Would you really want to know?
I watched a news story yesterday about DNA testing and how they can test for genetic markers for diseases such as Alzheimer’s. I’m sure over time medical science will be able to test for more and more genetic markers. Having a genetic marker means having the potential to develop the disease, not a guarantee but a very, very, very strong possibility.
I asked myself would I want to know, and I’m not sure. I don’t like surprises. I like being prepared. So I think I would want to know. But before I did, I’d want to be sure that I was prepared for whatever information I might get. I would want to use the information, no matter what the results, so I could live life every day to the fullest, so I could be sure all my affairs were in order, that I hugged my loved ones every day and made sure they knew how much I love them.
After thinking it over, I decided, it doesn’t really matter whether or not I know the future or results of genetic testing. We all know the ultimate end to our life story, though not the details or the when. So why not appreciate each day and live our life as best we can be, whether we know the future or not. Knowing doesn’t improve the quality of life, only we can do that.
What choices will I make today? What smiles, hugs, or helping hand can I give today? Would these choices be different if I knew more details of what lies ahead?
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May 8th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
1 Carol Bardelli wrote…
For a second I thought this was going to be about Tarot…wrong blog!
I saw the same story. Frankly, I believe you can alter or choose your path and your probable realities. If you test and get a positive you’re setting yourself up for “hardwiring” a probability.
So, no I would not get tested. Probably a side effect of too much metaphysical studies…LOL.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
2 Bushie wrote…
It’s true, you don’t know what the future is going to bring you, and it’s also a fact that every living individual is a carrier for a few dozen lethal genes. Even if you could test for everything, you’d find so many things that probably aren’t going to botheryou at all, and become paranoid. A little ignorance and cynicism cango a long way.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
3 MizFit wrote…
hmmmmm.
pre-child Id have said NO WAY.
now Im still mulling and have come up with a MAYBE-WAY
May 9th, 2008 at 2:22 am
4 CyberCelt wrote…
The only problem I see is that the insurance companies will have the information. Call me cynical, but I think they will use the information to not insure people because of pre-existing conditions.
The good part of genetic testing is that with gene therapy, they may wipe out all the diseases that plague us as we grow old.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
5 Joy wrote…
Although it would have been ‘cool’ to know, I think I’d rather not know. Because what can I do about it anyway? Knowing will just eat up memory space because I won’t be able to stop thinking about it.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
6 Lady Rose wrote…
It’s definitely something to ponder. Thanks everyone for “weighing” in on the topic.
CyberCelt - I agree with you, it’s sorta of scary what that type of info. can be used for - and I think laws need to be in place first — I remember hearing on the news something about laws being proposed so that genetic testing couldn’t be used to keep someone from getting a job (and hopefully so they couldn’t be denied insurange as well) - but who knows what will actually be passed or what loop holes can be found.