Sputum test required.

[WCF 16]

So my fiancee has to take the dreaded sputum test. I had to cancel her flight home and find her a hotel for a week.

This is really sad for us but I know there is nothing we can do.

Getting accurate info at St Luke's is not easy . . .

From what I have read here, I am assuming that they will somehow notify her in approximately 8 weeks to return for the results?

 

On a separate note, the area around St Luke's and the embassy sure is scuzzy. She is afraid to go outside of the hotel. Thankfully she made a friend with another girl there that also has to go through the testing and they are going to be there in Manila together to support each other and not be alone. I hated having to leave her in Manila today.

[J.M. 237]

3 hours ago, WCF said:

From what I have read here, I am assuming that they will somehow notify her in approximately 8 weeks to return for the results?

That is correct.  As long as the culture remains negative, they will not contact her until approximately 8 weeks after sputum collection.  If it is positive, they will contact her sooner, which of course you don't want to happen.  We went through this years ago.  I don't remember how contact was made, but I think it was a phone call.

 

I remember how disappointed we were to get flagged.  Good luck to you.

[Skyman 324]

4 hours ago, WCF said:

 

On a separate note, the area around St Luke's and the embassy sure is scuzzy.

Pretty much my opinion of NCR. It's why I won't book an itinerary with an MNL stop.

[top_secret 2,425]

7 hours ago, WCF said:

From what I have read here, I am assuming that they will somehow notify her in approximately 8 weeks to return for the results?

 

At the time they take the culture samples they will give her a slip of paper with an appointment date to return for results.  Usually you don't hear from them and just go back for your appointment, get immunizations and are good to go.  As J.M. mentioned if they call her much sooner it's probably bad news.  If she is still waiting beyond the first month with no contact it's 'almost' a sure thing that she passed.  Once she has an appointment for the results it is reasonably safe to make a new interview appointment for a couple of days after that if you see a date open.

[widude 38]

 Don’t feel bad, she/we joined the club, 8 week wait. The embassy interview was hard to schedule, I’m about to cancel it, for the 13th.

 

  Of course we plan to work through the issue. 

[widude 38]

 Another question, what becomes of any payments? Those with the 8 week wait, is more $$ required, or do we operate on the original medical exam payment?  Thanks. 

[top_secret 2,425]

1 hour ago, widude said:

 Another question, what becomes of any payments? Those with the 8 week wait, is more $$ required, or do we operate on the original medical exam payment?  Thanks. 

 

 This fantastic service is included at no extra charge.

[top_secret 2,425]

She should get a return appointment slip like this the last day of specimen collection.

 

[widude 38]

 Yes, she got that, 3 days next week. The plan is to go to the appointments and work through the process.

 

  The embassy appointment is released for the next person. 

[WCF 16]

Big thanks to J.M. and top_secret for their info and knowledge.

Thanks to everyone.

I really appreciate having the reliable information on the process and the support of those in this community, and those growing through the same situation.

Her sputum collection is next week, the 5th, 6th, 7th.

I hate that she is stuck there in that crappy neighborhood, but thankful that she met someone in the same situation and they are going to share a hotel room together.

[maryaaaaaaaaaaa 29]

Make sure to get enough rest. She will need it. Also, St. Lukes usually call Friday during the culture period if there’s an issue so keep an eye. Praying her phone won’t ring! ❤️
 

Good luck! 

[WCF 16]

 PLEASE HELP!

Please help me to understand this.
My fiancée and her friend both completed their sputum collection today.
My fiancée has been instructed to return tomorrow for her smear result, but her friend was released to return in approximately 8 weeks.
The difference is that on her friend's paperwork, under section 1. "Working Impression"  "Pulmonary Tuberculosis suspect based on chest x-ray" is checked.
On my fiancée's paperwork, nothing is checked. 
Can someone please explain the difference?  I don't understand why she even had to go for sputum testing since there was nothing checked off in section 1. "Working Impression."
What is going on?  

Edited August 7 by WCF

[Jeremy & Mia 1]

On 8/6/2024 at 8:46 PM, WCF said:

 PLEASE HELP!

Please help me to understand this.
My fiancée and her friend both completed their sputum collection today.
My fiancée has been instructed to return tomorrow for her smear result, but her friend was released to return in approximately 8 weeks.
The difference is that on her friend's paperwork, under section 1. "Working Impression"  "Pulmonary Tuberculosis suspect based on chest x-ray" is checked.
On my fiancée's paperwork, nothing is checked. 
Can someone please explain the difference?  I don't understand why she even had to go for sputum testing since there was nothing checked off in section 1. "Working Impression."
What is going on?  

Any update on your fiancee's results? Is she cleared?

[maryaaaaaaaaaaa 29]

She is cleared and passed the interview 🙂

[WCF 16]

10 hours ago, Jeremy & Mia said:

Any update on your fiancee's results? Is she cleared?

Thank you for asking. She showed up at SLEC and was "cleared." She was asked where she was going to get "treatment," either in the Philippines or the USA. There has never been any clear communication about what she would be getting "treatment" for. There is no definitive diagnosis or reason for treatment. I worked in hospitals for years and currently work in the field of healthcare. I have not been impressed with the medical procedures or advice that she has been given. Based on a CT scan a pulmonologist wanted to stat her on medication. The entire ordeal was very stressful. I am just glad it is behind us and when she gets to the USA, I will get her another CT scan so that we can do a comparative analysis. 
Again, I want to thank you, and everyone for their kindness and support.