Self harm scars and the medical

[Soapies 18]

you guys are so amazing, I wish i could have read all this before I went to sleep last night lol!! I do feel much better. I will definitely bring a Drs note with me and look into reference letters from my employer and friends. My work should have no problem with that since they love me there!! (or so i think anyway LOL)

Holy ####### though, did my heart ever sink when I read that scars could be a cause for denial. I wish i had the ability to look into the future so i could have slapped my past self out of doing this. I will never forgive myself if I am the reason I can't be with my fiance.

you guys are so encouraging, i will be re-reading all these replies a millllllion times over the next few months hah

And thanks, Sweetmelicious ... for the link On a side note, I read somewhere that your name is Melissa? heh. So is mine.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

The medical checks for STD's, HIV, TB, your vaccination history, and other 'major issues' that could affect people in the U.S. after you move there. Bring that 'scars letter', your vaccination history, and you most likely will be just fine!

HIV is not an inadmissible condition for immigration purposes and is not supposed to be tested for anymore since 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/pdf/final-rule-hiv-removal-fact-sheet.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/diseases-vaccines-included.html

Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance

These currently include:

1. Tuberculosis
2. Syphilis
3. Chancroid
4. Gonorrhea
5. Granuloma Inguinale
6. Lymphogranuloma Venereum
7. Hansen's Disease (Leprosy)

OP, these are the instructions for panel physicians in dealing with harmful behaviors. They are supposed to note whether or not they believe the behavior could recur, which is why a doctor's opinion that it is in the past and not happening now or likely to again can be helpful. > http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/panel/mental-panel-technical-instructions.html

Edited July 17, 2014 by KayDeeCee

[austin22 0]

I wouldn't worry too much. They might ask you a few more questions concerning the scars, but the big part is the actual medical exam. The U.S. is more concerned about people bringing diseases such as syphilis and tuberculosis. As long as you are healthy and have a doctor's note you should be fine

[Jawaree 717]

It will definitely be seen, be honest about it and yes get a letter

fom your Dr about the changes and progress you have made,

they do tend to look at this but they may just have panel Dr refer

U to their Physc Dr.

[froschundblumen 25]

I had my medical in Toronto back in May. I never self-harmed, but I do have a history of depression and an eating disorder. I brought a letter from my doctor that said I had been treated for depression and an ED, that my condition was stable and that I was not considered a danger to myself or others.

At the medical, the doctor will ask you about your medical history, specifically mental illness. I said "I have a history of depression and I take Prozac," and gave him the letter. His exact words were "This is not a problem at all."

You will be absolutely fine. Just be honest when asked and provide a doctor's note. Good luck!

[Sweetmelissa 82]

you guys are so amazing, I wish i could have read all this before I went to sleep last night lol!! I do feel much better. I will definitely bring a Drs note with me and look into reference letters from my employer and friends. My work should have no problem with that since they love me there!! (or so i think anyway LOL)

Holy ####### though, did my heart ever sink when I read that scars could be a cause for denial. I wish i had the ability to look into the future so i could have slapped my past self out of doing this. I will never forgive myself if I am the reason I can't be with my fiance.

you guys are so encouraging, i will be re-reading all these replies a millllllion times over the next few months hah

And thanks, Sweetmelicious ... for the link On a side note, I read somewhere that your name is Melissa? heh. So is mine.

Nice to meet you Melissa!

Read as much as you can on the specific clinic you will be taking your medical at so you know what to expect (lots of reviews on the Canadian forums), each one is a little bit different. For example, I did mine in Vancouver and the only "derobing" that happened was me taking off my jacket to get my blood pressure checked. Did not have to show any other *parts*. The doctor also didn't ask about mental health issues at all, and the whole thing felt pretty rushed ... I think I was in and out about 15 minutes before my medical was even scheduled to start. Some places give the whole head to toe check.

If the doc sees scars tho, he or she will definitely ask about them so having a doctors note in hand will save you time down the road. Past or present depression is not a cause for medical inadmissibility, unless it current involves CURRENT harm to self or others, and harm that may continue into the future. So its your job to convince the doctor otherwise- that the past is in the past - and although you made poor choices as an adolescent, you are a healthy and mature adult today.

Also try not to dwell on some of the horror stories that pop up when searching similar situations here on VJ - those "I had one little scar from a cat scratch when I was 7 and then my visa was denied because the doctor thought I was trying to hide a suicide attempt" - there is often more to those posts than the information revealed! Educate yourself on medical inadmissibility and what can and cannot cause a delay in visa issuance. Lots of really good links and information in this thread so far!

Good luck!

Melissa