Our K1 & K2 medical experience

[dbears 1]

Tips:

1. Load up on fruits and vitamin C a month or several weeks prior to medical to strengthen you immune system and increase your defense against common colds, flu, cough that might interfere with medical.

2.Photocopy the letter you received from USEM and see to it that your case number is clearly visible on the photocopy.

3. There should be one photocopy for each of the family member going for medical; if you have 2 or 3 kids then you should have 3 or 4 copies including one for you.

4. If you have not received letter from embassy yet and you want to go for early medical, you can photocopy the NVC letter clearly which contains your MNL case number and use it in lieu of embassy letter.

5. If you have kids, you need to orient them that they will be asked to remove their clothes during one part of the medical exam so that they will know what to expect and there won't be struggle when that part comes.

6. Have 2 photocopies of your kids immunization record (and your record also if you still have one) but don't forget to bring the original record. If you've lost your child's immunization record, don't worry, it will only mean the child will have more vaccine shots compared to one who have record to show. NO ADDITIONAL cost for getting more vaccine coz we actually paid for all those anyway.

7. For applicants from the provinces, prepare to stay 4DAYS in Manila just for medical alone if you have kids going for medical with you.

8. If you want to buy a plastic holder for your xray plate just buy from the little store beside SLEC or the store across the street, the sell the plastic holder for PHP30 whereas those who are selling directly outside SLEC (the roving vendors) sells it for PHP50. (a peso saved is still a peso earned)

9. Make sure you and your child have good lunch especially during immunization day. (not too early pls and not too light)

As per advice by other members, I chose to start medical on a Tuesday not Monday and went there 1pm.

1st DAY:May 13, 2008

The guard asked me to have 3 photocopies of my confirmation letter so I had to cross the street to photocopy it. The guard then gave me data forms to fill in and also gave me a copy of medical process flowchart for the first and second day.

Actually the whole process for me was just the usual, nothing extraordinary so let me just focus on my kids medical for the benefit of other KWEL Mommas here on VJ.

After paying we were told to go to 2^nd floor for immunization interview and also for the kids' skin test. Once inside one of the immunization interview cubicle, the friendly doctor inquired and noted down our medical history and then asked if we have had chicken pox and asked me to point to any visible chicken pox scar. Based on interview answers and my daughter's immunization record, she told me how many shots each of us will have later on in the process.

Some vaccine shots are in successions, meaning we need to have repeat shots(2^nd & 3^rd dose) after a few months. There are also vaccines which can't be given same time with a specific type of vaccine so it would need to be administered at a different time in a definite time interval. Because of these, I asked the doctor if it will be ok to have 2^nd dose or additional shots with any local pediatrician and she said: Yes, it is ok, no problem at all. It will also be ok if you will have your 2^nd dose in the states.

After which, she told me that it was now standard for every child going to US to undergo the PPD skin test. She then asked me to sign the waiver for my kids and she then:

1. instructed my kids to extend their right arm

2. cleaned a portion of their arm with cotton ball soaked in alcohol

3. injected the PPD(purified protein derivative) into their arms

It was May 13, 2:45PM when my kids had the PPD injection. The doctor told me to come back for the reading @3PM on May 15. She also told me that I could come back for laboratory, PE, and xray results and immunization on the 15^th.

After that:

1. we went to 3^rd floor for xray (kids was not included yet)

2. Then off to 4^th floor for the urine test and blood extraction (kids are exempted).

3. Then to 5^th floor for the PE. A female doctor will check female applicants and male doctor for male applicants. The same hold true for kids: female doctor for female child and male doctor for male child. The mother or guardian will be asked to accompany the child in the PE room.

My son was the first one to have the PE. I accompanied him inside the cubicle while my daughter waited outside. The doctor asked my son:

1. What is your name?

2. How old are you?

3. When is your birthday?

4. What grade are you in?

5. 1+1?

6. 2+2?

I tried answering the first two questions at first but the doctor brushed me off and told me to let the child answer. (Well, I can't help being a stage mother noh?) The doctor then directed some medical history related questions to me, then told my son that he needs to check him up and that he needs to disrobe. MD (Medical Doctor) checked my son briefly then we were done.

