Health History Q-

[matagi]

Whilst it is useful to know your family medical history as a guide to possible risk factors, etc, it is not essential. After all, what would you do if your entire family had been wiped out when you were a small child - you would be in the same position of not knowing and not having anyone to ask.

As Mr Silver says, you need to be clear on the implications of starting this search because the emotional impact could be quite profound. Are you Australian, or have you moved to Perth from another part of the world? The laws regarding adoption records varies a little from country to country. As I understand it, in most if not all states in Australia, if the other party has requested no contact, you will not get access to any information from your adoption records.

[crazycanuck]

Thanks for your replies. Each makes sense & reassures me that I don't really need to know what I don't know!

MrSilver-my brother found his & it's really pissed off my mom.

I'm from Alberta, Canada & have a rather vague idea about how the freedom of information act works in terms of adoption records. I'm not about to pay alot of money to find out bunk either.

Ok, just another idea that passed through my head one day, I shall put it to rest now.

c

[LBTC]

In my family (I wished I was adopted, but wasn't), we didn't speak of such things. Even if I had wanted to know what medical issues were out there, no one would have told me.

As an adult, I choose to not communicate with my family for a lot of reasons. My doctors have never seemed terribly concerned that I can't identify potential health risk factors.

I guess with my medical identity, I've chosen to be my own person, just as with the rest of my identity.

You can do this on your own. We'll be here to help!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~