thalassemia major

I am wondering if there are parents that who are thalassemia who can help me with my questions. We may be adopting a 3 yr that has thalassemia major, we want to know what's the long term health care for the child, what would the medical expenses be and generally, what to look out for children with thalassemia major.


I am quite drawn to this little girl but at the same time, I need to research and find out exactly what to expect before we decide.


Thanks

I'm sorry I can't answer your questions, but from an internet article I just read TM sounds quite serious, with monthly blood transfusions and nightly injections.


As an adoptive parent and a former adoption facilitator, I would adivse anyone who is considering international adoption of a child with medical, physical or mental issues to contact their government (or consulate or embassy) to determine whether a person with this condition would be allowed to immigrate to their home country. For example, Canada has quite strict requirements because medical coverage is publicly funded, while the US is more lax because medical coverage is privately funded.


It will be a tough decision for you to make and which ever path you choose, the result will be with you forever. Make the decision that is best for all members of your family.


'Good luck' sounds trite, so I'd rather say 'God be with you' and hope I don't offend.

Thanks aemom. It didn't occur to me to check with my country's govt on medical issues. I'll have to do research on that as well.


Yup, it's a difficult decision to make. And am praying that hubby is on board with me on this little girl. However, if he isn't then, we're not the right parents for her.

Sunniefaith,


We are in the process of adopting and I'm curious to know if the SWD let you meet her in order to make your decision. From the impression that they have given me, you can't actually meet the child until you've agreed to accept specific medical requirements.


Have you made a decision? It seems that TM is a major undertaking and can require frequent blood transfusions that lead to iron overload, which then requires chelation therapy 4-5 days per week. I would hope that if you do adopt, that you aren't american, b/c the medical expense would be tremendous there. However, the homecare services are amazing and the chelation therapy could be done from home.


Keep in touch!

Hi namaste,


We've decided not to adopt the girl with thalassemia. It was a hard decision but we want her to be happy with maybe a more well to do family that could probably provide her with more medical need.


We've met the kid because the kid lives in the foster home that we visit sometimes. We're still in the process of adopting. We're having the home study next week.