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Type 1 and adoption

samantha13

samantha13

Well-Known Member
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392
So my husband and I are unable to procreate. I've always thought of adoption as the path we'd go down and both very happy with that. We haven't looked far into it yet as not long married and planning on starting the process next year.

A friend made a comment the other day that due to my 'health condition' I might not be a great candidate and she'd heard of another type 1 being turned down for adoption.

This has been laying very heavy on my heart the past few days. As some of you might know I haven't been the best controlled. Diagnosed 6 years ago and shortly after diagnosed with depression and anxiety leading to me neglecting myself and developing insulin resistance.

In the past 6 months however I've picked up and had a lot better control. I've recently attended DAFNE, feel more in control and am managing fairly well and I'd say getting better physically and mentally by the day.

Has anyone any experience of adoption and would like to private message me maybe?
 
Hi @samantha13 whilst I have no idea id like to think it wouldn't make a difference but then I guess they do look into everything. Have you had a look on google to see if it says anything? Hope someone on here can answer for you X
 
I can't say yes or no but just tell you my experience. We adopted about 18 years ago. It is a rigorous selection process with a medical, lots of talking about your life and digging deep into your soul sometimes, we had to do a family tree going back a couple of generations with causes of death! The main thing is that you are going to be fit and healthy to bring a child to adulthood. I don't think there was much that ruled you out, my husband has epilepsy and that was no problem so I suppose the best thing you can do is look after yourself as well as possible I can't see a reason why T1 should rule you out unless you have life limiting complications.

It's all about the child and the process is invasive at times and it's not easy but so worth it - I wouldn't be without my son even with all the challenges we face with him - he is on the autism spectrum but every day brings joy - he's 20 now we got him at 18months - gosh time goes so fast!
 
@Mrsass from what i see on Google they seem to write to your consultant so as @lovinglife has said the best thing I can do is to continue to take care of myself well. We aren't planning on applying til early next year so tgats plenty of time to turn things around! It's just a heavy thought a times that they may reject us. I can't get rid of that thought now but there is always hope thanks for replying xx
 
Hi Samantha,
A friend of mine is also type 1 and adopted 2 young lads last September. As lovinglife said I gather they ask you a lot of very involved questions not just about health but everything. They were successful so it's clearly doable. I wish the all the best. Good luck
 
That's just what I needed to hear @drhawkins_1973 it is doable!! I tell you I'm going to work on my health like no one's business!! Feeling much more positive. Thanks you xx
 
@samantha13 I know I've read your past posts before but cannot remember if you have said if your on a pump or not, if not I would recommend looking into getting one as personally I think it makes a world of difference to your control xx
 
I'm not on a pump @Mrsass I'm not sure I meet the criteria? I have my next review in 6 months and by that stage I will have been following dafne for 6 months which I know you need to get on waiting list in my trust but not sure if that's enough. I'd love the pump tho
 
Not exactly adoption but with me as T1 and previous times of depression I got through both foatering and adult placement through Councils.
There is a member here called @MushyPeaBrain that has adopted but a baby from a foreign country.
Have tagged her...

Edited by a mod to make tag work
 
Last edited by a moderator:
samantha13 said:
Thanks @donnellysdogs was worried about the depression diagnosis too
Click to expand...

I think some of the diagnosis of depression and the way of handling it is important... If you can clearly talk about it and causation of it then this would help. A positive attitude now is more important. We were approved for both of ours in two different Counties and Countries! One England and one Wales.

I did have a time of it with the Adult Placement with the actual person we had and the fact that the Social Workers had not written the truth about the person and the fact that medical conditions for the person were so inadequately listed due to previous care he had suffered. However, we did pass both and that was despite some depressive listings on my medical record and also other illness besides T1. At the time it was deemed I had Pernicious Anaemia and fibromyalgia.... (Since considered not to be the case!!-lol!!).

I think being prepared for questioning around depression is wise. It is not only diagnosed in diabetics. Deaths have a huge impact upon depression as does divorce. These would not be a worry if the social services could see a turn around, cause, acceptance etc.

I don't think @MushyPeaBrain had such good experience as me but do not know of all the circumstances.

She springs up now and again but you could private message her to get more details if she doesn't currently look at forum.

Good luck... I really wish you well. There are lots of good families needed for children and I hope you are successful.
 
Hi Samantha,

My husband and I were told, a few years ago, that we would be unable to have children of our own. Turned out to be incorrect as we are now 26 weeks pregnant, but that was a nice surprise.

We considered both adoption and surrogacy, and eventually decided that surrogacy was more suited to us. We met with an agency and we were told that, due to my diabetes, I may be unable to become an egg donor, which would mean we would need to use the surrogate's egg. There weren't any other major issues with the diabetes, though. We were asked to fill out health questionnaires and the diabetes came up, of course. The agency didn't seem concerned about it; though, especially as it was well controlled.

Adoption may well be different but I would advise you to speak to one f the agencies and start getting he ball rolling. It will allow you to answer some of the questions you and your partner may have. If you feel that things start moving too quickly you can always take a step back.

Good luck with it all. Hope it works out.

Em x
 
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