Thinking about this week's prompt, the first thing that comes to my mind is my very first encounter with a sickle cell patient a long time ago. Therefore, my main focus on medical compatibility among couples will be on genotype.
"Genotype is a topic that is commonly taught in schools. Unfortunately, even today, some parents disregard its implications and have children without considering whether their blood genotypes are compatible."
"I understand that love can make us do a lot of things. Sometimes we believe that love conquers all, but when the well-being of our future kids is involved, we need to tread carefully and take necessary precautions before committing to a relationship. Being a parent is a long journey, and anything that can complicate things should be avoided at all costs. Intending couples should know their blood genotypes before a relationship gets serious. When thinking of bringing kids into the picture, their health and well-being should be a top priority."
My first encounter with a sickle cell patient was a long time ago when I was in secondary school, specifically in SS1.
My then-head prefect, Helen, and her twin sister, Eunice, were like big sisters to me, due to their kind-hearted nature we became so close, they took me like their little sisters and always looked out for me.
Helen was healthy, but Eunice suffered from sickle cell disease. She often had to go to the hospital whenever she had a crisis. Sometimes she misses classes and other times she won't be able to write her exams with her mates because she always had to be at the hospital.
It was heartbreaking to see her in so much pain, which made me realize the challenges she and her family faced. I wonder if their parents knew they were carriers of the disease and still chose to get married, or if they got married out of ignorance of their health status. These questions always rang in my head as I grew older and whenever I thought about all the suffering Eunice had to go through.
This experience sparked my interest in blood genotype and how deadly it is when one gets married to a partner who's their blood genotype is not compatible. It could make life a living hell for the parents and the kids from such a marriage.
Below is what a medical genotype table chart looks like👇
As I grew older and started dating, I prioritized discussing medical history and genotypes with potential partners. In my tribe, families traditionally investigate each other for hereditary diseases before a couple gets married. This practice ensures that couples are aware of any potential health issues that could affect them or their future children. And then take appropriate measures, such as not getting married to each other if seeking medical intervention does not help them solve their problems.
In today's world, it is crucial for couples to openly communicate about their health status and genetic compatibility early in the relationship. I firmly believe that understanding a partner's medical history and ensuring compatibility is essential before committing to a serious relationship.
Some couples overlook the importance of medical compatibility and find out about potential issues only after investing a lot in the relationship. This can lead to difficult decisions and heartache later on. I've seen couples who, despite knowing the risks, proceeded with marriage and later faced the tragic consequences of passing on genetic diseases to their children.
For instance, in my neighborhood, a couple lost their firstborn to sickle cell disease because they were both carriers of the gene. While their other children are not affected, it's a reminder that they need to be cautious when choosing partners in the future to prevent passing on the disease to their children.
Understanding medical compatibility is crucial for the well-being of couples and their future children, and it should be a priority in any serious relationship.
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