Next PE, my son waited outside while I and my daughter went to a female doctor's cubicle. It was the same process for my daughter, she was also asked almost the same set of questions minus the "1+1 & 1+2". Then she was checked and after she was done I was also checked very briefly. And that was the end of our first day.

2nd DAY: May 15, 2008

We went back to SLEC 2:30pm but was still made to wait till 3PM before we had the skin test reading. And as with the majority of kids who had the skin test, my kids were declared positive and were asked to undergo chest xray. So off to 3^rd floor we go.

Male child will have the xray at the male xray room while female child will have it at the female xray room. I was not asked to accompany them. My daughter had to repeat xray coz she breathed before she was told to.

After xray, we went back to 2^nd floor for my immunization. I was given 2shots and then they told me that they will release my results together with my kids' results which would be the following day. So we went out of SLEC immediately after my immunization.

3^rd DAY: May 16, 2008

We went back to SLEC around 1PM but it was probably almost 4PM before my kids was accommodated in the immunization room. My son had 4shots because I lost his immunization record while my daughter had 3 shots because I was able to bring her immunization record. There was a feamale teenager there who had to endure 6 shots all in all, 2in each arms and 1 on each of her legs. Well, she almost fainted probably due to combination of needle fright and too early lunch (she had brunch around 10am and it was past 4already)

After immunization we were off to releasing area and went out of SLEC around 5:45PM with a smile on our face because finally, one less visa process hurdled successfully.

Thankfully, my kids did not suffer from fever after immunization. Not immediately after, not in a few hours, not even after a day or 2. Same goes for me, the only downside we felt was a little heaviness on the forearm which went away after a day. And my kids did not cry during PPD test nor during immunization.

[dbears 1]

<h2 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common">PPD'>http://exslt.org/common">PPD skin test</h2><h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> Definition </h3>The PPD skin test is a method used to diagnose tuberculosis. PPD stands for purified protein derivative.

<h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> Alternative Names </h3> Purified protein derivative standard; TB skin test; Tuberculin skin test <h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> How the Test is Performed </h3>The test site (usually the forearm) is cleansed. The PPD extract is then injected under the top layer of skin, causing a blister to form on the skin.

The reaction will take 48 - 72 hours to develop. You must return to your health care provider within that time to have the area checked. This will determine whether you have had a significant reaction to the PPD test. A reaction is measured in millimeters of hard swelling (induration) at the site.

<h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> How to Prepare for the Test </h3>There is no special preparation for this test.

Tell your health care provider if you have ever had a positive PPD skin test. If so, you should not have a repeat PPD test.

Tell your doctor if you have a medical condition or if you take certain drugs, such as steroids, that can affect your immune system. These situations may lead to inaccurate test results.

<h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> How the Test Will Feel </h3>You will feel a brief sting as a needle is inserted just below the skin surface.

<h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> Why the Test is Performed </h3>The test is done to find out if you have been infected with tuberculosis.

<h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> Normal Results </h3>A negative reaction (no induration) or a level of hard swelling that falls below the cutoff for each risk group may mean that a person has not been infected with the bacteria that cause TB. There are different cutoffs for children, people with HIV, and other risk groups.

Unfortunately, this is not a perfect test, and up to 20% of people infected with tuberculosis may not have a reaction on the PPD skin test. In addition, certain conditions that affect the immune system (cancer, recent chemotherapy, late-stage AIDS) may cause a false-negative test result.

<h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> What Abnormal Results Mean </h3>The results of the test depend on the size of the skin reaction and on the person being tested.

A small reaction (5 mm of hard swelling at the site) is considered to be positive in people who have HIV, who are taking steroid therapy, or who have been in close contact with a person who has active tuberculosis.

Larger reactions (greater than or equal to 10 mm) are considered positive in people with diabetes or kidney failure, and in health care workers, among others. In people with no known risks for tuberculosis, a positive reaction requires 15 mm or more of hard swelling at the site.

