6 month TB treatment

[jacabatic 5]

thank you so much for the prayers,, i just came home from st. lukes today and yes i passed it,, god is so good all the time

good to know you passed your medical , goodluck at your interview

She will have to show up every day. They use Direct Observed Therapy (DOT) where they watch her take the pills. On weekends and holidays she will be given extra pills to take when the clinic is closed. For special situations they may give her a few days of pills to take so she can travel. I took my fiancee to Boracay, Cambodia and a few other places and we were able to arrange about 15-20 days "leave" during the 6 months with pills provided when we traveled. But this is best done by letter from the petitioner.

If she misses a day, then they will add it on the end. If she misses too many they may add a month or more. She will have a card they need to sign off on for almost every day.

Something else to consider - travel to and from the clinic. Many people travel and hour or more each way. Even from Pasay it can be an hour by jeepney. So a two hour wait at the clinic becomes a 4 hour or more ordeal... DAILY. I advise you live as close to the clinic as possible.

Some other considerations -

Go with her to the clinic early on. Be nice and introduce yourself to the doctors and staff. Be friendly and let them know who you are.

Make sure she takes this seriously. You should not skip even ONCE.

Cut out all alcohol, smoking, etc during this time. The medications are hard on your body. She needs to stay healthy. Exercise.

The DOT is serious business and many people do not take it as such. They skip too many times, or they do not stay healthy. As a result at the end of the six months they can have the therapy extended.

It will be a long and hard six months. Best of luck.

really good advice from you =) thank you =) thank you

[PhilAmTx 14]

8 months of medical? =(..this seems so near yet so far

just 6 months, medications. but after the medications,she need to get re-medical(you will pay again for it) then after the re-medical you have to wait for the result that takes couple of weeks or month.then after the result she needs to get schedule for embassy ...thats why i say 8 months.that ncludes embassy and visa waiting..

[beejay 123]

Mapletree - What a helpful post. I'm sure future readers will also benefit from all that information.

St. Luke's may be large but it clearly is functioning beyond the capacity of what it can handle. I wish someone could tell me why the US embassy in Philippines doesn't get another clinic contracted/certified to help handle the workload. St. Luke's is just a bottleneck right now.

jacabatic - Stay strong you and your wife will get through this.

[jacabatic 5]

just 6 months, medications. but after the medications,she need to get re-medical(you will pay again for it) then after the re-medical you have to wait for the result that takes couple of weeks or month.then after the result she needs to get schedule for embassy ...thats why i say 8 months.that ncludes embassy and visa waiting..

thanks .

Mapletree - What a helpful post. I'm sure future readers will also benefit from all that information.

St. Luke's may be large but it clearly is functioning beyond the capacity of what it can handle. I wish someone could tell me why the US embassy in Philippines doesn't get another clinic contracted/certified to help handle the workload. St. Luke's is just a bottleneck right now.

jacabatic - Stay strong you and your wife will get through this.

this is so hectic..=/

[southcalhog 43]

Mapletree - What a helpful post. I'm sure future readers will also benefit from all that information.

St. Luke's may be large but it clearly is functioning beyond the capacity of what it can handle. I wish someone could tell me why the US embassy in Philippines doesn't get another clinic contracted/certified to help handle the workload. St. Luke's is just a bottleneck right now.

jacabatic - Stay strong you and your wife will get through this.

You right Beejay, Mapletree gave a very informed Post and I am sure it is appreciated by so many Thanks again Mapletree!

[Loida and Ed 11]

Hi....

What a messed up day for us here. Im sponsoring my fiancee and her 3 school aged children, all from Cebu. Our interview at the embassy is 3 Oct.

Today the two youngest went in to get their tb tests read and the 14 year olds injection area was classified as positive. So off they went to get a xray

and they have to come back tomorrow.

If Im taking this right,,, ST L's asks for ODT ( Observed daily Treatment) for 6 months..

By then, all 4 medicals will expire, and im sure i will have to redo.. They cant go back to cebu because of St L's ODT policy ?

any thoughts ? suggestions?

ed

[beejay 123]

Hi....

What a messed up day for us here. Im sponsoring my fiancee and her 3 school aged children, all from Cebu. Our interview at the embassy is 3 Oct.

Today the two youngest went in to get their tb tests read and the 14 year olds injection area was classified as positive. So off they went to get a xray

and they have to come back tomorrow.

If Im taking this right,,, ST L's asks for ODT ( Observed daily Treatment) for 6 months..

By then, all 4 medicals will expire, and im sure i will have to redo.. They cant go back to cebu because of St L's ODT policy ?

any thoughts ? suggestions?

ed

If the kids had the TB vaccine or have ever been exposed to TB it will cause a positive reaction. I think more often than not kids will test positive from the skin test, so it isn't a cause for concern yet. If the results of the xray show any possible signs of TB then they will do an 8 week sputum culture and from that will decide if the child needs to be put on 6 month treatment. I believe if the sputum is done your stepson will not be able to interview until that is complete. I hope someone else can confirm or deny that.

