Fiance went for Exam and Did Not pass Sputum Test

[luckymom 0]

Hi there! Don't worry too much because St. Luke's will take care of your fiancee so well. Last March, I had the most devastating incident when my son's x-ray turned suspicious and his interview was postponed. He is only 13 years old and he had 3 days of sputum culture. The results turned out a complete shock to me and he is now under medication. At first, my USC husband and I had a hard time accepting it, but what can we do? We had to abide what the rules are, and now he is on his 3rd month of medication and he will be up to September hopefully and the worst part is the additional two more months. Considering that he is only a kid made me really sick and I am so helpless. The only thing we can do is pray and hope for the best.

I hope your fiancee will be negative in her sputum test, with that she will be all set. Just give her the utmost moral support that she needs. Prayers to you both.

[BokGao 0]

At first it was hard for me to accept. I couldn't believe it. One more month of waiting. Almost every step of this process has been nothing but hurry up and wait. The second time was much harder to accept. She had gone to another doctor to do the test before she went for the official test. They didn't find anything but this doctor was not one that was recommended by the embassy and the results could not be accepted. She wanted the reassurance anyway. After we got the results, I flipped out. Even accusing her of sabotaging herself to fail so she wouldn't be able to come. (I had doubts at the time) In the end, knowing that it's out of our control, what else can you do but support her and encourage her. I too have a strong feeling that, after the second visit, that there was a chance that she might never past and might not be able to come over here. For now, I have to push those feelings aside.

Be sure to let us know how it went. I wish you and her the best of luck.

[JANETandLYLE 11]

At first it was hard for me to accept. I couldn't believe it. One more month of waiting. Almost every step of this process has been nothing but hurry up and wait. The second time was much harder to accept. She had gone to another doctor to do the test before she went for the official test. They didn't find anything but this doctor was not one that was recommended by the embassy and the results could not be accepted. She wanted the reassurance anyway. After we got the results, I flipped out. Even accusing her of sabotaging herself to fail so she wouldn't be able to come. (I had doubts at the time) In the end, knowing that it's out of our control, what else can you do but support her and encourage her. I too have a strong feeling that, after the second visit, that there was a chance that she might never past and might not be able to come over here. For now, I have to push those feelings aside.

Be sure to let us know how it went. I wish you and her the best of luck.

First, I want to thank everyone for all their kind words and support! Well, Janet is now back in Manila, and will report to St Luke's tomorrow morning at 6am to start these sputum test(s). After her last trip, as soon as she arrived back home in Cebu she went and had another test done there, which produced negative results (which I know can not be used for the Embassy). She has already started to take medications for the test I'm told. We will see what happens from here. I'm not going to get into this mode of thinking the worst at this stage. It sounds as though pretty well all of this is curable with proper medicines, and if that's what it takes, that's what we will do. I was asked what would happen between us if she don't pass. I told her, I will wait and we will find the cure. She responded by saying, "Thank You." I told her I have already made a committment to her, and I will be by her side through all of this. I will do a lot of praying, and wait and see what happens in regards to janet's results. I will keep you all updated. Thanks once again for your support!

[JANETandLYLE 11]

At first it was hard for me to accept. I couldn't believe it. One more month of waiting. Almost every step of this process has been nothing but hurry up and wait. The second time was much harder to accept. She had gone to another doctor to do the test before she went for the official test. They didn't find anything but this doctor was not one that was recommended by the embassy and the results could not be accepted. She wanted the reassurance anyway. After we got the results, I flipped out. Even accusing her of sabotaging herself to fail so she wouldn't be able to come. (I had doubts at the time) In the end, knowing that it's out of our control, what else can you do but support her and encourage her. I too have a strong feeling that, after the second visit, that there was a chance that she might never past and might not be able to come over here. For now, I have to push those feelings aside.

Be sure to let us know how it went. I wish you and her the best of luck.

First, I want to thank everyone for all their kind words and support! Well, Janet is now back in Manila, and will report to St Luke's tomorrow morning at 6am to start these sputum test(s). After her last trip, as soon as she arrived back home in Cebu she went and had another test done there, which produced negative results (which I know can not be used for the Embassy). She has already started to take medications for the test I'm told. We will see what happens from here. I'm not going to get into this mode of thinking the worst at this stage. It sounds as though pretty well all of this is curable with proper medicines, and if that's what it takes, that's what we will do. I was asked what would happen between us if she don't pass. I told her, I will wait and we will find the cure. She responded by saying, "Thank You." I told her I have already made a committment to her, and I will be by her side through all of this. I will do a lot of praying, and wait and see what happens in regards to janet's results. I will keep you all updated. Thanks once again for your support!