<h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> Risks </h3>There is a very small risk of severe redness and swelling of the arm in people who have had a previous positive PPD test and who have the test again. There also have been a few cases of this reaction in people who have not been tested before.

<h3 xmlns:exsl="http://exslt.org/common"> Considerations </h3>A positive skin test does not necessarily mean that a person has active tuberculosis. More tests will be done to check whether active disease is present. Many people who were born outside the United States may have had a vaccine called "BCG," which can lead to a false-positive test result.

source:http://www.medhelp.org/Medical-Dictionary/Terms/1/003839.htm ://http://www.medhelp.org/Medical-Dict...s/1/003839.htm ://http://www.medhelp.org/Medical-Dict...s/1/003839.htm

[dbears 1]

This is will a double post but the PPD skin test above was actually messed up and I can't edit it . This is for the benefit of all other applicants who will have kids in tow. I hope this will help.

PPD skin test Definition

The PPD skin test is a method used to diagnose tuberculosis. PPD stands for purified protein derivative.

How the Test is Performed

The test site (usually the forearm) is cleansed. The PPD extract is then injected under the top layer of skin, causing a blister to form on the skin.

The reaction will take 48 - 72 hours to develop. You must return to your health care provider within that time to have the area checked. This will determine whether you have had a significant reaction to the PPD test. A reaction is measured in millimeters of hard swelling (induration) at the site.

How to Prepare for the Test

There is no special preparation for this test.

Tell your health care provider if you have ever had a positive PPD skin test. If so, you should not have a repeat PPD test.

Tell your doctor if you have a medical condition or if you take certain drugs, such as steroids, that can affect your immune system. These situations may lead to inaccurate test results.

How the Test Will Feel

You will feel a brief sting as a needle is inserted just below the skin surface.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is done to find out if you have been infected with tuberculosis.

Normal Results

A negative reaction (no induration) or a level of hard swelling that falls below the cutoff for each risk group may mean that a person has not been infected with the bacteria that cause TB. There are different cutoffs for children, people with HIV, and other risk groups.

Unfortunately, this is not a perfect test, and up to 20% of people infected with tuberculosis may not have a reaction on the PPD skin test. In addition, certain conditions that affect the immune system (cancer, recent chemotherapy, late-stage AIDS) may cause a false-negative test result.

What Abnormal Results Mean

The results of the test depend on the size of the skin reaction and on the person being tested.

A small reaction (5 mm of hard swelling at the site) is considered to be positive in people who have HIV, who are taking steroid therapy, or who have been in close contact with a person who has active tuberculosis.

Larger reactions (greater than or equal to 10 mm) are considered positive in people with diabetes or kidney failure, and in health care workers, among others. In people with no known risks for tuberculosis, a positive reaction requires 15 mm or more of hard swelling at the site.

Risks

There is a very small risk of severe redness and swelling of the arm in people who have had a previous positive PPD test and who have the test again. There also have been a few cases of this reaction in people who have not been tested before.

Considerations

A positive skin test does not necessarily mean that a person has active tuberculosis. More tests will be done to check whether active disease is present. Many people who were born outside the United States may have had a vaccine called "BCG," which can lead to a false-positive test result.

source:http://www.medhelp.org/Medical-Dictionary/Terms/1/003839.htm ://http://www.medhelp.org/Medical-Dict...s/1/003839.htm ://http://www.medhelp.org/Medical-Dict...s/1/003839.htm ://http://www.medhelp.org/Medical-Dict...s/1/003839.htm

[dbears 1]

Sample of positive PPD skin test, I believe the dark red dots on each side is just a ballpen or marker, just for the attendant to have a definite measurement points. they will use a tiny ruler to measure the induration.

[o0pink0o 3]

thanks for sharing your tips. i'll surely eat fruits before my interview ( pero mejo matagal pa yun hehe ) and WOW! bilib ako sa mga kids mo ., they didn't cry sa immunization at saka salamat din sa info about PPD Congrats again and i hope ull get ur visa and ur kids visas soon!

PiNk

[gabrielle08 0]

Tips:

1. Load up on fruits and vitamin C a month or several weeks prior to medical to strengthen you immune system and increase your defense against common colds, flu, cough that might interfere with medical.