I agree that keeping a 14 year from school for 6 months to take medication that could be administered locally is a problem and an indicator that a change in policy is needed. I hope this is a problem you won't have to confront.

[Loida and Ed 11]

Update...

Day 1 of sputum test was accomplished today at St L, up on the rooftop. ( Maybe they find that its easier for people to cough up stuff while standing atop a tall building in manila.....bad joke but really... why the rooftop).

So, for now,, It's just my Fiancee and her son there this time, as the other children are in Laguna ( a 2 hour ride away).

I understand the CDC requirements an also their idiology, tho i dont agree with St Lukes being the "only" accredited institution that can perform this. Maybe not a problem too much for metro Manila VJ members, but when your coming from another island (Cebu), its an overwhelming task, especially when the one who is at issue is a minor.

I still have hope that after 2 months he can get clearance.

Ed

If the kids had the TB vaccine or have ever been exposed to TB it will cause a positive reaction. I think more often than not kids will test positive from the skin test, so it isn't a cause for concern yet. If the results of the xray show any possible signs of TB then they will do an 8 week sputum culture and from that will decide if the child needs to be put on 6 month treatment. I believe if the sputum is done your stepson will not be able to interview until that is complete. I hope someone else can confirm or deny that.

I agree that keeping a 14 year from school for 6 months to take medication that could be administered locally is a problem and an indicator that a change in policy is needed. I hope this is a problem you won't have to confront.

Edited September 18, 2012 by Loida and Ed

[VirtualLee 12]

Update...

Day 1 of sputum test was accomplished today at St L, up on the rooftop. ( Maybe they find that its easier for people to cough up stuff while standing atop a tall building in manila.....bad joke but really... why the rooftop).

So, for now,, It's just my Fiancee and her son there this time, as the other children are in Laguna ( a 2 hour ride away).

I understand the CDC requirements an also their idiology, tho i dont agree with St Lukes being the "only" accredited institution that can perform this. Maybe not a problem too much for metro Manila VJ members, but when your coming from another island (Cebu), its an overwhelming task, especially when the one who is at issue is a minor.

I still have hope that after 2 months he can get clearance.

Ed

Sorry to hear this, what I did before our medical (me and my 7y/o girl) I had my daughter undergo Nebulizer treatment a week before

our medical cuz she got mild asthma and nasal allergies so I got worried that she might not pass her skin test, so I research online

and give her different health treatment like strictly veggies and fruits and takes Vitamin C twice a day and drink plenty of liquids

so far her TST test turned out 0-cm. as her result (negative)... so I suggest to those who haven't undergo their medical especially with kids to make sure that kid's are healthy enough to undergo their medical (no coughs, no colds, no flu) and not just to jump in for medical cuz your interview is coming. it's really worth if people are more keen regarding to health and medical stuff. so Let's just pray that it will turn out negative.

[Loida and Ed 11]

We didnt think to do preventive work because they are all healthy. Tho he does have some asthma and had pneumonia before. its good advice for others for sure

thank uuuu

Ed & Loida

Sorry to hear this, what I did before our medical (me and my 7y/o girl) I had my daughter undergo Nebulizer treatment a week before

our medical cuz she got mild asthma and nasal allergies so I got worried that she might not pass her skin test, so I research online

and give her different health treatment like strictly veggies and fruits and takes Vitamin C twice a day and drink plenty of liquids

so far her TST test turned out 0-cm. as her result (negative)... so I suggest to those who haven't undergo their medical especially with kids to make sure that kid's are healthy enough to undergo their medical (no coughs, no colds, no flu) and not just to jump in for medical cuz your interview is coming. it's really worth if people are more keen regarding to health and medical stuff. so Let's just pray that it will turn out negative.

[beejay 123]

Update...

Day 1 of sputum test was accomplished today at St L, up on the rooftop. ( Maybe they find that its easier for people to cough up stuff while standing atop a tall building in manila.....bad joke but really... why the rooftop).

So, for now,, It's just my Fiancee and her son there this time, as the other children are in Laguna ( a 2 hour ride away).

I understand the CDC requirements an also their idiology, tho i dont agree with St Lukes being the "only" accredited institution that can perform this. Maybe not a problem too much for metro Manila VJ members, but when your coming from another island (Cebu), its an overwhelming task, especially when the one who is at issue is a minor.

I still have hope that after 2 months he can get clearance.

Ed

So sorry. It is an overwhelming task given time, and location. Let's hope that the sputum culture is negative.

Random question, is producing sputum for the culture like hocking a loogie?

