Post by marylahree on Oct 31, 2007 23:14:49 GMT -5
Eye of newt, wing of bat . . . and molecule of mouse protein . . . not to mention some other sort of derivative from a human source. With a new fictional story in mind, I've been researching and pondering how to get my protagonist out of the mess I'll get him into - the story's climax. Today I read through the Prohibition On Human Cloning. Not much help for my protagonist there. Fertilized or not, the human egg is seemingly more protected against misuse or mistreatment than is a living human, at least where reproductive cloning is concerned. We dare not risk altering or contaminating an egg's inherited genes. Not that I am necessarily being an advocate for cloning, but as I understand it, we can discard left over ovums from in vitro fertilization, and even elect to undergo selective reduction (of living, implanted embryos) in the case of multiple pregnancies of in vitro fertilization, but cannot experiment with reproductive cloning. To do so would be inconsiderate of the egg's morality-based humanistic value.
Meanwhile, I'm faced with the very realistic obstacles of daily life. I've got this rare disease, NL(D), and there is no cure for it; not even any especially good treatments. Oh, what I might be willing to give to wake up one morning without having to re-bandage the disfiguring ulcers all over my lower legs. But I'm not alone, I know. I'm a member of a support group in which most of us have NL(D). We post one another, write of new treatments our doctors are trying on us.
A few days ago I posted about my doctor's latest proposal - a newer class of immuno-suppressant that is, at least, not a steroid. Granted, I've been feeling reluctant to try this new drug, or anything that suppresses the immune system in any way. But my immune system is somehow malfunctioning and my doctor describes it as, "overactive". I've been battling my willpower when it comes to maintaining dietary changes that, in the past have been very beneficial to me. My symptoms are pretty bad currently, so I realize I have to do something. That's why I agreed for my doctor to proceed with the necessary paperwork. Only, that was before I read another member's post today.
It seems that this drug my doctor would have me try contains molecules of "mouse" protein, as well as some sort of derivative from human source. And how do I know what sort of effect it can have to introduce mouse molecules into my genetics? What I do know, is that this drug can pose some potentially serious risks or side effects, however isolated or rare. The posting member of my support group claims to have suffered serious effects.
I'm expected to return to my doctor this coming friday. Tonight I'm having reservations. To me, it appears that modern medicine is resorting to the equivalent of the fictional witches brew; a true-life horror story.
Meanwhile, I'm faced with the very realistic obstacles of daily life. I've got this rare disease, NL(D), and there is no cure for it; not even any especially good treatments. Oh, what I might be willing to give to wake up one morning without having to re-bandage the disfiguring ulcers all over my lower legs. But I'm not alone, I know. I'm a member of a support group in which most of us have NL(D). We post one another, write of new treatments our doctors are trying on us.
A few days ago I posted about my doctor's latest proposal - a newer class of immuno-suppressant that is, at least, not a steroid. Granted, I've been feeling reluctant to try this new drug, or anything that suppresses the immune system in any way. But my immune system is somehow malfunctioning and my doctor describes it as, "overactive". I've been battling my willpower when it comes to maintaining dietary changes that, in the past have been very beneficial to me. My symptoms are pretty bad currently, so I realize I have to do something. That's why I agreed for my doctor to proceed with the necessary paperwork. Only, that was before I read another member's post today.
It seems that this drug my doctor would have me try contains molecules of "mouse" protein, as well as some sort of derivative from human source. And how do I know what sort of effect it can have to introduce mouse molecules into my genetics? What I do know, is that this drug can pose some potentially serious risks or side effects, however isolated or rare. The posting member of my support group claims to have suffered serious effects.
I'm expected to return to my doctor this coming friday. Tonight I'm having reservations. To me, it appears that modern medicine is resorting to the equivalent of the fictional witches brew; a true-life horror story.