2.Photocopy the letter you received from USEM and see to it that your case number is clearly visible on the photocopy.

3. There should be one photocopy for each of the family member going for medical; if you have 2 or 3 kids then you should have 3 or 4 copies including one for you.

4. If you have not received letter from embassy yet and you want to go for early medical, you can photocopy the NVC letter clearly which contains your MNL case number and use it in lieu of embassy letter.

5. If you have kids, you need to orient them that they will be asked to remove their clothes during one part of the medical exam so that they will know what to expect and there won't be struggle when that part comes.

6. Have 2 photocopies of your kids immunization record (and your record also if you still have one) but don't forget to bring the original record. If you've lost your child's immunization record, don't worry, it will only mean the child will have more vaccine shots compared to one who have record to show. NO ADDITIONAL cost for getting more vaccine coz we actually paid for all those anyway.

7. For applicants from the provinces, prepare to stay 4DAYS in Manila just for medical alone if you have kids going for medical with you.

8. If you want to buy a plastic holder for your xray plate just buy from the little store beside SLEC or the store across the street, the sell the plastic holder for PHP30 whereas those who are selling directly outside SLEC (the roving vendors) sells it for PHP50. (a peso saved is still a peso earned)

9. Make sure you and your child have good lunch especially during immunization day. (not too early pls and not too light)

As per advice by other members, I chose to start medical on a Tuesday not Monday and went there 1pm.

1st DAY:May 13, 2008

The guard asked me to have 3 photocopies of my confirmation letter so I had to cross the street to photocopy it. The guard then gave me data forms to fill in and also gave me a copy of medical process flowchart for the first and second day.

Actually the whole process for me was just the usual, nothing extraordinary so let me just focus on my kids medical for the benefit of other KWEL Mommas here on VJ.

After paying we were told to go to 2^nd floor for immunization interview and also for the kids' skin test. Once inside one of the immunization interview cubicle, the friendly doctor inquired and noted down our medical history and then asked if we have had chicken pox and asked me to point to any visible chicken pox scar. Based on interview answers and my daughter's immunization record, she told me how many shots each of us will have later on in the process.

Some vaccine shots are in successions, meaning we need to have repeat shots(2^nd & 3^rd dose) after a few months. There are also vaccines which can't be given same time with a specific type of vaccine so it would need to be administered at a different time in a definite time interval. Because of these, I asked the doctor if it will be ok to have 2^nd dose or additional shots with any local pediatrician and she said: Yes, it is ok, no problem at all. It will also be ok if you will have your 2^nd dose in the states.

After which, she told me that it was now standard for every child going to US to undergo the PPD skin test. She then asked me to sign the waiver for my kids and she then:

1. instructed my kids to extend their right arm

2. cleaned a portion of their arm with cotton ball soaked in alcohol

3. injected the PPD(purified protein derivative) into their arms

It was May 13, 2:45PM when my kids had the PPD injection. The doctor told me to come back for the reading @3PM on May 15. She also told me that I could come back for laboratory, PE, and xray results and immunization on the 15^th.

After that:

1. we went to 3^rd floor for xray (kids was not included yet)

2. Then off to 4^th floor for the urine test and blood extraction (kids are exempted).

3. Then to 5^th floor for the PE. A female doctor will check female applicants and male doctor for male applicants. The same hold true for kids: female doctor for female child and male doctor for male child. The mother or guardian will be asked to accompany the child in the PE room.

My son was the first one to have the PE. I accompanied him inside the cubicle while my daughter waited outside. The doctor asked my son:

1. What is your name?

2. How old are you?

3. When is your birthday?

4. What grade are you in?

5. 1+1?

6. 2+2?

I tried answering the first two questions at first but the doctor brushed me off and told me to let the child answer. (Well, I can't help being a stage mother noh?) The doctor then directed some medical history related questions to me, then told my son that he needs to check him up and that he needs to disrobe. MD (Medical Doctor) checked my son briefly then we were done.

