Medical question

[to_hope 0]

Hi all,

My personal doctor is very thorough and since I'm anticipating my immigration medical, he is even more so! I have a slight heart murmur so I had two heart-tests done (which were fine but I'll take the results with me to the medical). Today I got my second gardisil dose and I asked what my blood type is (out of curiosity) and suddenly my doctor is sending me to get blood taken for blood type, HIV status, and a whole list of other things. He said he wants me to know the results before I go for the immigration medical since I am prepared.

Anyways- when I was 6 years old I had an infectious bone disease called Osteomylitis. I was in the hospital for a while and wore a back-brace, but since grade 1 it has been in remission. It is not contagious and basically caused a disk in my back to get "smushed." It doesn't affect my life now at all except for the occasional twinge if I overdo it (lift too many heavy things for example). My doctor suggested that the doctor who does my immigration medical might find this to be a problem and have me undergo an MRI- which would be $600 since it is not medically required. That is a lot of money so now I am worried!

Does anyone have experience with having an in remission childhood illness OR having a bone condition? How did it affect your medical (and ultimately your visa)?

Thanks!

[payxibka 10,047]

medical exam is to determine visa ineligibilities.... some contagious diseases could be a problem... A heart condition or a bone disease does not seem to fit that definition..

If you google "visa ineligibilities" you will see the definition.

[to_hope 0]

medical exam is to determine visa ineligibilities.... some contagious diseases could be a problem... A heart condition or a bone disease does not seem to fit that definition..

If you google "visa ineligibilities" you will see the definition.

That is what I have understood so far, but I read on this board a while ago that someone went and the immigration doctor discovered a heart murmur. He send her to have an EKG test-- heart murmurs aren't contagious, so I wondered why she needed to have that done? Maybe it was to make sure that the murmur wasn't a result of a contagious illness? (I'm not worried about my heart- just the back condition and having to get an MRI)

[TheATeam 0]

I have chronic asthma, as well as a few surgeries on my ears when I was a kid. I didn't have any problem at the medical at all. What they're looking for during the medical is HIV or other STDs that are communicable. They're also looking for illnesses that would keep you from working when in the states. They want to make sure you're not a "drain on the economy" as I understand it and can pull your weight. It doesn't sound like your back keeps you from doing anything, except heavy lifting. You're going to be just fine! I haven't heard of a doctor asking for an MRI at the medical. You'll just get a chest xray.

The medical was the most worrisome part for me as well, but it turned out to be easy. Just be honest when you fill out your form. I had my medical in Vancouver and the receptionist there was awesome. She told me that if I had any chronic illnesses to get my doctor to write a note explaining them and what medication I was on. That should help as well. Good luck and it's all going to be fine!

Edited to add: They would be worried about a heart murmur because it could possibly render the person incapable of working and having to go on welfare. At least that's what I've been lead to believe.

Edited December 12, 2008 by TheATeam

[to_hope 0]

I have chronic asthma, as well as a few surgeries on my ears when I was a kid. I didn't have any problem at the medical at all. What they're looking for during the medical is HIV or other STDs that are communicable. They're also looking for illnesses that would keep you from working when in the states. They want to make sure you're not a "drain on the economy" as I understand it and can pull your weight. It doesn't sound like your back keeps you from doing anything, except heavy lifting. You're going to be just fine! I haven't heard of a doctor asking for an MRI at the medical. You'll just get a chest xray.

The medical was the most worrisome part for me as well, but it turned out to be easy. Just be honest when you fill out your form. I had my medical in Vancouver and the receptionist there was awesome. She told me that if I had any chronic illnesses to get my doctor to write a note explaining them and what medication I was on. That should help as well. Good luck and it's all going to be fine!

This information is very helpful; thank you for sharing. I'm feeling better about it after reading this!

[chris-lei 1]

Medical problem that will warrant visa denial are contagious diseases such as syphilis and HIV/AIDS. The communicable Tb wil be treated first before the applicant will be given a visa to enter US, but still most of treated TB patient/applicants were given visa.

Another medical problem that the immigration officers are looking for are mental illnesses that will render the applicant dangerous to others and herself.

Regarding your heart murmur, it is not contagious, however, they want to make sure that sure illness will not make to a public charge to the US government. They might think that you want to migrate to the US to get free medical attention.

So to prove them that you will not be a public charge to the US, EKG and/or 2Decho might be done.

