← Return to Peripheral Neuropathy? Family history? Don't wait!

Discussion

Peripheral Neuropathy? Family history? Don't wait!

Neuropathy | Last Active: Jul 4, 2023 | Replies (34)

Comment receiving replies
@dbeshears1

Ray - I recently moved back to SC where I'm closer to the Medical University of SC. The first suggestion was to volunteer for some ancestry type DNA test which would show susceptibility to a couple general type of health risks (I did it, all negative). Then my cardiologist suggested some genetic testing of sorts (saliva/swab kit is now in the mail being sent for me to do at home). It seems like the genetic testing department is big here! I actually have a routine cardiologist appointment today, and though I know it's not his department, will ask him why the Neurology department hasn't recommended any DNA testing to help understand any possible genetic links! (Like you, family that might be suspect are no longer alive)

Jump to this post


Replies to "Ray - I recently moved back to SC where I'm closer to the Medical University of..."

Good morning! I'm only loosely familiar with DNA testing. Friends have had it done for a variety of different reasons. However, I can't think of even one who had it done purely for medical reasons. The friends I am thinking of got it done simply out of curiosity about their family tree. I heard that DNA testing only to learn the names of your ancestors isn't comprehensive enough for useful genetic information. Do you know if that's true? And don't blood relatives need to be involved for genetically meaningful information? My parents are dead, as are every member of their generation and earlier generations (my grandparents). My only brother is dead. I have a slew of nephews and nieces running around someone (in & around NYC; I'm in Colorado). Boy, would they be surprised to hear from me! "Crazy Uncle Ray wants us to do some DNA testing." LOL, I think I'll ask my neurologist about this. One way or the other, I'm curious to know if he has an opinion on DNA testing. ––Ray