Next PE, my son waited outside while I and my daughter went to a female doctor's cubicle. It was the same process for my daughter, she was also asked almost the same set of questions minus the "1+1 & 1+2". Then she was checked and after she was done I was also checked very briefly. And that was the end of our first day.

2nd DAY: May 15, 2008

We went back to SLEC 2:30pm but was still made to wait till 3PM before we had the skin test reading. And as with the majority of kids who had the skin test, my kids were declared positive and were asked to undergo chest xray. So off to 3^rd floor we go.

Male child will have the xray at the male xray room while female child will have it at the female xray room. I was not asked to accompany them. My daughter had to repeat xray coz she breathed before she was told to.

After xray, we went back to 2^nd floor for my immunization. I was given 2shots and then they told me that they will release my results together with my kids' results which would be the following day. So we went out of SLEC immediately after my immunization.

3^rd DAY: May 16, 2008

We went back to SLEC around 1PM but it was probably almost 4PM before my kids was accommodated in the immunization room. My son had 4shots because I lost his immunization record while my daughter had 3 shots because I was able to bring her immunization record. There was a feamale teenager there who had to endure 6 shots all in all, 2in each arms and 1 on each of her legs. Well, she almost fainted probably due to combination of needle fright and too early lunch (she had brunch around 10am and it was past 4already)

After immunization we were off to releasing area and went out of SLEC around 5:45PM with a smile on our face because finally, one less visa process hurdled successfully.

Thankfully, my kids did not suffer from fever after immunization. Not immediately after, not in a few hours, not even after a day or 2. Same goes for me, the only downside we felt was a little heaviness on the forearm which went away after a day. And my kids did not cry during PPD test nor during immunization.

Hi,

Goodluck te,..And thanks for the info ..Nice meeting you and I really want talking with you more that night but i had to work ..You are a nice and your kid too..Well..Pls post some of our photo pala and Congrat's na rin ..Wish you all the best..

jhen

[dbears 1]

thanks for sharing your tips. i'll surely eat fruits before my interview ( pero mejo matagal pa yun hehe ) and WOW! bilib ako sa mga kids mo ., they didn't cry sa immunization at saka salamat din sa info about PPD Congrats again and i hope ull get ur visa and ur kids visas soon!

PiNk

Your welcome dear and thank you rin for the well wishes... i hope and pray that you would soon get the NOA2.

God's blessings always.

Hi,

Goodluck te,..And thanks for the info ..Nice meeting you and I really want talking with you more that night but i had to work ..You are a nice and your kid too..Well..Pls post some of our photo pala and Congrat's na rin ..Wish you all the best..

jhen

It was nice meeting you and everybody too. Sana nga kitakits uli noh...

Hope you'd get the NOA2 soonest. My prayers are always with you.

[AllRightsReserved 0]

Hello Gay, welcome back! Thanks for sharing, this is my most awaited part.LOL. I can't oftenly be online 'coz am so busy with my family who just arrived.

Am so happy for you. I haven't read everything about your latest posts but I'll try to find time soon. My congratulations and happy for you.

God bless and may your visa be on hand soon.

[timcass_12 5]

Hello Gay -

Thanks so much for sharing your medical experience with us. I'll be having my medical tomorrow, Monday and so I hope I'll make it through the crowded SLEC and won't have to wait overtime just to finish my medical. Take care and God Bless.

timcass_12

[dbears 1]

Hello Gay, welcome back! Thanks for sharing, this is my most awaited part.LOL. I can't oftenly be online 'coz am so busy with my family who just arrived.

Am so happy for you. I haven't read everything about your latest posts but I'll try to find time soon. My congratulations and happy for you.

God bless and may your visa be on hand soon.

I had to write the medical experience with you and other mommies in mind.

I have not been posting much coz had been very busy din with kids camp sa church, then other church activities pa, our last HURAH before the youths and kids go back to school.

I hope you will soon recieve the NOA 2. God's blessings always.

Hello Gay -

Thanks so much for sharing your medical experience with us. I'll be having my medical tomorrow, Monday and so I hope I'll make it through the crowded SLEC and won't have to wait overtime just to finish my medical. Take care and God Bless.

timcass_12

You will do great Cass.

God bless always.