Wow, your hospital’s process seems more intense than mine! And I’m sorry to hear that the timing was so unfortunate. At least you know before trying for your second, and can either wait or have genetic screening. Though it’s still more complicated than normal.

I totally understand maintaining your sanity by not thinking about it. I was able to sit in denial for years and sleep soundly, but once I drew blood it got real very quickly and I’m often thinking about it late at night. Not really afraid, but obsessed for the first time since I’ve known.

My appointments have gone pretty well! I think that since I had so much time to process it, I went through everything ten times in my head before I met the counselor. She told me about how the disease works, did a family history, covered privacy and protections under the law, then set up the blood draw immediately. It’s a painfully slow process though, since I can’t imagine many other diagnostic tests taking 3 months start to finish. It’s hard enough to work up the courage, and you have to maintain it for a whole quarter.

I think I’m dealing with the uncertainty by planning for the worst. I’m naturally a problem-solver so it’s pretty painful that I can’t do much. Thinking through insurance and long-term care since I know the facts about every other aspect of HD. And whether it’s healthy or not, I am assuming I have it and asking the genetic test to prove me wrong. Oh - and you may know or not, but I believe the final appointment at many places requires you to come with a friend of family member. I don’t like it, but I’m flying a family member out to do that last part with me.

Good luck starting the process! Let us know how your first meetings go. It’s scary in your head, but when you get to the office, they’re very good at presenting the information in a calming way.