Priya, it may not seem like it now, but this sense of doom you are feeling will lessen with time. I was shaken to the core when I ran my 23andMe data through Promethease and saw my 4/4 result. Like you, I knew there was AD in the family and was not surprised to see that I have genetic risk, but I had never heard of ApoE and didn't expect what I encountered. It didn't help that the statistics provided by Promethease were alarming, to say the least (They need to update their info IMO!). I felt like someone had hit the fast-forward button on my life. I was terrified! But I was promised, in responses to my "Processing Promethease" post, that things would get better. Guess what! They did! Although I still have negative moments where I feel like I'm under a dark cloud, I'm mostly just living my life with an added appreciation for each day. Hopelessness has slowly been replaced by perspective, empowerment, and fascination.Priya wrote:I just feel this overwhelming fear right now, I don’t want to spend the next 30 years feeling like I’m trapped in a time bomb which is how it feels today. I just keep crying and then thinking dark thoughts like what’s the point of trying for a baby etc?! . . . I’m usually very upbeat but this has floored me.
You asked about running your data through Promethease. This can be pretty overwhelming if you aren't emotionally prepared for it. Promethease lists the highest magnitude items first, which can be alarming. There are many genetic variants that contribute to AD. In fact, almost any health condition is a potential contributor, so if your mindset is not right, Promethease could potentially leave you feeling like your genes have created the perfect storm. There is no rush; take all of this at your own pace. And focus on the things you can control. I found that taking small steps each day to protect my brain really helped me to cope.
I also struggle with an underactive thyroid (Hashimotos -- although antibodies are now negative) and am a huge fan of Izabella Wentz. I wish there were someone like her when I was diagnosed about 30 years ago. The good news is that all of the root-cause steps she suggests will protect your brain and your future children. I know Dr. Wentz advises working with a functional medicine doctor, if possible, to address the root causes of your Hashimotos, ideally before getting pregnant. I started working with an FM doc soon after learning my 4/4 status. I think this has been the most important step I have taken.