Duggars and medical care

[Zasha]

I'm curious about what their beliefs and, most likely, limitations are on medical care.

 

I know they obviously were all for tons of medical intervention for Josie along with follow up doctor appointments. We've also seen that they go to the dentist (a lot), a plastic surgeon with serious wounds and even an allergist for JB. (I don't remember what those results were. Was he allergic to anything?) I also assume all the kids are fully vaccinated since they travel overseas.

 

We haven't seen the other kids go to well child check ups that I can remember, though and I've never seen anything about any of the older kids and a doctor. I'm wondering if the girls are allowed well woman checks (most likely not) and what type, if any, preventative medical care the older kids get. Does Michelle get mammograms? Has she continued to have any type of well woman examinations since Josie? It also seems really unlikely to me that none of them needs any type of glasses. (That I can recall.) Do they do vision exams?

[ILoveJellybeans]

You would think they would film the kids going to the doctor, they film all of their dentist appointments. Maybe they are the type who only goes if the kids are sick.

I assume they vaccinate too?

I would assume not even doctors are allowed to see unmarried fundie vaginas, but maybe Michelle's, after all, after all of those births, she has had all sorts of doctors and midwives around her vagina.

I have seen Jill in glasses before, I think she only needs them for reading.

[MetalLaLa]

If I remember correctly, on one of the early episodes they stated that they prioritise dental care for the kids, and there has obviously been several dentist-related episodes on 19KAC. I dread to think of the medical cost it would be to the NHS if they lived here in the UK as children get dental work for free.

[Dandruff]

I remember a doctor coming to the TTH when Grandpa was very ill and believe someone (JB?) referred to him as a "blessing". There was also at least a phone conversation with a doctor - same guy? - when the kids had the chicken pox. Johanna saw a plastic surgeon after falling off her bike. My guess is their family doctor, if we want to call it that, is a hard-core fundie and pal of JB's.

[freejoyannatoo]

You would think they would film the kids going to the doctor, they film all of their dentist appointments. Maybe they are the type who only goes if the kids are sick.

I assume they vaccinate too?

I would assume not even doctors are allowed to see unmarried fundie vaginas, but maybe Michelle's, after all, after all of those births, she has had all sorts of doctors and midwives around her vagina.

I have seen Jill in glasses before, I think she only needs them for reading.

She was wearing them in Nepal, when she attended the maternity clinic there for a day.

One of the things that made me particularly like Derick, was that he was looking at her even more lovingly and approvingly that day when she was wearing her specs. Partly because she was fired up with enthusiasm and interest at what she had just been doing, i.e. learning what maternity care is like in an underdeveloped country. That's the kind of thing that attracted him to her I think. Derick didn't see her glasses, just the woman he loved doing something compassionate and useful. So sweet :)

[quiverfulloflesbians]

You would think the girls would be getting well woman checks ASAP as often as possible so they are sure they can have as many kids as possible...

[quiverfulloflesbians]

Conspiracy Theory

I bet they make any female (who a Duggar son would like to court) get EXTREME fertility testing to make sure she can produce up to their standards.

Don't they do this to royalty? Duggars believe they are royalty so this makes sense in my mind.

[utter solitude]

I've often wonder if "Leave it up to God"-ers think TRYING to have a baby is okay. I mean, if you plan out intercourse for the most fertile days, thereby trying to ENSURE pregnancy, is that wrong? It's not exactly "leaving it up to God". Same with fertility treatments.

[Rescinded and Mended]

I remember a doctor coming to the TTH when Grandpa was very ill and believe someone (JB?) referred to him as a "blessing". There was also at least a phone conversation with a doctor - same guy? - when the kids had the chicken pox. Johanna saw a plastic surgeon after falling off her bike. My guess is their family doctor, if we want to call it that, is a hard-core fundie and pal of JB's.

I remember that. Wasn't that also the episode where Jim Bob made some kind of crack that Hannie needed to be patched up because her looks were important and needed to sell their brand of product, or catch a husband, something like that? I was looking at my TV like :evil-eye: when he made that crack.

There's been some speculation around here that Jim Bob tends to favor his daughters more than his sons. That thought is especially saddening if he sees them as better investments who are more marketable to the public, compared to the boys.

[pennsatuckey]

You would think the girls would be getting well woman checks ASAP as often as possible so they are sure they can have as many kids as possible...

The new age for exams is 21 and up, so only the older girls would be worried about that.

I remember that. Wasn't that also the episode where Jim Bob made some kind of crack that Hannie needed to be patched up because her looks were important and needed to sell their brand of product, or catch a husband, something like that? I was looking at my TV like :evil-eye: when he made that crack.

There's been some speculation around here that Jim Bob tends to favor his daughters more than his sons. That thought is especially saddening if he sees them as better investments who are more marketable to the public, compared to the boys.

