the legacy that I could potentially pass on.
Reply
Sean
5/2/2016 04:32:57 pm
Why not have a family. it would mean you have more people helping and giving you hope.
Reply
Margo Martin
5/3/2016 07:12:03 am
You have an interesting perspective. I would like to hear more about what you are thinking.
Rachel McCusker
5/1/2016 07:00:52 pm
I was not aware of what the effects of Huntington's Disease are until I had watched this video. It is a horrible disease and I can only imagine the pain and suffering it brings to those who have it and their loved ones as well. If this disease was present in my family tree or history I would indeed get tested. As for having children I think I would not want to take that risk and gamble that science would come up with a cure in time. Just watching that video was heart wrenching enough for me and I could not imagine taking a chance of passing that gene on in my family. Maybe I am wrong in feeling that way. The families and individuals who face this awful disease have my full respect.
Reply
Samantha
5/2/2016 01:06:29 pm
I agree completely, it was terrible seeing what these people had to suffer through and how their families had to witness and handle. You never really know what people have going on, and it makes me realize how easy I have it compared to individuals either dealing with the disease or caring for a family member with the disease.
Reply
Sean
5/2/2016 04:31:42 pm
I think not having a family would be worse then having one. it gives you more hope and hope is something these people need more of.
Reply
Rachel
5/2/2016 06:44:26 pm
I think it is a pretty individual thing whether you choose to have children or not. There are so many pros and cons I think it would be a tough decision
Margo Martin
5/3/2016 07:15:20 am
I agree. Watching the effects of Huntington's and ALS are terrible and difficult to imagine having to live with and watch. It would be hard to decide what to do if you could have inherited the gene. You hear all the time of people having breast cancer and Alzheimer's running in the family and they might have the gene but don't get tested because they don't want to live their lives in fear. There is merit to that as well.
Reply
Sean
5/2/2016 04:30:26 pm
If i had Huntingtons or ALS i would for sure be tested, however i would continue to have a family as if i did not have anything like ALS or Huntingtons. Although it would be hard for the family i feel it would make them closer and that they would greatly benefit rather then the other way around.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorMargo Martin is a biology teacher with Dover High School and Dover Adult Learning Center. Archives
April 2017
|