2 Days of Medical

[chipsahoy 3]

I had my medical last July 26 & 27.. Everything seemed okay until I went back on my second day to get the result.. The guard directed me to go to Window A for further processing instead of going to the 2nd floor for the immunization.. From then, I knew and was expecting that there was a problem with my xray. And I wasn't wrong. The radiologist told me that they've found abnormalities in my lungs that was why they have had to make another series of xrays again which they called Apico Xray and Lateral Side Xray.. (Is this because I had history of tuberculosis?)

I was diagnosed of having a minimal PTB last January 25, 2007 and I just finished my medication last July 25 (a day before my medical).. On my first day medical, I brought all necessary (medical) papers that the SLEC's doctor might solicit from me (including my medical certificate). But to my disappointment, she only asked what medicines I took, so I showed her all the prescription given by my doctor for the last 6-months. I even handed her my medical certificate and she just told me "This is not what I want". (Arghhh!! How can she be soo crabbed?! ).

My questions are:

1. Could it be possible that they would still ask me to undergo another treatment (though I already completed the 6-months medication)? Or that series of x-ray was just for rechecking?

2. If they would like to check if there is still a symptom of TB via sputum test, when will they let me do that? As soon as they have the result of 2nd xray? Or they SHOULD have asked me to do that on the second day I was there?

2. If (IF!) I failed my medical exam (I'm not being pessimistic here, just looking at both sides), will SLEC still get my passport and forward it to USE for my interview? Or would SLEC inform me that I didn't pass the medical stage and tell me not to attend the interview anymore?

Can anybody who also underwent this phase or knows something about this case cast some light? Thank you in advance..

Julie

[Todsbin 0]

Hi Julie so sad to hear about ur medical exam result im just here to give you my support, sorry tho i cant give u any answer regarding to ur situation but im hoping everything went fine, im going to have my medical exam by monday and do hope everything is fine also in my end...

I saw ate Helen are also member here in VJ she will probably can answer ur question bec she knows eveything about medical prob right ate Helen? she been the one who advise me on what to do also, so i bet she can u give u her good advise...

Just hold on and Eveything is doin fine, dont lose hope and always Pray to God he gonna help you..By the way see you there on our Upcoming interview...

Smile

[rea 1]

hi julie,

im sorry but i can't answer anything on your questions..i will just pray that you will not have to undergo another medication as it seems that it will last around 6 months.. i hope everything will be okay coz you're interview is coming closer...

goodluck

rea

[chipsahoy 3]

Thanks Mjen (please check my pm and hope to see you and monda) and rea (goodluck on your interview).

Anyone?

[island_princess 2]

Good thing you went for an early medical. You'll be fine.

[jaynel 0]

I had my medical last July 26 & 27.. Everything seemed okay until I went back on my second day to get the result.. The guard directed me to go to Window A for further processing instead of going to the 2nd floor for the immunization.. From then, I knew and was expecting that there was a problem with my xray. And I wasn't wrong. The radiologist told me that they've found abnormalities in my lungs that was why they have had to make another series of xrays again which they called Apico Xray and Lateral Side Xray.. (Is this because I had history of tuberculosis?)

I was diagnosed of having a minimal PTB last January 25, 2007 and I just finished my medication last July 25 (a day before my medical).. On my first day medical, I brought all necessary (medical) papers that the SLEC's doctor might solicit from me (including my medical certificate). But to my disappointment, she only asked what medicines I took, so I showed her all the prescription given by my doctor for the last 6-months. I even handed her my medical certificate and she just told me "This is not what I want". (Arghhh!! How can she be soo crabbed?! ).

My questions are:

1. Could it be possible that they would still ask me to undergo another treatment (though I already completed the 6-months medication)? Or that series of x-ray was just for rechecking?

2. If they would like to check if there is still a symptom of TB via sputum test, when will they let me do that? As soon as they have the result of 2nd xray? Or they SHOULD have asked me to do that on the second day I was there?

2. If (IF!) I failed my medical exam (I'm not being pessimistic here, just looking at both sides), will SLEC still get my passport and forward it to USE for my interview? Or would SLEC inform me that I didn't pass the medical stage and tell me not to attend the interview anymore?

Can anybody who also underwent this phase or knows something about this case cast some light? Thank you in advance..

Julie

hi there....first of all im sorry to hear about your situation...it really is not okey when situations such as like this come are way but i know you will be able to surpass this...anyway, i did not undergo your situation so i really cant answer some of your questions but as far as im concerned with regards to you having minimal PTB thats curable and as you said you finished your 6 months treatment so if you underwent your treatment religiously then you are ok but unfortunately x-rays can detect if you have PTB or HAD have PTB so the APico and Lateral side x-ray is a procedure to double check what is wrong....i hope you will be soon okey...GOd Bless and Good Luck....

[rich_kathy 0]

I hope everything will be fine on Monday. Don't forget to pray. Good luck.

