New... and probably ignorant

HElizabethDU

Hi,

 My name is Heather and I am 26yrs old.  I was born with a genetic liver disorder.  Growing up I thought I would never be able to have children, but from a young age I always dreamed of being a mother.  So I always dreamed of adopting.

I got married 2 years ago, and talked to my doctor seriously about whether or not I could have children.  I found out that it was definetly a possiblity.  So that got my hopes way up.  So DH and I started trying in November.  I got pregnant right away and then miscarried.  Needless to say we have been trying with no luck since.  I have had test done etc.  They come back normal.  However I do get a lot of ovarian cysts.  We haven't done any testing on DH, we may or may not, I am not sure. 

Since it is almost been a year, we are now going back towards thinking about adopting, because I don't know with my illness if I will be able to use some of the medicines, etc to assit with infertility.  I had started doing research about adopting before I found out that it might be possible to have a child of our own.  It wasn't until recently when I started looking at some homestudy applications that I noticed it asked if I or DH had a chronic illness.  I became petrified that because of my disease, that they might not let me adopt.  Is anyone else in this situation, or been through it?  I just got turned down for life insurance.  I think it might crush me if I find out that if we can't conceive naturally that adoption will be out too.  People with my disease can live normal healthy lives with proper care, but treatement wasn't avalible until the late 70's so the older GSD patients are like 40.  Thanks for listening.

jacksjerseygirl

I could have written this post myself!! I will also say that DH and I have not ruled out biological children but medically now was not the time - we might consider egg extraction later for a surrogacy journey.

Anyway ... always be open and honest about any illnesses or life events. You may ask you doctor to provide a statement along with your health summary that describes your condition, how it is being managed and what your life expectancy is. For DA (domestic adoption) I don't think this will be an issue at all. For IA (international adoption) it very well could be as other countries tend to be much stricter about health issues.

Good luck on your journey! Can't wait to hear more from you!

GLynn2009

Good Luck!!!

RJMbim

I just wanted to wish you good luck on your jouney.

vatovt

We adopted last year...our son came home in May 2008.  I agree with the person that said honesty is the best way to go! 

Internationally, some countries have age or weight restrictions, lifestyle restrictions, etc. - but if you have a condition that allows you to live a normal life with proper care, I think that it should not be an issue.  I have a thyroid disease...and our social worker never really asked me about it during the homestudies - she just noted it down.  I was all prepared to tell her how responsible I will be to always be with my disease (meds at the right levels, sleep well, have a proper diet, etc....) so that I can be a great mother. 

Reading your post reminded me of our situation two years ago (pg right away then MC & tests show all is normal except my thyroid) ... and now our son is here and that dream of motherhood is real.   After another six months of TTC again - ready to start the adoption process all over again.

Gotta go get some Cheerios ready before DS gets up! 
Best of luck! 

lilmufish

Hi Heather!

From what i've heard, when they ask about chronic illnesses, I think they are searching to see whethe or not you will be able to function in day to day life and be able to raise children.  I have blood sugar issues, so I've had to mention that on every single thing I've filled out... but in reality I have that under control and it's not an issue. DH has become a pro at it too

Good luck with your adoption journey, welcome to our board!

 

silliestbunny

Hi Heather- I am responding late.

I am a multi-time cancer survivor w/a strange medical history.  In the cancer/adoption world, the most important thing to get is a doctor's endorsement saying you don't have any issues to keep  you from parenting.  Ideally, the letter would also state that you have a normal life expectancy.

I would imagine chronic illnesses would be treated similarly.  

Good luck.