CF adoption

A

anonymous

New member
Hi,

My husband and I are working with an adoption agency for special needs children. We have not been able to have a child on our own. Anyhow, there is a precious CF toddler that we are interested in. The agency is setting up some training for us with the child's CF doctors so we can bring her home for a week to see how we all do together. If we do well, then we want to go ahead with the adoption. We have already adopted a toddler with MS. She has been with us for 3 months and we are doing well as a family.

My question for you is this. Are we getting ourselves in over our heads?
 
C

ClashPunk82

New member
Wow, that's great adopting kids with diabilites. You sound like loving people. Well with CF there is a lot involved but I think it's worth adopting her. You will be able to give her a good life and lots of support which she will need throughout her life. I think you are making the right decision by taking her in. I think even though it might be hard you will be able to handle it!!

Nicole 22 CF <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 
S

shamrock

New member
Yeah dito! You two sound like wonderful people. If there were more people in the world like you it would be a better place. I don't think you'd be getting in way over your head. I have moderate cf and have lived a perfectly normal life ie normal schools, did EVERYTHING my friends did. Recently my health has deterioated quite a bit but i continue to live a near normal life (plus a few hospitals visits here and there!)
Cf requires medeication but I do not feel you'd be in over your head.

ROSIE 17 w/cf <img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
 
A

anonymous

New member
As an exhausted mom whose daughter with CF is currently sick, my inner voice wants to scream out to you, "YES! You are getting yourself in over your heads!" But that's just my current frustration coming out.

You should know however, that at times, CF will make you that frustrated and exhausted. It will make you scream with anger at an illness you may have no true control over DESPITE everything you do. This is the worst side of CF.

It will also allow you to watch your child amaze you with this inner strength that will carry you through those moments time and time again.

On the more factual side: You can never predict how severe or mild CF will be. Some may have a hard time the first few years of life, then have some easier years. Others may not show symptoms until later. But it is a progressive disease for all. This is usually a very slow progression that takes years.

As a parent, you will have daily treatments to do, daily CPT, many meds to keep track of, and sometimes, frequent hospital stays. According to the severity of the case, this may be easier for some than it is for others.

I hope that those on this board do not take this message so negatively, because it is not intended to be. I guess I'm just letting out some raw emotions after some very difficult days.

Maria (mother of three daughters, the youngest Samantha w/cf)
 
A

anonymous

New member
I SO want to tell you to do it...this special child needs someone to love & care for her.
Like others have mentioned, what incredible people you are! I think because you have a heart for disabled children tells me that you will have the strength to deal with whatever comes your way.
Good luck in whatever you decide<img src="i/expressions/present.gif" border="0">
 
A

anonymous

New member
I think you and your husband are amazing for what you are doing. Yes, CF can be overwhelming at times, but when you look into the eyes of your child, it makes it all worth the efforts you put into making them healthy! There have been so many advancements in this disease that are making the patients healthier all the time. You will spend a lot of time doing treatments with your child (if you decide to adopt her), but with every treatment, you know that you are doing it to keep her healthy. In the end, it is your decision, but you obviously have a big heart and I wish you the best in what you choose! <img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
 
E

Emily65Roses

New member
Maria's right. You need to make that decision for yourself. But I imagine it's worth it. CF kids are always prettier and smarter. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
 
A

anonymous

New member
I'm sorry, I have to ask...a toddler with MS? As in Multiple Scelrosis? If so that's the youngest MS patient I have ever heard of. My Mother was diagnosed with MS in her 30's. The youngest I have heard of being diagnosed with that was in her late teens. Both diseases take a lot of care and only you know if you can handle both.

MS patients also have some immune system problems and that should also be taken into consideration.

Best Wishes in you decision.

SB
 
A

anonymous

New member
Thank you for your replies. We are trying to gather as much information as possible before we bring her home for a week. We have a meeting with the CF doctors next week. In the meantime, we are reading up and trying to understand CF as best we can. We know that adoption means forever, so we need to be sure before we make a final decision. Chances are good that we will end up going through with it though. In my eyes, she needs us.

Oh, sorry about my typing error. The little one we have already adopted has muscular dystrophy (MD). You are right though.....multiple sclerosis (MS) is something that is generally diagnosed much later in life. I can see why you'd be confused. LOL

Have a nice weekend everyone and thank you again for your help.

Daria
 
A

anonymous

New member
I am a respiratory therapist and I have a sister with cystic fibrosis. I think that it is a lot to take on and you really need to get into the routine. Once you get a strict routine you should be ok. However, two kids that age and both will need a lot of care might be alot. There also is visiting nurses that can come to your house to help with the chest PT.
 
A

anonymous

New member
To make the decison to raise a child with a disabilty is a beautiful thing. It is one thing to take care of a sick child that was born to you, quite another to choose to care for one who is not. I think it is admirable and think the world should have more folks like you. It will take some work but the love will be more than payment.

Good Luck,

Luke
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top