UPDATE: I had to send janet back to Manila for the sputum test which did involve spitting in a jar(s) for three days. Now we are on hold for a minimum of at least two months awaiting the results. If she is negative, then we can proceed to the interview. If positive, then she will be put on medications for six months (is what she is telling me) and then have to jump through the whole exam again coz her medical papers will be expired. I'm a bit confused by all of this yet, so I could have some details a bit wrong here. In the event she will need this "six month treatment" plan, does anyone know the approximate costs of all of this? Janet is telling me at this point she must go there daily to take this medicine. Why can she not take it where she lives in Cebu? I must assume they give it to her and watch that she takes it. My concern is the cost of having her basically move to Manila for six months and go through all this. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being a money miser, but only concerned of having enough resources in the event this happens to pay for all of this. Anyone have an idea of costs involved if this is the issue? Is this a common thing in the Philippines? Sounds like possible tuberculosis to me. I'm trying to plan for a worst case scenerio here. Something tells me we will be looking at treatment. Hope not but I got a funny feeling about this deal at St Luke's. Any advise or past experiences would be appreciated. Thanks, Lyle

Edited June 29, 2009 by JANETandLYLE

[MabuhayJimmy 3]

I am in a similar situation.

My fiancee had something in her chest x-ray on May 8th that caused her to come back 3 weeks later for a sputum, May 25th - 27th. This is AFTER they told her initially she “passed”. She was devastated. The sputum was "negative", and they gave her enough antibiotics for 1 week. They told her she will have results in 9 1/2 weeks on August 4th.

We are 5 weeks into the wait so far.

If she tests positive she may or may not have to go to St Luke’s Clinic every day for the meds (which I think are free). If she has to go to there each day I will get her a furnished apartment, the taxi ride each day back and forth from Bulacan would be too brutal. I think a few hundred dollars a month might get her a safe clean furnished place, I'm not sure. It doesn’t matter, I will pay.

I have told her that I love her, and I will wait for her NO MATTER WHAT. I mean it, I wont give up on her EVER. I love her more than ANYONE in the world. If I have to move there or to another country in Asia to have a life with her, I will. I tell her this EVERY DAY.

Your fiancee needs you more than ever, let her know that you are her ROCK. Ask yourself what life would be like without her? Would you be happy? Fulfilled? I have a great job, and make a verrry good salary. But she matters more to me than any job or lifestyle.

Note: In November 2008 I had her tested, sputum but no culture because we didn’t know about the culture or it's significance. The sputum was negative then too, and doctor said it is “phneunonitis”, that there was no TB.

Between the medical exam "failure" and the sputum at St Luke’s Clinic May 25th – 27th, I had her evaluated by a pulmonary specialist at Lt Luke's Hospital. He reviewed her November X-rays (no access to the May X-rays from the St Luke’s Clinic), examined her and said he thought “for sure it's TB”.

After after the sputum results May 25th - 27th, the St Luke's Clinic doctor said she thought it was 50-50 she has TB.

So what heck, who knows---we’ve had the entire spectrum of opinion. I suppose this is why they have the culture test to tell for certain.

All we can do is hang in there, meditate, pray, excercise...whatever gets you through...and keep supporting her man!

Chin up!

At first it was hard for me to accept. I couldn't believe it. One more month of waiting. Almost every step of this process has been nothing but hurry up and wait. The second time was much harder to accept. She had gone to another doctor to do the test before she went for the official test. They didn't find anything but this doctor was not one that was recommended by the embassy and the results could not be accepted. She wanted the reassurance anyway. After we got the results, I flipped out. Even accusing her of sabotaging herself to fail so she wouldn't be able to come. (I had doubts at the time) In the end, knowing that it's out of our control, what else can you do but support her and encourage her. I too have a strong feeling that, after the second visit, that there was a chance that she might never past and might not be able to come over here. For now, I have to push those feelings aside.

Be sure to let us know how it went. I wish you and her the best of luck.

First, I want to thank everyone for all their kind words and support! Well, Janet is now back in Manila, and will report to St Luke's tomorrow morning at 6am to start these sputum test(s). After her last trip, as soon as she arrived back home in Cebu she went and had another test done there, which produced negative results (which I know can not be used for the Embassy). She has already started to take medications for the test I'm told. We will see what happens from here. I'm not going to get into this mode of thinking the worst at this stage. It sounds as though pretty well all of this is curable with proper medicines, and if that's what it takes, that's what we will do. I was asked what would happen between us if she don't pass. I told her, I will wait and we will find the cure. She responded by saying, "Thank You." I told her I have already made a committment to her, and I will be by her side through all of this. I will do a lot of praying, and wait and see what happens in regards to janet's results. I will keep you all updated. Thanks once again for your support!