I mean, when you think about it, he's pretty much grooming them into fundie marriage material, and the more attractive the daughter, the better the ca$h flow from the wedding special.

[Antimony]

The rule I was told for OBGYN stuff was "when you start being sexual active or when you turn 18, whichever comes first". Those happened around the same time for me but my first visit, they actally decided not to do an exam cause they said I hadn't been sexually active long enough for a pap smear to yield anything.

I wonder if they believe in the hymen crap about virginity. Can a speculum tear a hymen? Would that make OBGYN visits not okay? I also wonder if they use tampons or if that is not allowed.

[pennsatuckey]

The rule I was told for OBGYN stuff was "when you start being sexual active or when you turn 18, whichever comes first". Those happened around the same time for me but my first visit, they actally decided not to do an exam cause they said I hadn't been sexually active long enough for a pap smear to yield anything.

I wonder if they believe in the hymen crap about virginity. Can a speculum tear a hymen? Would that make OBGYN visits not okay? I also wonder if they use tampons or if that is not allowed.

The rules have changed as of a couple of years ago. The first well woman exam is now at 21, regardless of sexual activity.

I'd bet they do. When I took a sex ed course through a Methodist church in 5th grade (incidentally more comprehensive than the school's course) I was told that hymens tear during intercourse, and that bleeding should be expected. Speculums probably could tear a hymen if a doctor was being reckless during an exam, and didn't use any lube. Most rigorous activities can tear or stretch the hymen, but I don't hear about many fundie women doing those sorts of activities(e.g. horseback riding, gymnastics, dance, swimming (?))

I mean, OBGYN visits would have to be okay since they've gotta keep those uteri in tip top shape. But tampons are

https://themindvomit.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/youknowwhattheysay-everyvillainislemons_1b5475dcae2aaf815a0f4677e96dc35b.jpg

[ljohnson2006]

I wonder how Jill’s first woman dr. check up is going to go. You’d think J’Chelle would want her daughter’s fertility tested, so they can’t outdo her in the number of babies they have. I don’t think Anna saw an ob/gyn until she got pregnant. Do they not believe in getting check ups for health reasons? What if one of the girls had a condition that made them infertile , and they had no idea, until they were trying to get pregnant? I hope Jill doesn't pull that "You can't see my stomach during ultrasounds" crap. That should be the least of your worries. You'll be selling yourself out for TLC cameras to film when Baby Dill Pickle comes.

[Feberin]

I would assume they get well child checks but the doctor choose not to be seen. It seems odd that they do dentist visit but not well child checks. My guess is since their insurance already covers 100% of well child checks they don't benefit by having TLC film them. But they pay at least some out of pocket for the dentist so they get TLC to film so they get it comped or part of it comped.

I don't think any of the girls have had a pap smear. I had one when I was a virgin and it was really painful. I would still encourage my daughter to have one but I can't see the Duggars agreeing to it. And I don't think they got Anna checked out for her fertility the British royal family and other royal families have way more money at their disposable then the Duggars. Doing fertility workup on a twentyish girl who is a virgin is ridiculous. Plus they're so into trusting God that I don't think it would even occur to them that any woman that a Duggar man felt called to marry would be infertile.

[ljohnson2006]

The only Duggar that we've seen get consistent check ups was Josie. I doubt that would happen had she not been a micro preemie. The Duggars weren't vaccinated for chicken pox. I don't think they vaccinate.

[sorchah]

I've often wonder if "Leave it up to God"-ers think TRYING to have a baby is okay. I mean, if you plan out intercourse for the most fertile days, thereby trying to ENSURE pregnancy, is that wrong? It's not exactly "leaving it up to God". Same with fertility treatments.

I think it would be fine with them because it's still ultimately god's choice to make you ovulate, make the sperm fertilize the egg, and make the egg implant, etc. So for that reason, they'd probably be ok with artificial insemination (although I can't imagine a fundie actually using it) but not ok with IVF. Or maybe they would also reject AI if drugs are involved.

[silverspoons]

I don't think they do well checks or vaccinate. Remember the deductible was very high & Jim Bob would pay cash for whatever was absolutely necessary. On the episode where all the kids are sick & Jim Bob drinks out of Jodryn's barf cup, Jim Bob said he only took 2 sick kids to the dr, paid cash and got medicine for all the sick kids(since he assumed they had the same thing). He said something stupid like take 2 and save the difference. They used that Dr that was the husband of the doula (and I believe had lost his license or certain prescribing rights for awhile).

Remember the famous chicken pox episode? I don't think they vaccinate or are selective with it. When Josie was taken for shots it looked like Michelle was forced to take Josie for well checks & shots , it wasn't a normal thing for Michelle to do.

I don't think fertility issue are in the Duggars thoughts until it actually happens to one of them. The first daughter or daughter in law that can't conceive will make them start looking into ob/gyn care & testing.