[six7one 17]

She will have to show up every day. They use Direct Observed Therapy (DOT) where they watch her take the pills. On weekends and holidays she will be given extra pills to take when the clinic is closed. For special situations they may give her a few days of pills to take so she can travel. I took my fiancee to Boracay, Cambodia and a few other places and we were able to arrange about 15-20 days "leave" during the 6 months with pills provided when we traveled. But this is best done by letter from the petitioner.

If she misses a day, then they will add it on the end. If she misses too many they may add a month or more. She will have a card they need to sign off on for almost every day.

Something else to consider - travel to and from the clinic. Many people travel and hour or more each way. Even from Pasay it can be an hour by jeepney. So a two hour wait at the clinic becomes a 4 hour or more ordeal... DAILY. I advise you live as close to the clinic as possible.

Some other considerations -

Go with her to the clinic early on. Be nice and introduce yourself to the doctors and staff. Be friendly and let them know who you are.

Make sure she takes this seriously. You should not skip even ONCE.

Cut out all alcohol, smoking, etc during this time. The medications are hard on your body. She needs to stay healthy. Exercise.

The DOT is serious business and many people do not take it as such. They skip too many times, or they do not stay healthy. As a result at the end of the six months they can have the therapy extended.

It will be a long and hard six months. Best of luck.

My Fiancee just completed her DOT. Here are some of my observations/input in addition to Mapletree's...

Its In and Out - Go in, take medication, have card signed. Takes no more than 5 - 10 minutes in the DOT office.

Be Nice and Courteous - DOT time slots are based on progress of your treatment. Initially you will be grouped in the morning schedule. But if you are nice to them and get to know the staff, you can actually go anytime before the DOT closes. SLEC Closes at 5:00 PM. DOT Closes office closes at 4:30 PM.

Take Vitamins eat healthy - TB Medication is indeed hard on a woman's body and she needs to stay healthy indeed.

Hormonal Fluctuations - My Fiancee had flawless facial skin prior to DOT. During her treatment she developed BAD acne on her face. It also affected her menstrual cycle. She once missed her period for over 2 months and had to see a doctor who prescribed her Provera. This may or may not happen to her, but be aware of any changes to her body and get checked if you have a need to.

Sputum Tests - If its a clear day, Sputum tests are almost always conducted on the roof top. If it rains, GO EARLY and count on staying longer as it is conducted in a smaller area inside and the que is longer.

Missing A Day - As mentioned, if you miss a day it will be added on at the end. SLEC/DOT almost never closes. They did have reduced hours of operation in August due to the flood, but they were open briefly. If/When they close for a substantial reason like flooding is always a possibility. You can always call to find out if they are/will close.

Hope this helps

So sorry. It is an overwhelming task given time, and location. Let's hope that the sputum culture is negative.

Random question, is producing sputum for the culture like hocking a loogie?

More or less, Yes like hocking a loogie.

[Loida and Ed 11]

great feedbacks...

i had to laugh when i read the "hocking a loogie" part...

Being they are from Cebu with closest relatives in laguna, if we have to go thru the 6 month DOT it will be difficult to coordinate.

I'll fly back down there next week for about 20 days and it looks like i will have paperwork to change here so i can make one child a follow on, otherwise id have to get all 4 back thru medical again.

we wish this part on no one... but understand the need

regards

Ed & Loida

[Loida and Ed 11]

i forgot to ask...

if treatment is needed,,, what will be the costs for the medicines ?

thanks

My Fiancee just completed her DOT. Here are some of my observations/input in addition to Mapletree's...

Its In and Out - Go in, take medication, have card signed. Takes no more than 5 - 10 minutes in the DOT office.

Be Nice and Courteous - DOT time slots are based on progress of your treatment. Initially you will be grouped in the morning schedule. But if you are nice to them and get to know the staff, you can actually go anytime before the DOT closes. SLEC Closes at 5:00 PM. DOT Closes office closes at 4:30 PM.

Take Vitamins eat healthy - TB Medication is indeed hard on a woman's body and she needs to stay healthy indeed.

Hormonal Fluctuations - My Fiancee had flawless facial skin prior to DOT. During her treatment she developed BAD acne on her face. It also affected her menstrual cycle. She once missed her period for over 2 months and had to see a doctor who prescribed her Provera. This may or may not happen to her, but be aware of any changes to her body and get checked if you have a need to.

Sputum Tests - If its a clear day, Sputum tests are almost always conducted on the roof top. If it rains, GO EARLY and count on staying longer as it is conducted in a smaller area inside and the que is longer.

Missing A Day - As mentioned, if you miss a day it will be added on at the end. SLEC/DOT almost never closes. They did have reduced hours of operation in August due to the flood, but they were open briefly. If/When they close for a substantial reason like flooding is always a possibility. You can always call to find out if they are/will close.

Hope this helps

More or less, Yes like hocking a loogie.

[mikey and lizzie 0]

im sorry to hear about this, but im just wondering if your wife has symptoms like coughing or what ?

im really wondering about how to know if one has it or dont have it without having to go through an xray.. thanks for the reply