Wondering about health information from my birth parents? I am adopted?

Question

Hi all:

Over the past few years, I have had a couple of minor head and neck medical issues. It started with my thyroid, when my doctor thought I may have hypothyroidism which I have to continually monitor. Now, just this week, I was potentially diagnosed with an inflamed/infected lymph node that is causing a gumball-sized lump in my jaw that may require surgery.

I am interested in going to my birth hospital (Englewood Hospital in New Jersey) and seeing if I can get genetic health information for things I should be looking for.

Does anybody know the process, or what I should expect to bring with me when I go to the hospital this weekend?

Thank you!

Answer 1

well, in my experience, i got all false medical info.  the only way i got the truth was to find my birthmother.

Answer 2

I'm sorry, they won't give you any information. It's unfair, I know.

I'd suggest contacting a local NJ Adoptee group. There are a number of groups t the NJCare Website:

http://www.nj-care.org/

They can help you with search and legislation issues.

I'm so sorry about your health issues, and not having any answers. It's very scary. I hope everything will be OK

Answer 3

New Jersey S611 passed final vote this past March and is awaiting a signature from the Governor now.

When activated it will open records to adult adoptees unless a contact veto is on file from the surrendering parent.

http://withoutatribe.blogspot.com/2008/0...

You can read about it above :)

Going to the hospital is a iffy because they'll require an ID with your birthname on it which is, pretty hard to come by for an adoptee. If you can't provide that, then you won't get your medical information.

My suggestion is to petition the court for your records and birth information. As well as keep your eyes and ears open for the signing of S611 because once its implemented into law you'll have a better chance at getting your records.

Also request your non identifying information through the state and see if that has anything in it useful for you.

Answer 4

ditto what Gershom said.

I hope you get all the answers you're looking for once the legislation in NJ comes into force

You can ask the hospital for your records but you will probably get the door slammed in your face, just like the rest of us Adult Adoptees who have asked for information about our own selves before you.

Good luck.  I hope you're one of the first in NJ to obtain your birth information when they are finally no longer held hostage and kept from the adoptees they belong to!

Answer 5

They wont give it to you.

When I have been asked for my medical history as a child (they wanted to see if my scoliosis was gentic possibly to detirme the severity of it) we just had to tell them I am adopted and have no medical history of my ibological parents. They seem to nod, obviously this was no help to them so they just has to watch me more closely to see how things were going.

If you dont have medical history of your parents there maybe a place you can tests for certain things to see if you are at risk. Ask your doctor.

Answer 6

NJ state and Hospitals will not help you...You may try but it will drive you nuts. I've been forced to hack that state a few times..nothing pleasant in NJ .

Answer 7

As far as I am aware no one will give you any information except  the agency that handled the adoption.

Good luck for your surgery

ETA a thumbs down ? WTF For

Answer 8

Several years ago, I tried the same thing, but the hospital wouldn't give me anything except a phone number to someone else.  I'm not sure about the upcoming law changes, but you can get non-identifying information from the state.  My information was from another state, but it did include questionaires from both birthparents, which listed known hereditary health problems.  The records also contained case worker notes, which referenced medical information as well.  If you can't get anything else, this might be the best option available.

I have a feeling that they will give you trouble at the hospital, due to privacy laws applying to adoptees, as well as federal law requiring hospitals to get releases before giving information to a third party (HIPPA).  You can call the hospital and speak with the records department about their policies, and don't need to make a special trip.  If you can't get the records, you may want to call the Department of Children and Families to see if they would provide assistance with that request, in addition to vital records.  Here is a link:

http://www.nj.gov/njfosteradopt/adoption...

Good luck!