Failed Medical

[carolineden11 2]

Hi everyone,

I had my medical a few weeks ago in Toronto. I failed because the doctor found a lump in my breast. He told me to go home and have my GP figure out what is wrong and fax him the diagnosis. If it's not something bad then he will go ahead and pass me. I am only 24 and very healthy so it probably is just a cyst or something else non-serious. However, finding something like this is really freaking me out. I'm not just worried about the disease itself but the prospect of never being able to pass the medical and get married. It would put my mind much more at ease if you could address some of my questions and share your experiences. In the worst case situation that I have cancer, will I ever be able to pass the medical? Do they pass cancer survivors? Also, do you know if I can suspend my visa application or if I have to start all over again.

Thank you so much!

[Penguin_ie 5,992]

Having cancer does not mean you cannot get a visa, as it is not a communicable disease. But they may want to ensure you will have the health insurance to be able to take care of any medical expenses in the USA, so be prepare to show that at interview. Visa issuance can be delayed maximum for a year, usually (based on TB cases I've seen on here).

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

There is a condition that causes "lumps" in the breast where high hormone levels create these. I forget what they are called, but I had this when I was younger ( 20's) and I am now in my 50s and no problems. They are totally non concerous and not a problem at all. It does mean you need to be watchfull about checking for any changes that might be something bad. This is probably what you have

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Hi caroline,

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with all of this additional stress! As you say, hopefully the lump is just a cyst and can be aspirated.

I know that there have been other cancer survivors who have received visas so in the worse case scenario that is what it is, once you have undergone the necessary treatment then you can continue with your plans. The US is concerned mainly about diseases which are contagious to others - which Cancer isn't - but because medical care is atrociously expensive in the US, your visa may not be approved while you are having to get treatment. You would definitely want to stay in Canada for that!

How you would handle the visa situation would depend on how long treatment would take. You could always request the Consulate to 'hold open' the petition under the circumstances and see if they would do that. They may or they may not.

Regardless, the important thing right now is to get some answers about your medical situation first. If it is any help, I know of a number of people who have had suspicious lumps or areas identified in their breasts - including me - and upon further testing (ultrasound, aspiration, biopsy, etc.) the areas have turned out benign cysts or calcifications instead of cancer. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be your experience as well. Good luck.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I'm surprised he "failed" you because I didn't think having a non-contagious illness was something that excluded you... they don't even stop you if you have HIV (they don't test for it any more)

They wouldn't exclude you for being a cancer survivor. See here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/medical they mention an example where a guy was denied the medical for a cancerous mole so it seems it has happened before.

IF it's something serious (which like you I doubt, probably just a cyst) your visa WILL be denied it seems and you'll have to start all over again. You'd have to complete treatment for whatever it is.

Go to the doctor and find out what's wrong and work from there. Your visa is "paused" while the panel physician waits for the results but I don't know how long he will wait so sooner you do it the better. Your health is more important than the visa.. i know you wanna be with your man but healthy would be best (esp with the cost of medical in the US!!). Good luck!

Edited June 19, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[canada_socks 97]

There is a condition that causes "lumps" in the breast where high hormone levels create these. I forget what they are called, but I had this when I was younger ( 20's) and I am now in my 50s and no problems. They are totally non concerous and not a problem at all. It does mean you need to be watchfull about checking for any changes that might be something bad. This is probably what you have

I had this problem and thankfully it was found about 3 years before my medical! I had documentation provided proving it was nothing and they didn't find anything anyway. I can't for the life of me remember the name. It came about around the same time that I found out I had a cyst on my ovary (possibly caused by the same hormonal issues).

carolineden11, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just go see your doctor. If it is nothing, then just get the documentation from your doctor and bring it with you to the medical. I had a cyst on my ovary that was benign and just got removed like 5 days ago. Since I had that documentation, they were able to approve my medical.

Try not to worry too much until you see your doctor. Trust me. I worried a ton and lost weight and sleep and was so on edge for 2 weeks about the lumps they found on my breasts and it was nothing.

[Nne/Obi 1]

There is a condition that causes "lumps" in the breast where high hormone levels create these. I forget what they are called, but I had this when I was younger ( 20's) and I am now in my 50s and no problems. They are totally non concerous and not a problem at all. It does mean you need to be watchfull about checking for any changes that might be something bad. This is probably what you have

It's funny how someone never sees these things until the dying minute. I went for my medicals yesterday and the doctor asked me, what's this scar on your breast. And I said, I had a lumpectomy done in 2009. He asked, what was it, do you have the records with you. I knew it was a fibromadenoma cause I had been told, however didn't have the records. I called my mum on the phone to help me trace the records and so far, she's not come up with anything from the hospital. The doctor says it might not be a problem, but I'm freaking out.

