Monday, June 15, 2009

Pondering Genetic Testing

I am still in a quandry about what to do about genetic testing. I wish I felt more comfortable with screening tests. But, I don't. I've been reading up on CVS, wondering if it's the right choice for me, and happened upon the WSJ article today, which explains in part why CVS isn't more widely used.

Test Poses Challenges for OB-GYN's

The interesting and scary thing for me is that I might need to go to Boston for the test, if I choose it. I might well end up at Tufts. But thanks to this article, I won't end up with Dr. Wolf.berg. I appreciate his candor, and I appreciate his need to become experienced, but I still don't wish to be the guinea pig.

3 comments:

Jamie said...

That is a very interesting article. And very humbling of the doc to admit publically that he has only done 15.

It would be a tough decision and one only you can make. It's just one more thing where you have to weigh the risks vs benefits. You know in your heart what you need to enjoy the rest of this pregnancy.

VA Blondie said...

I had to make the same decisions about genetic testing that you do, at about the same time. It is a difficult decision, and a personal one.

FWIW, Here is my choice and why I chose it. I am going with the quad screen. It is blood work at 12 and 16 weeks, and a nuchal fold assessment (ultrasound) at 12 weeks. All of that data put together gives a fairly accurate idea of chances of a genetic defect. My OB told me that the quad screen has the lowest false positives. I would like to avoid invasive stuff if at all possible. Only if I need it will I do the amnio.

Just my perspective, take it for what it is worth.

Gabby said...

hi - I found you through ICLW - i foudn this very interesting.. and I will be interested in what you decide..

I am so glad you foudn that article - at least you know one doctor's name that you don't want.

We will conceive through IVF and have been through PGD. We know our frozen embryos have tested negative for chromosomal issues.. but we are still advised to to the CVS or amnio - a very hard choice to test or not..

I wish for clarity in your decision making process.