Devistation

[Fudpukker 18]

Now you got me worried, what if when Rose goes to St. Lukes and gets the shaft..... I worry everyday about this.....

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Know how ya feel brother, it's a scary possibility in the Phils Just prepare yourself now for the worst, then hope for the very best

[Tahoma 2,291]

a doctor in the phils if they came to the states would only be a nurse here

Charlie...where did you get this crazy idea? It's just plain wrong.

Actually, in order to work as an RN in the U.S., a person must pass the NCLEX-RN. Very few (if any) doctors (including doctors in the U.S.) would pass this exam without first studying nursing.

let the real doctors at ST. Lukes see if they can tell she has it!!!

Here is a news flash for you, Charlie: those "real" doctors at St. Lukes are Filipino... ...just like the doctors you are slamming above.

@ Kevin...it is my understanding from reading about TB on previous VJ threads that the gold standard for diagnosing TB is an expensive blood test. If you haven't already done so, information on this subject is only a google away.

[DARUMA07 25]

@ Kevin...it is my understanding from reading about TB on previous VJ threads that the gold standard for diagnosing TB is an expensive blood test. If you haven't already done so, information on this subject is only a google away.

Here is the name of the new blood test!! ELISpot-Plus

Link to article on this subject matter.... http://www.healthnew...h-news-436.html

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Thanks Tahoma and Danny I wonder if it's an optional form of testing at St. Lukes yet though? They call the shots so we're at their mercy right?

[DARUMA07 25]

Thanks Tahoma and Danny I wonder if it's an optional form of testing at St. Lukes yet though? They call the shots so we're at their mercy right?

Yes sir, you are at their mecy! I still have a hunch this whole thing was a mis-diagnosis.... I don't see how the diagnosis was made that quick. Let's hope that it was!!!

[Tahoma 2,291]

Thanks Tahoma and Danny I wonder if it's an optional form of testing at St. Lukes yet though? They call the shots so we're at their mercy right?

Kevin...the TB blood test is not an option at SLEC. SLEC depends on the x-ray to decide whether a TB culture is warranted.

As an aside, my wife was an RN in the Philippines and is now working as an RN here in Seattle, so she has seen many x-ray machines. For what it's worth, she told me that SLEC has a very modern, hi-tech x-ray machine.

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Yes sir, you are at their mecy! I still have a hunch this whole thing was a mis-diagnosis.... I don't see how the diagnosis was made that quick. Let's hope that it was!!!

I really think so too I'm greatful to be finding out for sure on Thursday or so!! Thanks Danny!!

[DARUMA07 25]

I really think so too I'm greatful to be finding out for sure on Thursday or so!! Thanks Danny!!

Your welcome Kevin! We are all in this together! Believe me, I know how hard it is to be away from the one you love! There is nothing good about it! I will be thinking of you two this week. Let us know how it went for her!!

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Kevin...the TB blood test is not an option at SLEC. SLEC depends on the x-ray to decide whether a TB culture is warranted.

As an aside, my wife was an RN in the Philippines and is now working as an RN here in Seattle, so she has seen many x-ray machines. For what it's worth, she told me that SLEC has a very modern, hi-tech x-ray machine.

Thanks Tahoma. Merlaine said the xray there in Tac was pretty ancient. I'm sure most in the provinces are.

Your welcome Kevin! We are all in this together! Believe me, I know how hard it is to be away from the one you love! There is nothing good about it! I will be thinking of you two this week. Let us know how it went for her!!

I told her I wanted a close up of her vaccination wounds and the huge smile lol

[Tahoma 2,291]

Kevin...

I agree with Danny...there is a good possibility that Merlaine was not correctly diagnosed.

I say this for two reasons. First, her symptoms could fit any number of ailments. Second, an x-ray is a poor way to diagnose TB, especially when they use an ancient x-ray machine. Even hi-tech x-ray machines can't tell you whether or not someone has TB. That's why SLEC runs a culture when they see any spots on the lungs.

You may be worrying about nothing.

[George and Movi 1]

It is best to let her do the medical exams at St. Luke's the soonest. Her xray from other doctor will not be relied upon by St. Luke's although she can bring it with her during the med exams. St luke's will do a chest xray. If St. Luke's find something in the xray that would be suspected to be TB, then she will be required to undergo the 3 day Sputum Test. If the sputum tests turns out to be positive, then she has to undergo the treatment. The treatment is normally for 6 months. She will be required to do the "directly observed Therapy' at St. Luke's. That means she has to be at St. Luke's everyday for the next six months, to take her medications. That is the treatment required by the US.

However, should the sputum smear test turns out to be negative, then she has to wait another 2 months for the result of another test - the culture test. Should the culture test result be negative, then St. Luke's will schedule her interview. Otherwise, she will undergo the six months treatment at St. Luke's. My daughter went through this ordeal. \

Pls. bear in mind, that St. Luke's is the accredited clinic by the US embassy to do the medical exams, so its best that she goes for the medical exams the soonest.

Know this is real tough. But an early detection and treatment for her is the best!

Good luck!!

[Fudpukker 18]

Whats going on Kevin ? Its already May 4 there, any news ?

[Scott and Mhay 57]

we wont know anything until Merlaine goes back for the second day anyway.. she was doing 4-5 may right? 3 may was a holiday...dont know if they were doing any medicals that day.

[Fudpukker 18]

we wont know anything until Merlaine goes back for the second day anyway.. she was doing 4-5 may right? 3 may was a holiday...dont know if they were doing any medicals that day.

Yeah I totally forgot about that holiday, im just paranoid now....... its got me thinking and the thing is im probably worrying for nothing but nevertheless