[utter solitude]

I think it would be fine with them because it's still ultimately god's choice to make you ovulate, make the sperm fertilize the egg, and make the egg implant, etc. So for that reason, they'd probably be ok with artificial insemination (although I can't imagine a fundie actually using it) but not ok with IVF. Or maybe they would also reject AI if drugs are involved.

To me, trying FOR a child and trying NOT to have one are both "birth control" - you're trying to control birth, whether it's prevent it or create it, and using, say, ovulation tests would, in my mind, be against "leaving it up to God". It doesn't sound like leaving it up to Him if you purposely try to create a baby (other than just having sex, I guess)

I'm a lil drunk, I hope my point makes sense!

[Callipygian]

Jill and Jenni wear glasses

[Antimony]

The rules have changed as of a couple of years ago. The first well woman exam is now at 21, regardless of sexual activity.

I'd bet they do. When I took a sex ed course through a Methodist church in 5th grade (incidentally more comprehensive than the school's course) I was told that hymens tear during intercourse, and that bleeding should be expected. Speculums probably could tear a hymen if a doctor was being reckless during an exam, and didn't use any lube. Most rigorous activities can tear or stretch the hymen, but I don't hear about many fundie women doing those sorts of activities(e.g. horseback riding, gymnastics, dance, swimming (?))

I mean, OBGYN visits would have to be okay since they've gotta keep those uteri in tip top shape. But tampons are

https://themindvomit.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/youknowwhattheysay-everyvillainislemons_1b5475dcae2aaf815a0f4677e96dc35b.jpg

So weird. That must be a really new change cause I certainly remember my first check. I was 19 and the doctor showed me the speculum and said "th is is going to be uncomfortable but it is smaller than a penis" so I said, already in stirrups and everything, "depends on the penis" and she just stared at me. Awkward.

I don't want to believe they believe the hymen business but I'd think so. Jill should know better,right? Midwifery training should cover basic reproductive anatomy! I wonder if she had the least terrible wedding night experience any Duggar daughter will ever have or what. Kind of creepy to wonder about but I was raised in a very open, all questions answered about sex environment and I have trouble conceiving what the opposite experience would be like to live in.

I don't even want get started on how terrible they'd be/are at mental health care.

[HarleyQuinn]

Wasn't there an episode/interview where Michelle said they did vaccinate? I could've sworn they did. (Except against the chicken pox, but that's still a fairly new vac)

[onekidanddone]

I remember a doctor coming to the TTH when Grandpa was very ill and believe someone (JB?) referred to him as a "blessing". There was also at least a phone conversation with a doctor - same guy? - when the kids had the chicken pox. Johanna saw a plastic surgeon after falling off her bike. My guess is their family doctor, if we want to call it that, is a hard-core fundie and pal of JB's.

If the kids had chicken pox that means they did not receive the vaccine for it This might also mean they didn't vaccinated against polio or measles either. Stupid irresponsible parents.

I wonder is it mandatory to get vaccinated before over seas travel? When I went to China to get my daughter, I had a bunch of shots the adoption agency had listed as suggestions on their website. I don't recall if it was mandatory or not.

[HarryPotterFan]

If the kids had chicken pox that means they did not receive the vaccine for it This might also mean they didn't vaccinated against polio or measles either. Stupid irresponsible parents.

I wonder is it mandatory to get vaccinated before over seas travel? When I went to China to get my daughter, I had a bunch of shots the adoption agency had listed as suggestions on their website. I don't recall if it was mandatory or not.

Some international travel requires vaccinations, it depends where you go.

One thing I wondered last night - Beyond their friend the family doctor, do they ever have issues with doctor visits where the doctor doesn't want to appear on television/be associated with their brand? Would this cause any issues?

[utter solitude]

If the kids had chicken pox that means they did not receive the vaccine for it This might also mean they didn't vaccinated against polio or measles either. Stupid irresponsible parents.

I wonder is it mandatory to get vaccinated before over seas travel? When I went to China to get my daughter, I had a bunch of shots the adoption agency had listed as suggestions on their website. I don't recall if it was mandatory or not.

Not getting the chicken pox vaccine doesn't mean they don't get other vaccines. It's viewed in some circles as "unnecessary" and I have a homeschooling friend who claims she won't get it for her kids because, since they're not in public schools, they're "low risk" for it. (Which is crazy, but she's a little.... crazy but my point is the Duggars may not vaccinate their kids for "public school disease" simply because they find it unnecessary, but that doesn't mean they get NO vaccines)

[Feberin]

I also know a lot of people who since they had Chicken Pox as a child they feel it's not as necessary. They think what's the big deal about it in a way they don't about measles or polio. Also since it wasn't available when they were children it seems "new" and less "tested." I don't understand it but I also wouldn't say just because somebody doesn't vaccinate for Chicken Pox they don't vaccinate for anything. Hopefully the Duggars fall into the just no Chicken Pox category.