Does your heart problem affect your daily life? Are you aware of what causes it? Rheumatic heart fever or congenital heart disease? Do you know the grade of your murmur?

[wowswift 3]

If it will make you feel even more comfortable, maybe get your doctor to write something about it and how you've been ok or get your medical history. They probably won't even ask, but even after the move, your medical history can be useful.

[SonoranSongbird 3]

medical exam is to determine visa ineligibilities.... some contagious diseases could be a problem... A heart condition or a bone disease does not seem to fit that definition..

If you google "visa ineligibilities" you will see the definition.

That is what I have understood so far, but I read on this board a while ago that someone went and the immigration doctor discovered a heart murmur. He send her to have an EKG test-- heart murmurs aren't contagious, so I wondered why she needed to have that done? Maybe it was to make sure that the murmur wasn't a result of a contagious illness? (I'm not worried about my heart- just the back condition and having to get an MRI)

Could be because if the doctor finds something that could potentially impact your health, whether related to immigration or not, he would be pretty remiss not to suggest follow up for medical reasons.

[to_hope 0]

Medical problem that will warrant visa denial are contagious diseases such as syphilis and HIV/AIDS. The communicable Tb wil be treated first before the applicant will be given a visa to enter US, but still most of treated TB patient/applicants were given visa.

Another medical problem that the immigration officers are looking for are mental illnesses that will render the applicant dangerous to others and herself.

Regarding your heart murmur, it is not contagious, however, they want to make sure that sure illness will not make to a public charge to the US government. They might think that you want to migrate to the US to get free medical attention.

So to prove them that you will not be a public charge to the US, EKG and/or 2Decho might be done.

Does your heart problem affect your daily life? Are you aware of what causes it? Rheumatic heart fever or congenital heart disease? Do you know the grade of your murmur?

I've already had and EKG and one other test- my heart is fine. My murmur is only a grade 1 which means it is sometimes heard and sometimes not. Thanks for the information about being a public charge. If I wanted free medical attention I would stay in Canada! lol

[Cassie 8]

I had a stroke 2 years before applying for my K-1 visa, and was still under my doctor's monitoring for my blood thinner medication as a result of that. I had no difficulties with the medical. Others I have seen are cancer survivors, etc etc -- also had no problems. If it makes you feel better, take a letter from your doctor explaining your situation and current health, you should be fine

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You should have no problem. I have a type B condition - type 1 diabetes - and had no problems at all. Contrary to what others have said, since your future husband will be signing a contract with the government ensuring your financial care - including medical care - they are not looking for proof that you will be potentially unable to support yourself. Your husband is signing a contract to support you and that is what will guarantee you are not a drain on the US government. The affidavit of support is in effect until you earn 40 quarters of work related benefits, become a US citizen, leave the country permanently or either of you die - pretty safe bet for them that you won't be a welfare risk.

Good luck at the medical - it really is the easiest medical you will ever encounter. They definitely won't send you for an MRI.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Most dr's (health professionals) couldn't even pick up a Grade 1!! U should be fine!!

[to_hope 0]

You should have no problem. I have a type B condition - type 1 diabetes - and had no problems at all. Contrary to what others have said, since your future husband will be signing a contract with the government ensuring your financial care - including medical care - they are not looking for proof that you will be potentially unable to support yourself. Your husband is signing a contract to support you and that is what will guarantee you are not a drain on the US government. The affidavit of support is in effect until you earn 40 quarters of work related benefits, become a US citizen, leave the country permanently or either of you die - pretty safe bet for them that you won't be a welfare risk.

Good luck at the medical - it really is the easiest medical you will ever encounter. They definitely won't send you for an MRI.

Thanks for this info- I was confused about why they would be worried about me becoming a public charge when the paperwork so clearly stated that I Was not eligible for aid (or at least, that I would have to pay it back if I use it).

Thanks everyone for the reassurance. I feel a lot better about it now!

[Reba 2]

Regarding your heart murmur, it is not contagious, however, they want to make sure that sure illness will not make to a public charge to the US government. They might think that you want to migrate to the US to get free medical attention.

Move from CANADA to the US to get free medical attention!? That's a larf and a half

[to_hope 0]

Regarding your heart murmur, it is not contagious, however, they want to make sure that sure illness will not make to a public charge to the US government. They might think that you want to migrate to the US to get free medical attention.

Move from CANADA to the US to get free medical attention!? That's a larf and a half

I know, eh?!