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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lyrical13 on December 22, 2003, at 18:40:23
HI
My husband and I are planning to adopt a baby and we're really nervous because of his health history (juvenile diabetes) and mine. In fact both of those things are the reasons we decided to adopt rather than have a biological child. I have BP2 (I think...up until a month ago I thought it was depression/anxiety for the past 13 years) I also have endometriosis, hx of ovarian cysts and low blood sugar. I finally came to terms with the fact that it is too risky for me to ever go off my meds and it is too risky IMHO to conceive and carry a child while on meds, not to mention the very real possibility of post partum depression.My concern is that potential birthparents will not want us to be the adoptive parents because of my mental health history. I also am worried about even being approved to adopt because of it. Anyone have any words of wisdom?
Thanks
Lyrical 13
Posted by Karen_kay on December 22, 2003, at 23:39:37
In reply to mood disorders and adoption, posted by Lyrical13 on December 22, 2003, at 18:40:23
Hiya! I looked into your post and found some info... First of all a site you may want to check out from time to time, as I've found it very helpful
www.bipolar.about.com
I too worry about the same situation, as I'm dx Bipolar I Disorder. But, I'm nowhere near ready to have children. So, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it :)
Ok, this is what I found. There is an interestig article at
http://bipolar.about.com/library/uc/uc-adoption3.htmalso, if you go to google and type in bipolar and adoption it brought up quite a few hits...
But, this lady adopted (I think) three children when she was 39. What she needed for the adoption agency (are you going that route?) was a letter from her Pdoc stating:
*She was stable
*How long she has been stable
*She sees her Pdoc regularly for med check (monthly)
*His professional opinion (that she is able to parent a child)*He also provided her with a letter of recommendation
Also, she suggested that a person only give basic information regarding the diagnosis... ie:
*I take XXX medication
*I've been stable for X amount of time
*I see my Pdoc X number of weeks for med checkDon't go into details or volunteer any additional information. Check out this page. She gave a quite descriptive recollection of her journey, and some great pointers.
As for your medical history, I don't see that as being a barrier. Very few people have a completely clean bill of health. I'm only 24 and it would take me half an hour to recount my medical history. And I'm in great shape. You sound like you and your husband would be great candidates for adoption. Go in with a positive attitude. It works wonders :) And research, research, research!!!!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 23, 2003, at 3:57:49
In reply to mood disorders and adoption, posted by Lyrical13 on December 22, 2003, at 18:40:23
> My husband and I are planning to adopt a baby and we're really nervous because of his health history (juvenile diabetes) and mine...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect this thread to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031217/msgs/292663.html
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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