Getting a physical in order to adopt?

NotJustAnAuntie

A friend of mine is just starting on the journey, and mentioned that she has to get a physical... who requires this?

The reason I ask is DH and I are considering adopting in a year or 2, but I have chronic health issues (I'm waiting for a kidney transplant) and am now wondering if that would prevent us from getting a child.

Anyone know? Would it make a difference if it's state or private?

(We're in CA, if that matters...)

Temp206787500007404

It could be an issue with International, but you would be fine with domestic.

Our state required it.  We're doing private domestic and we just had to have a letter from our physician, we didn't actually have to have a full on physical (neither of us even had to go in and see her, she just wrote something stating that nothing medical-wise would prevent us for caring for and parenting a child), but I know that most agencies and foster-to-adopt situations require a full physical vs. a letter.

joeandkristie

I have a nuro-muscular disease and had to have a physical just to show that everything is ok health wise.  The doctor gave me a clean bill of health and wrote a letter stating that my condition would not affect my raising a child.  Both our agency and cps were ok with that.

lilmufish

Like the previous posters said they just want to know that you can care for a child. I have two separate chronic illnesses, and my doctor wrote off on it saying that we would be good foster to adoptive parents.   I think, that if he thought MY health would be at risk for having children in the home or if the children would be at risk due to my neglect due to my illness that it might be a different story...

Good luck!

crystalpopcorn

We had to have a heath history form signed.  It basically just asked about our health history, whether we had any communicable diseases and if we had a normal life expectancy.  I had early stage cancer, and am having no problem with DA.  I called the agency director before submitting the application to see if there would be a problem.  I also submitted a letter from my oncologist with the application.  The agency didn't require this, but I felt better with them having it.

IA is a little different.  Requirements vary country by country.  The IA door is not closed for you, but you may have to look a littler harder to find a program that will fit you.

Good luck! 

 

NotJustAnAuntie

Thanks so much, ladies!

Dr.Loretta

We are doing DA through an agency, and we were required to have a dr fill out a form that basically indicated we were expected to have a normal lifespan.

I would talk to whatever agency you're considering and see what their health restrictions are. That can give you a better idea of 1) if it's feasible and 2) which agency you can work with.

Good luck.

ColoRxGirl

There is another Mom on here who also went through a kidney transplant and then adopted.  Katiejo11 is her screen name and she has a lovely blog.

I bet if you paged her on the board, she would be able to tell you about her experience.

ryannat

Hi,

I had a kidney transplant about a year ago. Our agency wanted a letter from my doctor stating I have a normal life expectancy, but I didn't have to do a physical.  We have been matched with a Birthmother and the baby is due December 25th. Please send me a PM if you have any other questions.  KatieJo11 has also had a kidney transplant and has adopted, she has a great blog too.

Good Luck,

Nat

mrsdrkwaver

my agency in IL had a form that we had to have filled out he sat us in a chair the baisc blood presure stuff like that then he read the questions asked what the answers were then filled it out and signed it out.

kgs0505

The state of CA requires a physical for domestic homestudies.  The form is fairly simple.  It also requires the results of Blood Pressure, cholesterol, and a TB test.  You will definately have to go to a doctor and have everything done.  It also have a section for your doctor ro check if they think you can be parents (medically anyway).  In additiona, gives a place to explain any issues further as necessary.

soon2Bkranz

I agree with everything that was posted but also wanted to add in yeaaa