[The Mean Lady 604]

It's funny how someone never sees these things until the dying minute. I went for my medicals yesterday and the doctor asked me, what's this scar on your breast. And I said, I had a lumpectomy done in 2009. He asked, what was it, do you have the records with you. I knew it was a fibromadenoma cause I had been told, however didn't have the records. I called my mum on the phone to help me trace the records and so far, she's not come up with anything from the hospital. The doctor says it might not be a problem, but I'm freaking out.

After hearing that, my husband had a hernia when he was a kid so he has a big scar... should he bring paperwork saying what it was?

[Kimbear 53]

Hi everyone,

I had my medical a few weeks ago in Toronto. I failed because the doctor found a lump in my breast. He told me to go home and have my GP figure out what is wrong and fax him the diagnosis. If it's not something bad then he will go ahead and pass me. I am only 24 and very healthy so it probably is just a cyst or something else non-serious. However, finding something like this is really freaking me out. I'm not just worried about the disease itself but the prospect of never being able to pass the medical and get married. It would put my mind much more at ease if you could address some of my questions and share your experiences. In the worst case situation that I have cancer, will I ever be able to pass the medical? Do they pass cancer survivors? Also, do you know if I can suspend my visa application or if I have to start all over again.

Thank you so much!

you did not fail at all. they do this all the time in fact the EXACT same thing happend to me.

make an appt with a clinic any clinic will do even a walk in, ask to get a breast exam done. make the appt and have the mamogram. I went through the same bloody thing and so much stress and freaking out because of it. ALL FOR NOTHIGN. according to the Doctor, i just have lumpy breasts. i cannot remember the term but ya thats all it is. so don't worry about it.

in fact now that i think about it..its something about the TO clinic for the medical..hell i had a bruise on my knee and they just about accused David of beating me LOL. they also asked about the hicky on my neck..i mean seriously?

[Nne/Obi 1]

After hearing that, my husband had a hernia when he was a kid so he has a big scar... should he bring paperwork saying what it was?

If he has access to the paper work, it won't hurt to bring so he doesn't end up in the same state I'm in, wondering what's going to happen. My husband isn't worried at all and he tells me 10 times a day to relax. But I can't seem to help it. I know it wasn't a cancer, but I don't know if they know and if they might request for any additional test which might affect my interview date. Been biting my fingers since.

[codygrace 14]

You didn't fail the medical dear, they just want to know if anything is wrong. Lots of women have lumpy breasts, so try not to worry yourself sick. I guess I am lucky I didn't have to go through this because I have been told several times I have lumpy breasts and have had to get it checked out. Go get it checked out, I am sure you'll be clear of every thing, and send the information back to the doctor who did your medical. I wish you all the best. I'm so sorry for this added worry you have now.

[KTandTommy 31]

Oh #######. Reading this thread now, I should probably just go to my doctor before I go to my medical. She did send me for an ultrasound and to a specialist earlier this year, but the doc said it was nothing... but I don't think I have any proof to back that up.

What sort of thing should I ask them for?

[Nne/Obi 1]

Having cancer does not mean you cannot get a visa, as it is not a communicable disease. But they may want to ensure you will have the health insurance to be able to take care of any medical expenses in the USA, so be prepare to show that at interview. Visa issuance can be delayed maximum for a year, usually (based on TB cases I've seen on here).

[/quote

Please what documents do I need to show to prove that I will have coverage as per health insurance. My husband has coverage for spouse health insurannce but so far, he's been waiving it until I get there. What do I need to ask him to send me in the way of documents. I'm really worried over my lost records.

[Penguin_ie 5,992]

Please what documents do I need to show to prove that I will have coverage as per health insurance. My husband has coverage for spouse health insurannce but so far, he's been waiving it until I get there. What do I need to ask him to send me in the way of documents. I'm really worried over my lost records.

Normally, no health insurance coverage proof is needed. If you have a serious pre-exisiting condition that likely will cause big medical bills, or are elderly (retirement age), then they may ask. In your case, your husband can add you to his insurance so a statement from the insurance saying so should be all that is needed.