Medical

[Catfriend]

hi just me again. I seem like I'm always posting for advice but I was just wondering what happens on a medical?? Mine is booked buy feeling very nervous!!!

[Fosterangel]

It was just a gentle chat for just dh and I with our own GP about our general health. I think we gave a urine sample whilst in the surgery but no blood tests or anything intrusive and we were seen together so that made it quick. I think we had our heart and lungs listened to by stethoscope but we kept our clothes on (phew!). We both had to do some tests like closing your eyes and bringing in one extended arm for your finger to touch your nose (helps if you have a big nose!), and standing on one leg for balance but it was not difficult (being someone who has been known to trip over her own feet at times!).

There may be more that the GP fills in from your past records (like my asthma and eczema and dh's past surgery) but the only bit we were aware of was gentle and easy really.

[Catfriend]

Thanks for replying fosterangel. Did it take long to do at the doctors?? I'm just really nervous about not knowing what will happen.

[bonnieslilsister]

Mine was even less than fosterangel. It seemed to be more of a paper exercise. Don't worry

[Fosterangel]

I think ours was about 10mins in total for both of us so about 5 mins each. It really is nothing to worry about. If our GP did some tests it is probably because we rarely see him so he thought he had better get all his stats on us whilst we were captive in his surgery!

There really is nothing to be nervous about but I do understand as I was concerned that our ages may go against us but it didn't at all.

[Catfriend]

Thanks for the reply. Just another question, what happens after the medical?? Do I actually get to see the medical? Do I take it back to my SSW??

[Fosterangel]

I think from memory that we did not come away with any documentation. It probably went direct to social services.

I am sure if you asked your GP he/she would share with you what was going to go into the report - just tell your GP you want to know to put your mind at rest.

[sleeplessinderbyshire]

depends on the agency/LA (I'm a GP not a foster carer) some forms for medicals are very long and complex and require all sorts of bizarre examinations (including a full breast examination on one I had to do, fortunately I had a great rapport with the woman concerned as I fear were I a strange male GP i might have got some very negative feedback for this part). If anyone asked me I'd happily show them the form but I think we send them back direct to the LA/agency

[Catfriend]

Omg over an hour long!!! It was a very in depth medical. Lots of questions, breast check urine sample taken. At least it's over with now tho ha ha.

[lovesmileandlaugh]

Breast check? :-)

I've been told to book a 20 minute appointment with my GP for mine. It then goes to the SS medical officer to pass.

Quite nice to get a thorough check over once in a while I guess!

[Fosterangel]

That's how we felt LS&L. We appreciated the M.O.T as it let us know we were (fairly!) fit and revving on all cylinders!

I think it is natural to worry as we all have various aches and pains and issues as we get older. I understand why it is necessary as we would be driving foster children to various appointments in our car, and being more active with them than perhaps we were used to being so we have to be passed to have a certain level of fitness.

It will all be fine for you op I am sure.

[bonnieslilsister]

Crikey cat that is much more than I had. I am going to complain!!!

[workisneverdone]

Catfriend, that is exactly how long my one lasted and yes, I was very when he called the surgery nurse into the room and told me that he was going to examine my breast . I don't remember that coming up in conversation with my SW when I asked her about the medical.

My GP got my medical file out and went through the questions required by SS's with me ,we discussed and he completed the form.

Fosterangel, your right, at least I know that I'm fit and healthy enough to look after somebody else s child.

[Catfriend]

Hi. I'm glad I wasn't the only one to get an over the hour mot ha ha.