This is my first time here.. I am 27yrs old and single.

When I was growing through my teenage years I never hit puberty, and the doctors told me not to worry, I was just a late bloomer. My worst fears were confirmed, when at the age of 18 I sought another opinion and was diagnosed with Turner's Syndrome. (in a nutshell I have just 1 X chromosome and it leaves me unable to concive - no ovaries) I was needless to say devastated, and over the next few years, with the help of caring and supportive friends I have healed quite a bit. Hormone Replacement Therapy brought menses and secondary sexual characteristics. However..

I have never spoken with or communicated with anyone else with this condition... are any of you reading?
I am not yet ready to become a parent, but am eager (and frightened) to consider adoption as a solution to my desire to be a parent. I am only just gathering information and trying to seek out what I am getting myself into. tales of long waits, red tape and huge fees are scary! My brother tried to adopt once because his wife at the time was infertile, and they told the family they gave up because it cost too much. Is money really that much of a barrier? I suppose I have a lot of questions, so I'll pause for now and see what you have to say... -H

I am replying, just because I picture you waiting for a reply - hope you get some from anyone who shares your condition; unfortunately, I'm not that someone. I am infertile, and I have adopted. I have some thoughts & advice for you -

Because you are single, and not yet ready to adopt, you have lots of time to prepare. This website will provide lots of info! You will see all sides of the adoption triangle. You will learn the terminology, and the do's and don'ts.

Adoption can be expensive I guess, but wasn't for us. I don't know where you're from, but we are in Canada and adopted thru Social Services. Our daughter was 7 mos when she came to us. I believe we had requested a child from birth to age 3. We didn't wait terribly long. The only cost was in time and paperwork, not $.

I hope you have / meet a partner who can take this journey with you. If you are determined to specifically adopt an infant, your wait and expense might be increased; if you are open to gender / age / race, you will be a parent sooner.

You will also learn from this website that open adoption is a wonderful choice. If you connect and remain connected with a birthmother, your child will always benefit.

Good luck and enjoy this site

Babs

I am sorry to learn of your situation. Talking to people is a good thing.

I guess my first question to you is do you want a baby because your biological clock is ticking (getting older, feeling of emptiness like something is missing in your life, always excited when you come across newborns or babies??) OR just because?

My best friend was single and desperately wanted a child, and unfortunately she too was single. She has not found her Mr. Right in her life, and decided to ask her good friend if he would help her out. She felt it was time, and it was something she desperately wanted to make her llife more complete.

My husband and I have been having fertility problems for the last 7 years, and its hard to make your family more complete when you don't hear the sounds of pitter-patter running around.

You had mentioned that you don't have both of your ovaries. Is that still the case? I think their is technology out there where they can now place ovaries in a females body?? I am not sure if OHIP would cover that or not.

I know it costs $8,000 for Invitro at my age of 28. The older you get, the more expensive it is. In your condition, OHIP covers up to 85% of Invitro costs. You might end up paying $1,500, or so.
Private adoption is $8,000-$9,000, and international adoption is over $20,000 ++.

Through the Family and Children's Services it is free to adopt a child, as it is a government funded agency. The only thing is that everyone wants a baby, who is healthy, so if that is the case, you will remain on the waiting list for years and years.

Only you will know when you are really ready to have a baby around.

BabsCanada

You were right in saying I awaited a response, but not just from a Turner's female, really I wanted info. on adopting in genneral. I want to adopt because I want to be a parent someday. Someday is not now. Now is a good time to learn about it.

Nikki001

Reagarding the biological clock comment.... is 27 really so very old? I'd think I'm a tad young to be worried about a biological clock, especialy since I don't plan on having a child biologically... More risk lies in adopting before I am ready to be a parent. Like when I'm financially stable and perhaps married for instance...
I have long weighed whether to adopt or tweak myself into a possible pregnancy. My first choice is definatly adoption. I am more interested in parenting than procreating. I think there is too much of the latter and too little of the former on the planet, but that is just my personal opinion. I think adoption is a wonderful way to bring children into a family, all emotional trials included.

To you both, Thanks so very much for your responses, this is truly the first time I have ventured to share my story with anyone who has any connection with infertility..... so many have listened, sympathized, and remained silent because they just don't know what to say. I feel less alone here. Thanks.

HWZephyr,

If you are interested in speaking with someone regarding Turner's Syndrome, I have a friend who's 13 yr old daughter also has it. As a result, she ends up speaking at symposiums and is heavily involved with the national association. She's worked very hard with her 13 yr old to understand how this will affect her future family building efforts. If you need to talk to someone who understands the difficulties of this choice to those with Turners, I can put you in contact with her.

PM me and I'll get you the info.