Week 11 - The dreaded medicals

The dreaded day had arrived this week.

We had our adoption medicals. Make or break time, I felt. I went first...to get it over with!

I was quite fearful as I have asthma and thought this could stop us from proceeding any further. I was even in hospital a few times with it, the last time was just under 12 months ago, so I was extra worried this would be harmful.

Also, I am overweight. I have lost a stone over the past five weeks, but I'm still am overweight, so that was another concern.

Basic medical things were done, such as blood pressure listening to my chest, the usual sort of things. She weighed me. But said even though I was overweight, I was healthy with it. And I was losing weight, so it was no problem.

It used to be a deciding factor in adoption applications years ago, but not any longer it seems.

She asked me about depression - had I suffered from it? Yes I had, I feel every infertile couple must have their fair share of depression at some point.

But I had got over that and the last time I had it was three years ago, so that was OK, thank god.

We had to go over the treatments I had with the IF and the IVF and miscarriages, how they affected me and how I am I now.

Then came the bit about family history. How was my parents' general health. They are both 73 and in average heath for their age, so that was also OK.

I think what they were looking for was any genetic conditions, that may come out in me in later life.

I even got the all clear with the asthma. She said that as my medication had been changed and that the condition was now controlled, there was no problem. My chest was clear and there was no cause for concern.

The whole medical was not half as bad as I felt it would be. It took about 45 minutes.

They asked a lot more questions than I have said, mainly about family history, past illnesses. But as I was so nervous at the time, I have forgotten exactly what they asked.

Rob's medical went OK, too. He also passed with flying colours so we are both really happy that is, one less thing to have to worry about.

The cost of the medicals was £33.10 each. It seems a lot to pay, but when you think what it could lead to - a family - it is actually a small price to pay.

E-mail Ann and Rob

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