Fionnuala shares how she opened up about her at-risk status of Huntington's disease to her partner.

Embarking on a new relationship is both thrilling and nerve-wracking as you get to know a complete stranger, who then becomes such a big part of your life. For me, however, there was a something sitting at the back on my mind – my Huntington's disease risk.

In the early days of our relationship, I found myself grappling with the weight of a significant revelation that would inevitably impact on our relationship.

As we spent more time together, and built a foundation of trust, the time came to broach the topic of Huntington's disease, this came from my dad getting his gene-positive diagnosis.

Huntington's disease, a genetic disorder with a formidable impact on families, is something that will have an impact on my future. I hadn't undergone testing yet, but I know the risks —my father is a carrier, and I stand at the crossroads of uncertainty.

Bracing myself for a conversation that could potentially alter the course of our relationship, I careful thought about what I wanted to share, and mentally prepared myself for all possible reactions.

It was daunting to peel back the layers of Huntington's disease and what this could mean in the future, especially as this was such a new thing.

Explaining the gravity of Huntington's disease and its potential implications on our future, I needed my partner to comprehend the magnitude of what lay ahead.

While the prospect of having children is a distant consideration, I felt the need to initiate a conversation about the possibility of pursuing an IVF route when the time was right.

I was uncertain of how my partner would process this news. To my relief, he responded with unwavering support and empathy. He reassured me that my genetic predisposition did not alter his feelings for me.

Despite his reassuring words, I couldn't shake the awareness that our journey might encounter challenges down the road. However, with his commitment to weathering these challenges together, I discovered that I need to trust in all relationship around me, from friends to family. 

We decided not to burden each step with the weight of hypothetical futures but instead to focus on building a foundation rooted in the present.

As we continue to forge our path, I've learned to appreciate the beauty of living in the moment. While there are uncertainties of the future, we have found in trust, communication, and a shared commitment to face whatever challenges may come our way.

In the end, what will be, will be, and for now, we are content to let the chapters of our lives unfold at their own pace.