tinkerbelll

went to see the consultant as i carry the thalassemia trait, id never really had it explained to me properly before and never really give it much thought as ive not really had much problems with it apart from abit of anemia. my previous partner was tested for it but was negitive so like i said i never really give it much thought. so there i go thinking it was a straight forward appiontment - in an out in 5 min WRONG! when i explained that my twat of an expartner was refusing to get tested (he doesnt do doctors!), the consultant started to go into one saying he couldnt belive how irresponsable someone could be ect (alarm bells were now starting to ring) he then went on to say i had 2 weeks to speak with 'the twat' and try and get him to change his mind otherwise if he hadnt tested by my next appiontment we would have to think about having an amnio!!! So what did i do? did i ask any questions? did i ask the consultant why he was being so dramatic? NO, i walk out of there like an idiot, still not knowing anything (well apart from that this was serious) and decide to go home and start GOOGLING!!
the long and short of it is if 'the twat' carries either the thalassemia or the sickle cell trait (by the way 'the twat' is mixed race) the its not looking good at all- i cant even bring myself to type some of the things ive read!

dizzle

Sorry to hear you're so worried. I'm really hoping everything will work out ok for you. Could you explain to your ex-partner how worried you are, perhaps he'll agree to get tested when he realises how important it is.

Without meaning to be too intrusive, could I ask what ethnic origin your ex-partner is? Thalassaemia trait is only really common in Mediterannean/Middle Eastern populations especially Greek, Turkey etc. Sickle cell is much more common in those of African origin, although there are some exceptions.

Also, don't forget that even if your partner also carries the trait then the chance of your baby having the disease is still only 1 in 4. Also although they are horrible, horrible diseases, there are treatments out there, which can cure or give a really good quality of life.

Really hoping you can get some answers, could you go back to our consultant sooner to get your questions answered? Do you know if you have alpha or beta thalassaemia trait, as the two are quite different in terms of affect on the baby.

Lots of luck, really hope your bean is a healthy one and you don't have to go through the worry of an amnio.