Our agency has their families complete the in-country 8-Doctor Medical at the end of their 1^st trip.  Other agencies, including the agency we used for our first adoption, typically have you do it at the beginning of Trip #2.  Today we were met at our hotel by another coordinator, who would end up personally guiding us through the whole process.  We had a fun time – she had a great sense of humor and also had great relationships with all of the doctors that we met.

First stop, rubles!  The 8-Doctor Medicals cost $1100 per person!  So we went to a cash exchange office (not sure why I’m always intrigued by these places) and got our stack of rubles.  The clinic was only 10 minutes away in the city and looked like a relatively modern clinic / doctor’s office.  We spent the next 2.5 hours or so going from floor-to-floor and office-to-office meeting with the doctors that had been assigned to see us that morning.  We each had one precious piece of paperwork which needed to be completed, signed and stamped by each doctor.

As part of the medicals, and different from our first adoption, we had to give blood for some simple blood work.  I know a lot of families worry about this, but to me it seemed like a regular clinic.  Yes the furniture and set-up looked dated, but everything looked clean, professional, “normal” procedures – except for the large gauge pad and cloth wrap that they put on your arm.

We also opted to have chest x-rays taken at the clinic for $70 each instead of bringing films with us.  This process seemed very old school but they did give us both the trusty iron belt to wear for protection. 

I know adoptive families also worry about having to get undressed for these exams.  Again, to me it felt like a typical doctor appointment.  All of the doctors each had their own one-room space (behind a plain door – no windows, just their nameplate and specialty) with their exam area, their desk and also the desk of their nurse (who was there assisting them).  I guess it does feel a bit weird because there is an audience and so many people in a small room.

At the oncologist we spoke mainly of our family histories, and I got a very thorough breast exam.  The exam by the GP was also more thorough than the others.  We discussed our medical histories, and showed her our blood work for hepatitis, HIV and syphilis.  We had our blood pressure taken, and then she had us lay on the exam table with our shirts off so she could poke our stomachs and look at our skin.  The GP said that my blood pressure was perfect but I need to relax and shouldn’t be so nervous!  She was a sweet older lady.

At the neurologist, she tested our reflexes “old school” and had us touch our fingers to our noses with our eyes closed.  Note:  I actually failed that test last time in Russia.  This time I got it right on the first time.  Check this one off!

We saw the same doctor for psychiatrist and addiction specialties.  Our coordinator said that he would be easy, as he claims he can spot a crazy person from 3 miles away.  She was right.  He was a friendly man, and asked us where we lived and what we did for a living.  He then said, “I trust that you do not have any mental issues and have healthy family relationships.  I trust that you do not abuse drugs or alcohol.  And I wish  you all the best with your adoption.”

The pulmonary specialist reviewed our x-rays and signed our papers without seeing us.  The same for the dermatologist and infectious disease specialists (we had to bring test results showing we do not have syphilis in addition to the tests above). 

Once the doctors signed off, we had to have the chief of staff sign off on each exam.  I should have taken a photo of this document!  Here were so many signatures and seals it was comical.  After this experience, I have a better appreciation for the Russian focus on notaries and apostilles.  It seemed like everything we touched over there is signed, and stamped and stamped again!

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around Red Square and nearby shopping areas.  We were happy to find a pedestrian side-street filled with restaurants that we found on Trip #1 in 2007 and had lunch at a place obviously modeled after Pret A Manger.  We sat outside and enjoyed the sunny, hot weather.  So different than our first experience!

Back at the hotel, we worked on email in the beautiful hotel lobby.  I started new paperwork on my UK police clearance (long story which has been chronicled on Facebook).  The front desk staff recommended a local restaurant nearby for dinner and it was perfect.  Nothing special on the outside, but inside very cozy with a neighborhood feel.  I had a great mushroom risotto (love the mushrooms in Russia) along with a blackcurrant and lemonade drink garnished with fresh basil. 

We were both tired after dinner, so we went back to the hotel.  This trip was so different from before.  In 2007, I had difficulties sleeping at night.  On this trip, I had a hard time staying awake past 6:30PM and slept through the night.  I am hoping on Trip #2 we have more energy to take advantage of the summer evenings.