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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on adoption.

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on adoption.

Adoption

Medical

15 replies

Tigglette · 05/10/2012 15:21

Our LA have asked us to go for an early medical due to weight issues. We've got the date booked and got the paperwork through yesterday. There's tonnes of it - I know they need to be thorough but my goodness...

A couple of things though. They ask about gaps in medical records - while we don't have gaps as such, we really don't see the doctor often at all. I mean from one year to the next - we're both generally healthy, apart from usual coughs and colds, don't use contraception (little point) and have no ongoing health problems. We don't do annual medicals, I've more or less kept smear tests up to date but we just don't need lots of medical care.

The paperwork seems to assume your doctor will know you but ours doesn't really. I'm hoping that's all ok and they don't assume we neglect our health (and would neglect little ones' health).

OP posts:

Report

Fishwife1949 · 05/10/2012 16:19

All you can do is fill out what you can cant do any more can you

WendyGx · 05/10/2012 16:38

Hi there

My husband had gaps in his history as he rarely vists the GP. However it was not held against him. He filled in what he could and the GP found the rest.

I'm humming and haaa'ing about mentioning something, as of course I do not know your circumstances - but I hope its okay to say this... I'm a little surprised about the 'early' medical check. The reason being is that I have Leukeamia - I cannot be cured but its nondegenerative and can be re-treated. When I started this process, (its fair to say a few agencies freaked as the big C scares the life out of many people!) so a couple of LAs suggested an early medical, but then the more I spoke to, several said this was no longer 'legal', you cannot be dismissed on health matters alone. Clearly they were candid that we'd need to have a thorough report, but that my health was only part and not all of my application. I decided to leave the ones who freaked first and went with a more open minded agency.

I hope I have not put my foot in it and if anyone knows more about this please feel free to correct me.
Best wishes!

Tigglette · 05/10/2012 17:18

Not put your foot in it at all Wendy, I appreciate your reply. The social worker had a chat with us about the medical being so early in the process. The issue really is weight related as hubby and I are very overweight. We are in the process of loosing weight but its going to take a while. It seems they're coming from the point of wanting to get a "starting point" so that they can evidence a lifestyle change even if we're not at our ideal by the time we get through the process towards panel.

I didn't get the sense she was trying to filter us out at this stage - that's more my paranoia than anything based in reality. I guess its just that thing about our choices coming under scrutiny in a way that wouldn't usually happen... better get used to it I suppose.

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Moomoomie · 05/10/2012 18:14

I think adoption agencies are bringing a lot of these checks forward eg medical and crb checks. I suppose if a person is going to be turned down on the basis of one of these, it will save the agency time and money in continuing to assess.
I know that sounds harsh, but at the end of the day they need to be seen to be efficient.
I wouldn't worry about the medicals, if you can show that you are both serious about healthy eating and losing weight it will really help. As you have said you are both generally fit and healthy.
Good luck with your journey.

DameKewcumber · 05/10/2012 18:53

I was overweight too and as a result had a much bigger emphasis placed on my medical. As it happens I was very healthy with long gaps in between seeing a GP and was eventually deemed to be fit and healthy enough to approve. In hindsight the agency were quite right to make an issue of it - it was bloody hard work at times chasing around after a small child (not so much of an issue until he was 3 ish). I think the gaps aren't a big deal.

I too know of plenty of early medicals for various reasons.

BeaLola · 06/10/2012 00:18

Hi

We were sent for early medicals because of weight issue. TBH thoughI'm suprised that they don't make everyone havethe medical/CRB done before prep course. Some of those on our prep course did their medicals only just before panel so that they were valid for longer - luckily no issues at that late stage but it could go the other way ?

GP was happy though that overall fit & healthy.

Tigglette · 11/10/2012 15:35

So, tripped along to the doctor proudly clutching my bottle of pee after much prodding, poking and the joy of being weighed (way too heavy) and measured he went off to get the fat person cuff to take my blood pressure which, by that point, was through the roof... Now need to wait and have another two readings and hope they're more normal...

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funnychic · 11/10/2012 18:33

Hiya I am an official fatty and an over the hill one too! However I wasn't sent for an early medical because I had lost 4 stones which I could evidence to the SW but I was still significantly overweight. Luckily my blood pressure has always been fine but I also had previously had a couple of short periods of depression as well so I was well and truly crapping myself I wouldn't pass but I did so it show's you it can be done. Keep evidence of any weight loss and exercise you do, it will go a long way to show you are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with your child. x

Kewcumber · 11/10/2012 22:28

I had to have a 24 hour blood pressure test because my blood pressure at my medical was so high! The test was fine. And as medical advisor said - high blood pressure wouldn;t be an issue as long as its treated.

Tigglette · 12/10/2012 06:57

Yeah, I'm thinking it'll be lower when I see the nurse just because I won't have been so wound up with all of the other "medical" bits. At least going so early in the process gives lots of time to make changes.

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WendyGx · 12/10/2012 08:31

My advice (unless you are nervous of the GPs!) is arrive early. Sit in the car or outside for 10/15 mins and do some deep breathing, thinking 'I am calm' - I'm not getting all crazy on you - it really does work. You'll be fine - good luck x

Moomoomie · 12/10/2012 09:27

"white coat" high blood pressure is very common, doctors and nurses are very aware of this. As others have said, try some deep breathing/ relaxation techniques. Or rescue remedy.
If it is still pretty high, the may ask you to do a 24 hour test at home,
High blood pressure in itself will not rule you out

Tigglette · 30/10/2012 16:43

Yay, have had two more blood pressure readings and both were fine - GP is happy to send off his report saying that other than needing to loose some weight, all is fine. I did draw on breathing techniques and rescue remedy (amazing how anxious I got about such a routine test) but its exactly where it should be, thank goodness.

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WendyGx · 31/10/2012 10:29

HURRAH - excellent news!

KristinaM · 31/10/2012 16:44

Great news Tigglette

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