Scottish
Huntingtons Association Illustrated Pages
Information
Resources
Living with Huntingtons
Disease
Just Found Out
Some people may initially experience denial or shock at the
news then possibly anger. It can also be normal to
look for someone to blame. You may experience fear, depression or sadness. It’s
important to allow yourself
to experience your own ways of dealing with your feelings.
Don’t be hard on yourself, allow yourself time and
seek as much support as you need to help work through these
feelings. Don’t be hard on yourself, allow
yourself time and seek as much support as you need to help
work through these feelings. You may find that
you fluctuate between these feelings at varying times, again
this is a normal reaction in dealing with the news
you have been given.
Some people may speak openly about their situation and seek
counselling support to discuss their concerns and others may not wish to
discuss it
with anyone, including those closest to them. The important people in your life
will also be deeply affected by a positive test and are likely to
experience many of the same feelings as you. Because everyone deals with their
feelings in a different way it is vital thatyou and those close to you
respect one another’s way of coping even if you do not agree with it. It may be
an idea to write down the questions you have and bring them with
you at your next Genetic clinic appointment.
Testing
negative for the gene
If you have chosen to have the genetic test and learn that
you do not carry the HD gene, you may still experience a range of emotions and
need
support. For example, it is not uncommon for someone
receiving a negative test result to on the one hand feel relief while on the
other hand to
experience guilt especially if other family members have HD
or receive a positive test result. Your Regional Genetic Centre will always
arrange a
follow-up appointment to discuss any issues and concerns.
You can also contact the Scottish Huntington’s Association and talk to one of
their Advisors.
Scottish Huntingtons Association,
Thistle House, 61 Main Road,
Elderslie, PA5 9BA,
Tel; 01505 322245,
email: sha-admin@hdscotland.org.uk
The Scottish Huntington's Association is
a Registered Charity: No 121496.