Genetic Testing

[2chatter]

Thought this was interesting....
A sneaking suspicion that the data could be used against me has kept me from doing genetic testing for me (bio profile for optimal diet) or DD (to figure out underlying issues) or anything like 23 and me.

www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/08/07/636026264/genetic-tests-can-hurt-your-chances-of-getting-some-types-of-insurance?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20180807&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20180807

[sandandsea]

My theory on it is that they can’t ever prove it was actually me that submitted it as there is no chain of custody. I really don’t worry about it though since I’m not a “bad guy”.

[ilovelucyvv]

Interesting. It wouldn't surprise me if health insurers and possibly others require genetic testing of everyone someday in the future. I've never done it for myself or kids as I've fallen in the "I'd rather not know" camp especially when it comes for likelihood of scary diseases later in life.

[sandandsea]

It’s also suggested that you make sure you have all life insurance and everything in place before you see your results. Im sure insurance questionnaires ask if you’ve done anything too nowadays for large amounts of coverage.

[k3am]

They’ve already found one serial killer based on 23 and Me..

It is uncharted territory, that’s for sure.

[mustardseed2007]

DD and DS have both seen a geneticist as a part of getting to their idiopathic short stature diagnosis and potential treatment. DS didn't have any tests, but DD was tested for turner syndrome as part of a panel which showed that she had a certain genetic disorder (which wasn't the disorder they were testing for) -- but she has none of the symptoms of that genetic disorder.

So since they don't know what the results mean they want to do a full exome sequencing panel on her. Which originally I agreed to but as we've taken the time to get insurance approval (and it was approved) I'm TOTALLY rethinking it for the reasons probably laid out in that article.

Why are we really doing this is she's healthy and showing zero signs of the genetic disorder. And what they are doing is no kind of treatment, it's a "lets open her up and see what's under the hood." I don't think I'm on board with it.

[waverly]

Pretty much what mustardseed2007 said. I would test for a true medical reason. I am not at the point of testing for curiosity. I hope all the serial killers and their families keep testing though, so we can find them all.

[2chatter]

mustardseed2007 - that’s where I am with EDS testing for DD. I mean, what’s the point? We manage the symptoms. There’s no solution with a diagnosis. I’m just as happy with “lax joints”.

And yay for stupid serial killers. For real.

[2chatter]

Oh and I forgot - DH’s life insurance carriers and policies now are totally different than they were 10 years ago and fifty percent different than 5 years ago. It makes me nervous to think about for the kids - how many times will they change carriers/policies? Is there ever a “safe” time?

[mustardseed2007]

I'm on board with looking for serial killers with genetic info, though. Boo serial killers!!

[k3am]

Aug 8, 2018 19:54:32 GMT -5 mustardseed2007 said:

I'm on board with looking for serial killers with genetic info, though. Boo serial killers!!

I am totally A-Okay with this. If there are serial killers in my bloodline, I'm not going to feel bad about my DNA being the link to them getting arrested. Not that I've done any genetic testing.