[chipsahoy 3]

My question now is:

If ever I will have a 3-day sputum test starting on tuesday and finish it on thursday (July 31-August 2). Would it still affect my interview next week which is August 07?

[rich_kathy 0]

I don't think so. I met a girl at SLEC when I did my early medical, she did hers just on the scheduled date. That was July 6 (my 2nd day of medical, and her third day), she was asked to go back July 9 for the results of the other tests she had. She was already in panic because her interview schedule is on the 10th. The people at SLEC just told her that once they have her results on the 9th then she can already have her immunization and she will be ok to go to her interview the next day.

[vsmtghdy 2]

My question now is:

If ever I will have a 3-day sputum test starting on tuesday and finish it on thursday (July 31-August 2). Would it still affect my interview next week which is August 07?

Julie,

First, I'm sorry to hear you had a hard time at SLEC. Sometimes, because of the so many patients/applicants they see, they can be exhausted and tend to be rude.

For patients with previous PTB (treated, untreated, partially treated, undertreated, etc...), you can still see some "scars" on the CXR (fibronodular, fibrocalcifications, etc...) and if the radiologist is uncertain if it is active or not, they may request for another CXR views like the apicolordotic view, since PTB mostly stays in the upper part of the lungs (apices). Did you bring your previous CXR plates at SLEC when you had your medical exam? Because what they could have done is to make comparison with your previous CXR films, so they will know that it is an old one (healing or scar or a new/reactivated TB).

Since you just had finished with your treatment (I supposed you were given a quadruple therapy?), there maybe some "remnants" that they can see on your CXR films (Although some CXR films will reveal totally "negative" results with no scars/remnants). And having those other "CXR views" would make them determine if it is active or not. Although activity is better determined by the AFB sputum exam. Most probably if they are not satisfied with the results, you will be subjected to undergo AFB sputum exams for 3 consecutive mornings. If you had done this prior to your treatment (and 2 months after that and on the 6th month of treatment), then you know the drill. If you had done this, it would have been also better to bring the "lab results" on your follow-up at SLEC so they will know that you're already "negative" and not longer have active PTB. Also bring the previous CXR films you have (before your treatment, during your treatment and after your treatment, if you have these). It is always better to bring medical certificates and all the laboratory results done so they will know what treatments were given and for how long and if on follow-ups, you are already negative and deemed "healed"/"cured". But even with treatment, PTB can still reactivate and/or a new PTB infection can set in.

Most Doctors (especially in the Health Centers and some Gov't Hospitals), they would stop treatment on the 6th month, which is the minimum for treating PTB. But if we follow the WHO/DOH and the PCCP and ACP Guidelines, treatment should depend on the CXR and sputum follow-ups.

If SLEC will make you do the sputum AFB and 2 out of the 3 will be positive, then you will have to undergo another series of treatment and that would certainly delay your interview. But if the sputum AFB will be negative, then they will clear you and submit the medical results including "remarks" to USEM. SLEC Panel Physicians do not "DENY" applicants, they will submit their findings and it will be up to USEM CO (the adjudicator) to decide if you will be eligible for the visa. But don't worry too much about it. By the way, stress can lower your immune system and maybe a reason for a PTB reactivation.

Keep your hopes high and keep a healthy lifestyle. Not too much stress, have plenty of rest to boost your immune system. Good Luck and God Bless!

[David-and-Mae 15]

My question now is:

If ever I will have a 3-day sputum test starting on tuesday and finish it on thursday (July 31-August 2). Would it still affect my interview next week which is August 07?

Julie,

First, I'm sorry to hear you had a hard time at SLEC. Sometimes, because of the so many patients/applicants they see, they can be exhausted and tend to be rude.

For patients with previous PTB (treated, untreated, partially treated, undertreated, etc...), you can still see some "scars" on the CXR (fibronodular, fibrocalcifications, etc...) and if the radiologist is uncertain if it is active or not, they may request for another CXR views like the apicolordotic view, since PTB mostly stays in the upper part of the lungs (apices). Did you bring your previous CXR plates at SLEC when you had your medical exam? Because what they could have done is to make comparison with your previous CXR films, so they will know that it is an old one (healing or scar or a new/reactivated TB).

Since you just had finished with your treatment (I supposed you were given a quadruple therapy?), there maybe some "remnants" that they can see on your CXR films (Although some CXR films will reveal totally "negative" results with no scars/remnants). And having those other "CXR views" would make them determine if it is active or not. Although activity is better determined by the AFB sputum exam. Most probably if they are not satisfied with the results, you will be subjected to undergo AFB sputum exams for 3 consecutive mornings. If you had done this prior to your treatment (and 2 months after that and on the 6th month of treatment), then you know the drill. If you had done this, it would have been also better to bring the "lab results" on your follow-up at SLEC so they will know that you're already "negative" and not longer have active PTB. Also bring the previous CXR films you have (before your treatment, during your treatment and after your treatment, if you have these). It is always better to bring medical certificates and all the laboratory results done so they will know what treatments were given and for how long and if on follow-ups, you are already negative and deemed "healed"/"cured". But even with treatment, PTB can still reactivate and/or a new PTB infection can set in.

