Our Red Thread to China

Saturday evening, 6 May, we went to a potluck for waiting families in the Atlanta area. We were all at different places in the process. Most of the families there had been waiting longer than we have been (we’re in our second month), but one couple were still doing on their paperwork, so the waiting hadn’t even officially begun for them yet. Most of us didn’t have any kids, but the family hosting the event, another waiting family, and the speaker (who is not waiting) were all on their second or third adoption.

Since we’re vegetarian, we made sure to bring something that we could eat. Jackie fixed a casserole and some egg salad sandwiches. There were a few other things we could eat though, and the deserts were very good.

We met a number of very nice parents and parents-to-be. And I had a big surprise when I recognized the lady who opened the door. When we went to get our fingerprints, there were several other people paper chasing for China, and the family hosting the potluck was one of them. It was nice to be able to get to know them better.

Most of the evening, however, was taken up by a nurse practitioner who told us about health issues we might find in our children when we go to China and how best to prepare for them. She had adopted about six years ago, “back in the dark ages of China adoptions,” she said. Her daughter was running around playing with the other kids, most of whom were several years younger. Since then, the NP has started consulting on the side. She has helped a lot of families prepare for their trip, reviewed their matches for possible medical issues, and given advice while the families are in China.

She talked some about formula. She recommended using Enfamil (IIRC), because it comes in individual packets, which are easy to pack, easy to prepare, and as you use them, you get more room in your suitcase.

She also talked about some of the nutritional problems the babies may face. Although overall, the nutrition of the adoptee infants has gotten much better, we should still be prepared for them to have some nutritional deficiencies. Generally, though, the deficiencies are fairly mild and respond readily to a proper diet.

But the highlight of the evening was her discussion of parasites. One was a very small, but uncomfortable mite-like creature. This is treated by washing all your clothing and covering yourself with a cream for eight hours or so. She recommended doing this while you’re still in China, before you show any symptoms. When you do get symptoms, they are very uncomfortable. Lots of scratching and itching. And the incubation period is just enough time for it not to pop up until you’re on the hellish 18-hour flight back or at home you’re suffering from jet-lag.

The other parasite was even better. It was less contagious, and you wait to treat it until you get back home. But it is very disconcerting. She talked about getting panicked calls from new parents babbling about an earthworm in their daughter’s diaper. Yes, you read that right. It is the ascariasis. Go check it out. There’s a picture. When you’re treating it, it’s even more fun. Basically, the treatments involve poisoning the parasites, so they try to leave the body by any means possible. That means the mouth, nose, and anus.

I can’t wait.

Actually, I really can’t, but I’m not looking forward that part of it.

She gave us a lot of good information, and Jackie and I are already talking about consulting with her as we start planning to travel. It was also a lot of fun to get to talk to other people going through what we are. We’re looking forward to future potlucks.

5/12 Note: I should point out that I have the impression that the parasites I mentioned above are pretty rare. It's good to be mentally prepared, but I’m really not expecting to find them.