[hopefulmom]

My husband and I each have medical issues...I wonder if either of our issues would cause an agency not to recommend us as aparents.

My main issue is a history of clinical depression and anxiety. I have been under a psychiatrist's care since 1996 and have tried several different SSRI's. We have finally found the right med for me and I feel better than I've felt in a long time. I'm realizing now how short the other meds fell. They did help but I feel SO much better now there's no comparison. My husband and I are getting better and better at recognizing early warning signs of a depressive episode and are very proactive at heading it off before it gets worse. We immediately contact my dr at the first sign of a problem so meds may be adjusted accordingly. I know that I will need to be on these meds probably for the rest of my life (Effexor XR). If all it takes to be happy and productive is a couple of pills each day, no problem!!! I also have a long-standing agreement/relationship with a counselor. During tough times I go into couseling. When things are better, she d/c's me with the understanding that if I need her, I can call again and get back in. My husband is very supportive at all times.

Would this history cause an agency not to recommend us as parents?

My husband's issue is juvenile diabetes. He was diagnosed at age 8 and is now 35. He and his family have been very vigilant and proactive in taking care of his health. His doctors have all commented (eye doc, family doc, etc) that he's in great shape for someone who has been diabetic as long as he has. He is on an aggressive regimen of 3 shots a day (doesn't feel comfortable with a pump at this time). He is also on a preventative med to prevent damage to kidneys and heart. He just passed a stress test with flying colors. He had a complication a few years ago... diabetic retinopathy. But after a few surgeries, his surgeon and eye doc pronounced his vision better than before the surgeries (slightly) though he still requires glasses. I am very knowledgeable about diabetes and his regimen and am very supportive of him. We watch out for each other.

Would his medical history be a concern for an agency in recommending us as aparents?

We feel we are a healthy and happy couple and would be great parents and hope that adoption professionals and bparents will think so too. We do have these concerns though. Please advise.

Thank you for your help

Marnie

[Cortonagirl]

You are doing the right thing about your meds, and I commend you for that. I'm on the same stuff and didn't have a problem with adopting.

You know, SO many people have medical problems and if they aren't honest with the agency, facilitator, etc., then if they find out the truth, that could put you in a position to be denied the adoption opportunity.

Please DON'T worry!!! I take those same little pills every day, and feel better than ever. I lead an active life, love my new baby and I'm 47 with two grown children with kids of their own.

My husband has a clean medical hx but as a medic, I know that what you guys have is far better than really some conditions, so relax and go for it!

[DeeAnn]

Have you had any luck yet!! My husband too had health problems and we used that as an asset. We are about to adopt a 5 year old boy with many of the same problems that my husband grew up with. We are extremely excited and we don't see alot of what he has as "special needs" but the system does. Keep us posted and be persistant...there are many kids out there. As we waited two years and then in a one month span we were asked about two twin one years olds and another 6 year old boy and of course the little one we fell in love with!