Thoughts on genetic testing - pre-conception

[butlerfan]

Jun 9, 2015 18:26:57 GMT -5 thechickencoop said:

Jun 9, 2015 18:15:16 GMT -5 pismoduo said:

This.

I didn't even bother with a pre-conception appointment. I just didn't go in for my next depo shot, and when I had my annual exam like 10 months later, she asked me if I'd started going somewhere else for it. Nope, just trying to get pregnant. Her response? "Oh cool. Start taking pre-natal vitamins right now, if you haven't already."

Then again, most of H's and my family medical history is stuff like cancer, diabetes, allergies, etc, so it wouldn't have occurred to me to ask.

Right? unless you have known issues I don't see the point. I had my IUD out last January and then my annual in the fall at which point I said hey I think we're trying now to get pregnant and my midwife said oh cool hey call us when you are. I guess we're lucky in the fact that we don't have any risk factors or anything like that that we know of. ::shrug::

Basically I quit my birth control pills and we used condoms until we wanted to ttc. I had my annual in the middle and I asked a couple basic questions but pretty much just take a multi vitamin with folic acid and good to go. Have fun trying.

[katelou]

I would have done it. My H is adopted and we know nothing about his genetic origins.

[locopollo]

Jun 9, 2015 15:58:27 GMT -5 LovesMeSomeCake said:

Jun 9, 2015 15:01:18 GMT -5 NariaDreaming said:

our RE highly recommended the Counsyl screening at a minimum for me, and for DH if I came back as a carrier for anything. It screens for 100 genetically-linked disorders, and cost $300 with my insurance. At one point they offered a guarantee of no more than $X out of pocket if your insurance didn't cover it.

For us, it was absolutely worth it. Had we both been carriers of something, we most likely would have moved straight to IVF with PGD

YES thats exactly what ours was, the Counsyl one for $300, with the guarantee.  

Did you test positive for anything? I was a intermediate carrier, but i feel like they had to say SOMETHING to justify the price.

I had the counsyl screening and everything came back negative. My RE said she RARELY sees everything come back negative however. The price is crazy. I wish I had thought more about it before doing it because like the other ladies said, either way, I still would be TTC. I was just under the impression this is something "I should do".

[jewel441]

For the pre-conception meeting, when I scheduled my last annual I told the receptionist that we were thinking of TTC. I think she put a little extra time in the DR calendar for me but who knows. It was a regular exam and then they gave me some print outs on TTC and the DR shared some basic info on timing, etc. I don't think I would have made a special appointment for it, but I did make sure to bring it up since I was already going. I had already had the genetic screening like 2 years before when we got married.

[Ruca]

DH and I considered it with pregnancy #1 (it was mentioned in our pregnancy packet from the OBGYN) but once we realized insurance didn't cover we opted for no testing and to our knowledge and family history we weren't carriers of anything so that also played a part in our decision.

[Deleted]

Nothing was mentioned about pre conception testing by my doctor. I told him I was going to drop bcp and he said "call me when you're pregnant ". I don't see the need to explore any testing options because it doesn't affect our decision to try to have a family. Plus, I already know that the women in my family suffer hormonal migraines and have low iron. And we know DH's mother has MS, so there is a chance he could develop it too. Neither of those are going to change our minds about wanting kids though.

If you truly aren't getting charged for your tests I see no harm done, other than possibly wasting your time.

[fuzzylogic]

We didn't have a pre-conception meeting and I had no genetic testing prior to getting pregnant. I asked my doctor if we should do anything like that and she said our history was clear and there was no reason.

We did, however, do a blood test for chromosomal testing at 12 weeks. Long story short, the sample was lost or something so we had to re-do it, I'm now waiting for those results. We only did that because I'm going to be AMA by the time the kiddo comes around and insurance covered all but the co-pay.

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 10, 2015 8:14:02 GMT -5 @marymargaret said:

Nothing was mentioned about pre conception testing by my doctor. I told him I was going to drop bcp and he said "call me when you're pregnant ". I don't see the need to explore any testing options because it doesn't affect our decision to try to have a family. Plus, I already know that the women in my family suffer hormonal migraines and have low iron. And we know DH's mother has MS, so there is a chance he could develop it too. Neither of those are going to change our minds about wanting kids though.

If you truly aren't getting charged for your tests I see no harm done, other than possibly wasting your time.

Congrats on not understanding how insurance works and how premiums are figured?

[locopollo]

Jun 10, 2015 9:31:03 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Jun 10, 2015 8:14:02 GMT -5 @marymargaret said:

Nothing was mentioned about pre conception testing by my doctor. I told him I was going to drop bcp and he said "call me when you're pregnant ". I don't see the need to explore any testing options because it doesn't affect our decision to try to have a family. Plus, I already know that the women in my family suffer hormonal migraines and have low iron. And we know DH's mother has MS, so there is a chance he could develop it too. Neither of those are going to change our minds about wanting kids though.

If you truly aren't getting charged for your tests I see no harm done, other than possibly wasting your time.