UPDATE: I had to send janet back to Manila for the sputum test which did involve spitting in a jar(s) for three days. Now we are on hold for a minimum of at least two months awaiting the results. If she is negative, then we can proceed to the interview. If positive, then she will be put on medications for six months (is what she is telling me) and then have to jump through the whole exam again coz her medical papers will be expired. I'm a bit confused by all of this yet, so I could have some details a bit wrong here. In the event she will need this "six month treatment" plan, does anyone know the approximate costs of all of this? Janet is telling me at this point she must go there daily to take this medicine. Why can she not take it where she lives in Cebu? I must assume they give it to her and watch that she takes it. My concern is the cost of having her basically move to Manila for six months and go through all this. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being a money miser, but only concerned of having enough resources in the event this happens to pay for all of this. Anyone have an idea of costs involved if this is the issue? Is this a common thing in the Philippines? Sounds like possible tuberculosis to me. I'm trying to plan for a worst case scenerio here. Something tells me we will be looking at treatment. Hope not but I got a funny feeling about this deal at St Luke's. Any advise or past experiences would be appreciated. Thanks, Lyle

[JANETandLYLE 11]

MabuhayJimmy, Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement. Its nice to know there is people here who support others situations. That's what makes this site what it is. Yes, we are awaiting the sputum results and should know more now on August 25th. It appears many don't get past the x-ray and then are required to return for the sputum test. It also seems many are found to be negative of tb at this point. I don't understand how there is so many people found to have issues up to this point, then come back with negative results. I wonder if this is just a pre-cautionary step. It costs lots of extra money to go through this, but my Fiance is worth it nevertheless. I feel and think exactly as you do, MabuhayJimmy. It takes what it takes, and she already knows that I am in it for the long haul if thats what it takes. I pray for anyone else in our situation, as it is frustrating at times, but is all necessary to be with the one we love. God Bless You All...I will keep you informed of our situation!

I am in a similar situation.

My fiancee had something in her chest x-ray on May 8th that caused her to come back 3 weeks later for a sputum, May 25th - 27th. This is AFTER they told her initially she “passed”. She was devastated. The sputum was "negative", and they gave her enough antibiotics for 1 week. They told her she will have results in 9 1/2 weeks on August 4th.

We are 5 weeks into the wait so far.

If she tests positive she may or may not have to go to St Luke’s Clinic every day for the meds (which I think are free). If she has to go to there each day I will get her a furnished apartment, the taxi ride each day back and forth from Bulacan would be too brutal. I think a few hundred dollars a month might get her a safe clean furnished place, I'm not sure. It doesn’t matter, I will pay.

I have told her that I love her, and I will wait for her NO MATTER WHAT. I mean it, I wont give up on her EVER. I love her more than ANYONE in the world. If I have to move there or to another country in Asia to have a life with her, I will. I tell her this EVERY DAY.

Your fiancee needs you more than ever, let her know that you are her ROCK. Ask yourself what life would be like without her? Would you be happy? Fulfilled? I have a great job, and make a verrry good salary. But she matters more to me than any job or lifestyle.

Note: In November 2008 I had her tested, sputum but no culture because we didn’t know about the culture or it's significance. The sputum was negative then too, and doctor said it is “phneunonitis”, that there was no TB.

Between the medical exam "failure" and the sputum at St Luke’s Clinic May 25th – 27th, I had her evaluated by a pulmonary specialist at Lt Luke's Hospital. He reviewed her November X-rays (no access to the May X-rays from the St Luke’s Clinic), examined her and said he thought “for sure it's TB”.

After after the sputum results May 25th - 27th, the St Luke's Clinic doctor said she thought it was 50-50 she has TB.

So what heck, who knows---we’ve had the entire spectrum of opinion. I suppose this is why they have the culture test to tell for certain.

All we can do is hang in there, meditate, pray, excercise...whatever gets you through...and keep supporting her man!

Chin up!

At first it was hard for me to accept. I couldn't believe it. One more month of waiting. Almost every step of this process has been nothing but hurry up and wait. The second time was much harder to accept. She had gone to another doctor to do the test before she went for the official test. They didn't find anything but this doctor was not one that was recommended by the embassy and the results could not be accepted. She wanted the reassurance anyway. After we got the results, I flipped out. Even accusing her of sabotaging herself to fail so she wouldn't be able to come. (I had doubts at the time) In the end, knowing that it's out of our control, what else can you do but support her and encourage her. I too have a strong feeling that, after the second visit, that there was a chance that she might never past and might not be able to come over here. For now, I have to push those feelings aside.