Most Doctors (especially in the Health Centers and some Gov't Hospitals), they would stop treatment on the 6th month, which is the minimum for treating PTB. But if we follow the WHO/DOH and the PCCP and ACP Guidelines, treatment should depend on the CXR and sputum follow-ups.

If SLEC will make you do the sputum AFB and 2 out of the 3 will be positive, then you will have to undergo another series of treatment and that would certainly delay your interview. But if the sputum AFB will be negative, then they will clear you and submit the medical results including "remarks" to USEM. SLEC Panel Physicians do not "DENY" applicants, they will submit their findings and it will be up to USEM CO (the adjudicator) to decide if you will be eligible for the visa. But don't worry too much about it. By the way, stress can lower your immune system and maybe a reason for a PTB reactivation.

Keep your hopes high and keep a healthy lifestyle. Not too much stress, have plenty of rest to boost your immune system. Good Luck and God Bless!

I have nothing to say... just wanted to give Helen a pat on the back. You are the best!

--Mae

[AnneiyAndJacky 0]

I had my medical last July 26 & 27.. Everything seemed okay until I went back on my second day to get the result.. The guard directed me to go to Window A for further processing instead of going to the 2nd floor for the immunization.. From then, I knew and was expecting that there was a problem with my xray. And I wasn't wrong. The radiologist told me that they've found abnormalities in my lungs that was why they have had to make another series of xrays again which they called Apico Xray and Lateral Side Xray.. (Is this because I had history of tuberculosis?)

I was diagnosed of having a minimal PTB last January 25, 2007 and I just finished my medication last July 25 (a day before my medical).. On my first day medical, I brought all necessary (medical) papers that the SLEC's doctor might solicit from me (including my medical certificate). But to my disappointment, she only asked what medicines I took, so I showed her all the prescription given by my doctor for the last 6-months. I even handed her my medical certificate and she just told me "This is not what I want". (Arghhh!! How can she be soo crabbed?! ).

My questions are:

1. Could it be possible that they would still ask me to undergo another treatment (though I already completed the 6-months medication)? Or that series of x-ray was just for rechecking?

2. If they would like to check if there is still a symptom of TB via sputum test, when will they let me do that? As soon as they have the result of 2nd xray? Or they SHOULD have asked me to do that on the second day I was there?

2. If (IF!) I failed my medical exam (I'm not being pessimistic here, just looking at both sides), will SLEC still get my passport and forward it to USE for my interview? Or would SLEC inform me that I didn't pass the medical stage and tell me not to attend the interview anymore?

Can anybody who also underwent this phase or knows something about this case cast some light? Thank you in advance..

Julie

hey girl im sorry to hear about ur situation! Just think positive and everything will be alright! juz bring all ur medical proofs... I hope u can go to ur interview on the 7th. GOOD LUCK! i know u can make it! May GOD BLESS YOU always!

[chipsahoy 3]

Thanks everyone. Especially vsmtghdy. Very informative reply! I wasnt wronged about my surmise that I will have my sputum test. I started it yesterday (Tuesday) and will finish tomorrow.. I pray and hope that this will be the last phase I will go through in SLEC (aside from Immunization) coz I heard from someone that her fiancee's interview was cancelled because she still have to undergo pulmonary check. What's that? I thought once the sputum test is done, then it's done. I meant, they'll inform you if you (still) have active TB or none. *sigghhh*...

[DARUMA07 25]

Thanks everyone. Especially vsmtghdy. Very informative reply! I wasnt wronged about my surmise that I will have my sputum test. I started it yesterday (Tuesday) and will finish tomorrow.. I pray and hope that this will be the last phase I will go through in SLEC (aside from Immunization) coz I heard from someone that her fiancee's interview was cancelled because she still have to undergo pulmonary check. What's that? I thought once the sputum test is done, then it's done. I meant, they'll inform you if you (still) have active TB or none. *sigghhh*...

The Pulmonary check is for the Lungs..... Good Luck to you!!!! Sorry to hear that you are going through this, but keep a positive attitude and it will be all ok! Danny and Ruchie

[Jasman0717 9]

Thanks everyone. Especially vsmtghdy. Very informative reply! I wasnt wronged about my surmise that I will have my sputum test. I started it yesterday (Tuesday) and will finish tomorrow.. I pray and hope that this will be the last phase I will go through in SLEC (aside from Immunization) coz I heard from someone that her fiancee's interview was cancelled because she still have to undergo pulmonary check. What's that? I thought once the sputum test is done, then it's done. I meant, they'll inform you if you (still) have active TB or none. *sigghhh*...

Claudeth and I will pray for you. We hope all will be ok and you can be reunited with your loved on as quickly as possible. Good luck