Congrats on not understanding how insurance works and how premiums are figured?

Congrats on being queen sour puss of the genetic testing thread

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

Jun 10, 2015 9:58:41 GMT -5 starbuck27 said:

Jun 10, 2015 9:50:15 GMT -5 locopollo said:

Congrats on being queen sour puss of the genetic testing thread

Meh. She's not wrong. Superfluous tests make insurance more expensive for everyone.

I mean, she does have a crown, too! LOL.

[helloamanda]

I had a pre-conception appointment because I was on prescription pills and had to figure out the ones I could stay on and the ones I had to get off of, like Lisinopril. Then I met with a MFM dr twice to make sure everything was okay, since I have other risk factors.

It's just different for every one. Some people don't need them, but some do.

[icaughtfire]

Jun 10, 2015 9:50:15 GMT -5 locopollo said:

Jun 10, 2015 9:31:03 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Congrats on not understanding how insurance works and how premiums are figured?

Congrats on being queen sour puss of the genetic testing thread

LOLz. That's cute.

[Deleted]

Jun 10, 2015 9:31:03 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Jun 10, 2015 8:14:02 GMT -5 @marymargaret said:

Nothing was mentioned about pre conception testing by my doctor. I told him I was going to drop bcp and he said "call me when you're pregnant ". I don't see the need to explore any testing options because it doesn't affect our decision to try to have a family. Plus, I already know that the women in my family suffer hormonal migraines and have low iron. And we know DH's mother has MS, so there is a chance he could develop it too. Neither of those are going to change our minds about wanting kids though.

If you truly aren't getting charged for your tests I see no harm done, other than possibly wasting your time.

Congrats on not understanding how insurance works and how premiums are figured?

Thanks. My family never had health insurance when I was growing up and my husband's insurance provider now doesn't require and medical exams.

[locopollo]

Jun 10, 2015 10:13:47 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

Jun 10, 2015 9:50:15 GMT -5 locopollo said:

Congrats on being queen sour puss of the genetic testing thread

LOLz. That's cute.

Thanks I'd rather be cute than a bitch

[icaughtfire]

Jun 10, 2015 10:27:00 GMT -5 locopollo said:

Jun 10, 2015 10:13:47 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

LOLz. That's cute.

Thanks I'd rather be cute than a bitch

Yeah, people that spew logic are such bitches.

::side eye::

[madamewaffles]

Jun 10, 2015 10:27:00 GMT -5 locopollo said:

Jun 10, 2015 10:13:47 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

LOLz. That's cute.

Thanks I'd rather be cute than a bitch

Yeah, what a bitch she is for relaying the facts.

#youmustbenew

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 10, 2015 10:27:00 GMT -5 locopollo said:

Jun 10, 2015 10:13:47 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

LOLz. That's cute.

Thanks I'd rather be cute than a bitch

Too bad you failed miserably at that.

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 10, 2015 10:19:03 GMT -5 @marymargaret said:

Jun 10, 2015 9:31:03 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Congrats on not understanding how insurance works and how premiums are figured?

Thanks. My family never had health insurance when I was growing up and my husband's insurance provider now doesn't require and medical exams.

Ignorance is no excuse. Educate yourself. You clearly have internet access to learn about this stuff.

Ignorance about things like this is why claims get driven up because people think that if it doesn't cost them more, then who cares. Premiums are based on the amount of claims, not the amount you pay out of pocket. So when claims increase, that costs the insurance company more, which is what drives your premiums up.

Insurance 101.

[LovesMeSomeCake]

Had anything come up, we were prepared to take actions. But I could see where if you would not change TTC plans in the face of a bad result that could be viewed negatively. I'm thankful we were clear, and don't regret it. My own chronic condition is probably a significant factor there too though.

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 10, 2015 11:41:09 GMT -5 LovesMeSomeCake said:

Had anything come up, we were prepared to take actions. But I could see where if you would not change TTC plans in the face of a bad result that could be viewed negatively. I'm thankful we were clear, and don't regret it. My own chronic condition is probably a significant factor there too though.

::headdesk::

[thechickencoop]

Jun 10, 2015 10:42:08 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Jun 10, 2015 10:19:03 GMT -5 @marymargaret said:

Thanks. My family never had health insurance when I was growing up and my husband's insurance provider now doesn't require and medical exams.

Ignorance is no excuse. Educate yourself. You clearly have internet access to learn about this stuff.

Ignorance about things like this is why claims get driven up because people think that if it doesn't cost them more, then who cares. Premiums are based on the amount of claims, not the amount you pay out of pocket. So when claims increase, that costs the insurance company more, which is what drives your premiums up.

Insurance 101.

[mynameiscarrie]

Jun 10, 2015 10:42:08 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Jun 10, 2015 10:19:03 GMT -5 @marymargaret said:

Thanks. My family never had health insurance when I was growing up and my husband's insurance provider now doesn't require and medical exams.

Ignorance is no excuse. Educate yourself. You clearly have internet access to learn about this stuff.