Be sure to let us know how it went. I wish you and her the best of luck.

First, I want to thank everyone for all their kind words and support! Well, Janet is now back in Manila, and will report to St Luke's tomorrow morning at 6am to start these sputum test(s). After her last trip, as soon as she arrived back home in Cebu she went and had another test done there, which produced negative results (which I know can not be used for the Embassy). She has already started to take medications for the test I'm told. We will see what happens from here. I'm not going to get into this mode of thinking the worst at this stage. It sounds as though pretty well all of this is curable with proper medicines, and if that's what it takes, that's what we will do. I was asked what would happen between us if she don't pass. I told her, I will wait and we will find the cure. She responded by saying, "Thank You." I told her I have already made a committment to her, and I will be by her side through all of this. I will do a lot of praying, and wait and see what happens in regards to janet's results. I will keep you all updated. Thanks once again for your support!

UPDATE: I had to send janet back to Manila for the sputum test which did involve spitting in a jar(s) for three days. Now we are on hold for a minimum of at least two months awaiting the results. If she is negative, then we can proceed to the interview. If positive, then she will be put on medications for six months (is what she is telling me) and then have to jump through the whole exam again coz her medical papers will be expired. I'm a bit confused by all of this yet, so I could have some details a bit wrong here. In the event she will need this "six month treatment" plan, does anyone know the approximate costs of all of this? Janet is telling me at this point she must go there daily to take this medicine. Why can she not take it where she lives in Cebu? I must assume they give it to her and watch that she takes it. My concern is the cost of having her basically move to Manila for six months and go through all this. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being a money miser, but only concerned of having enough resources in the event this happens to pay for all of this. Anyone have an idea of costs involved if this is the issue? Is this a common thing in the Philippines? Sounds like possible tuberculosis to me. I'm trying to plan for a worst case scenerio here. Something tells me we will be looking at treatment. Hope not but I got a funny feeling about this deal at St Luke's. Any advise or past experiences would be appreciated. Thanks, Lyle

[Mayra&Robin 0]

I have a question, was that at the embassy or at the doctor's office?

Ok, I'm not sure I'm settled down to talk about this, but figured I might get some insight into this from someone here on Visajourney. My fiance was advised at St. Luke's that there is an issue with her spatum test on the xray. Can anyone share any experiences in this area with me? She has to go back next week June 22, 23, and the 25th to have this checked. Any idea's? I'm maybe getting upset over nothing, but I thought I would ask here as maybe some have dealt with this themselves. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. I'm feeling very sick to my stomach right now. Thanks...

[treborie 0]

Ok, I'm not sure I'm settled down to talk about this, but figured I might get some insight into this from someone here on Visajourney. My fiance was advised at St. Luke's that there is an issue with her spatum test on the xray. Can anyone share any experiences in this area with me? She has to go back next week June 22, 23, and the 25th to have this checked. Any idea's? I'm maybe getting upset over nothing, but I thought I would ask here as maybe some have dealt with this themselves. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. I'm feeling very sick to my stomach right now. Thanks...

Hi,

I was wondering the outcome? I hope it turned out ok? DId she have to wait 3 months?

THe same happened to my fiance this past week. She has to go back to st lukes for the three days.

Im just wondering if its hype, routine or scam and exactly what to expect.

Hope you can share your experience

Thanks

Rob

[JANETandLYLE 11]

i also underwent a 2 months waiting for the sputum results.i also had cough and colds when i had my medical exams at SLEC,they found an abnormality on my xray that's why i was asked to have the 3 day tests and wait for 60 days.if during the waiting period she didnt get any calls from st luke's,she'll be asked to proceed with her immunization,but if they'll call her,it's more likely that she'll need to take medicines for 6-8mos.me and my husband were so devastated when we learned about the additional waiting time for us to be together,i know how u feel,but after this,what you have experienced will just be a memory of the past,most of the time,things like this happen because it has it's own purpose.just continue to give ur support to her,she need it the most now.

goodluck to both of u.

Well, Janet will call St Luke's on the 25th and find out where we stand in all of this after a two month wait. Up until now she has not gotten any calls from St Luke's so I don't know what that means. If its ture, unless they call you that your results are negative, we should be good to go unless she gets a call very soon now. I am being told if she needs the 6 month treatment, she needs to move to Manila for that stuff. I only know this is all getting exhausting, but Im not giving up. Please pray for us if you will. I will post once I know her results from the sputum test. Thanks.