Ignorance about things like this is why claims get driven up because people think that if it doesn't cost them more, then who cares. Premiums are based on the amount of claims, not the amount you pay out of pocket. So when claims increase, that costs the insurance company more, which is what drives your premiums up.

Insurance 101.

Guyz, they say I don't owe money so it's free!

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 10, 2015 12:04:26 GMT -5 mynameiscarrie said:

Jun 10, 2015 10:42:08 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Ignorance is no excuse. Educate yourself. You clearly have internet access to learn about this stuff.

Ignorance about things like this is why claims get driven up because people think that if it doesn't cost them more, then who cares. Premiums are based on the amount of claims, not the amount you pay out of pocket. So when claims increase, that costs the insurance company more, which is what drives your premiums up.

Insurance 101.

Guyz, they say I don't owe money so it's free!

Did you know insurance is free in Canada? No one pays anything ever!

[NariaDreaming]

Jun 10, 2015 11:50:29 GMT -5 W said:

Jun 10, 2015 5:52:06 GMT -5 locopollo said:

I had the counsyl screening and everything came back negative. My RE said she RARELY sees everything come back negative however. The price is crazy. I wish I had thought more about it before doing it because like the other ladies said, either way, I still would be TTC. I was just under the impression this is something "I should do".

Are you over 35 or have PCOS? Why are you going to an RE?

Eta: I see you went to an RE @ 8 months of TTC. I also see you ovulate by yourself and well within the average time. I'm confused.

I did more post digging. They had been doing the pull n pray since March/April 2013.

14ish months of unprotected sex + 8 months of actively TTC seems fairly reasonable in that light.

[Deleted]

Jun 10, 2015 10:42:08 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Jun 10, 2015 10:19:03 GMT -5 @marymargaret said:

Thanks. My family never had health insurance when I was growing up and my husband's insurance provider now doesn't require and medical exams.

Ignorance is no excuse. Educate yourself. You clearly have internet access to learn about this stuff.

Ignorance about things like this is why claims get driven up because people think that if it doesn't cost them more, then who cares. Premiums are based on the amount of claims, not the amount you pay out of pocket. So when claims increase, that costs the insurance company more, which is what drives your premiums up.

Insurance 101.

So I guess that NOBODY has ever made any claims with the insurance company we use since our rate has never increased. Fascinating.

[LovesMeSomeCake]

Jun 10, 2015 11:46:18 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Jun 10, 2015 11:41:09 GMT -5 LovesMeSomeCake said:

Had anything come up, we were prepared to take actions. But I could see where if you would not change TTC plans in the face of a bad result that could be viewed negatively. I'm thankful we were clear, and don't regret it. My own chronic condition is probably a significant factor there too though.

::headdesk::

I'm not sure I understand your reply.  I must have misspoken because I agree with your points.

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 10, 2015 12:17:36 GMT -5 @marymargaret said:

Jun 10, 2015 10:42:08 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Ignorance is no excuse. Educate yourself. You clearly have internet access to learn about this stuff.

Ignorance about things like this is why claims get driven up because people think that if it doesn't cost them more, then who cares. Premiums are based on the amount of claims, not the amount you pay out of pocket. So when claims increase, that costs the insurance company more, which is what drives your premiums up.

Insurance 101.

So I guess that NOBODY has ever made any claims with the insurance company we use since our rate has never increased. Fascinating.

Never fucking mind. Go be ignorant since you clearly don't give a fuck.

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 10, 2015 12:18:25 GMT -5 LovesMeSomeCake said:

Jun 10, 2015 11:46:18 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

::headdesk::

I'm not sure I understand your reply.  I must have misspoken because I agree with your points.

Having some conditions warrants getting the testing done. It's not the same as comparing it to someone without any chronic conditions or family history getting it done for funsies because their insurance company pays for it.

That piece of information changes things as it pertains to you.

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 10, 2015 12:22:01 GMT -5 @wickedcandy said:

Jun 10, 2015 12:06:46 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Did you know insurance is free in Canada? No one pays anything ever!

Naw.. That's why my taxes keep going up..

But, but..

FREE!!!1eleventy!!!11!

[LovesMeSomeCake]

Jun 10, 2015 12:21:58 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Jun 10, 2015 12:18:25 GMT -5 LovesMeSomeCake said:

I'm not sure I understand your reply.  I must have misspoken because I agree with your points.

Having some conditions warrants getting the testing done. It's not the same as comparing it to someone without any chronic conditions or family history getting it done for funsies because their insurance company pays for it.

That piece of information changes things as it pertains to you.

well, they don't actually test for diabetes.  my point was that having something like this, i'd want to prevent any kid from having to deal with anything similar.  so history or no, I was going to pay for testing.  I don't think you need to have a condition to justify that test or mindset though.   the cost to society was not a factor in THIS decision but if I have a cold, I don't go right to the Dr. demanding antibiotics, or to have crazy $$$ testing done.  all for the low low price of $20 co-pay.