So, for anyone who has seen my posts in the last little while, you know that I have been very stressed about my medical.

Well, I got my results yesterday, and as promised, there was a copy for me to review.

The good news is that the doctor did leave out the medical history stuff that I was hoping he woud leave out... which is what had me so stressed in the first place.

The bad news... there was a dark spot on my x-ray. Could be nothing, could be something. So I have gone to my family doctor today to have more x-ray's taken.. gulp (It's not TB).

Anyways, the doctor who did my medical said that it shouldn't delay my visa process, and that I did not need to bring follow up documents with me, but he wrote in 3 places on my medical report that my x-ray came back with an abnormality. Wouldn't this set off a red flag during my interview? I've asked my family doctor to provide me with some paperwork once this additional testing is done, assuming everything comes out ok. Just in case the Consulate wants to see more info (which I'm sure they will).

I hope its nothing. Try and keep your head up. I hope everything comes out ok for you.

Good luck, hope everything is okay.

As far as the interview--no idea. It probably isn't a bad idea to be prepared with whatever you get from your own doctor just in case. Maybe someone a lot further along in this process can say something about that.

Most importantly, though, I hope everything is okay! If it helps any, I know of two people who had spots show up on x-rays turn out to be nothing, just "echos".

Just go see your doc and make sure all is ok. Most likely it is. Best Wishes!!!

Best of luck hon...keep your chin up...I'm sure you are fine.

Yeah, I'd get something from your family doctor clearing you. You may want to call up the panel physician again to ask them if they can write you a note or whatever confirming your family doctor's assessment. The last thing you want is your visa to be delayed because the consulate may wish to see something further from the panel physician. Never hurts to be proactive when dealing with the consulates!

I hope it turns out to be nothing and it was just an X-Ray problem.

I know this must be horrifying to you right now and I'm sorry you are going through it. How soon will the new results come back?

I know for my chest X Ray- I was nervous about it- especially being a smoker. After my X Ray was taken- I was sitting in the little dressing room waiting for the lady to come back and tell me I could get dressed. I overheard a few people talking outside about a big black spot that developed in one of the X Rays and he said "but it seems to be disappearing as it develops." The other lady laughed and said "well that's good." My mind was going a mile a minute and I kept wondering if they were talking about my X Ray. I kept stressing over it up until I got my results back from the Doctors office- I still didn't know if everything was ok but I figured they wouldn't have sent me home with the results without telling me there was something wrong.

I hope things turn out for the best.

Don't take any changes, see a specialist immediately

tee hee..

that one made me laugh..

"see a specialist immediately"


In Canada..

tee hee..

*sigh.. I'll shut up now..


Puts on her serious hat..

MandE... i'll add my voice to the others who said. it's probably nothing.. and I think i would bring additional documentation from my Dr.. as well.. I think that's a good idea..

Is there anyway they could Re-do the x-ray (the US approved Dr. that is?) for your peace of mind?

I am not from C-a-n-a-d-a so don't get the humor but still recommend that a specialist be seen quickly. Lung problems truly isn't very funny to me

The humour comes from the fact that we have socialized health care ... you have to see your doctor who refers you to a specialist and then it takes a while to get an appointment ... so immediately isn't really immediate at all

But it is easy enough to work the system. You just call up the specialists office after your family doctor has made the appointment and you tell them to put you on the wait list for when there are cancellations. In most cases that way, you can be seen within a week.

I did that before I left. I had to have surgery and originally it was scheduled for about 3 months, I got on the cacellation wating list, and was in in 2 weeks.

As for the x-ray at your interview, primarily they are concerned with communicable diseases. If the panel physician did not tell you it is TB, you are most likely fine and will not be denied on medical grounds. However, if it is something that requires treatment, you may want to delay your move to the US, so you won't be out of pocket thousands of dollars for doctors.

I truly hope that everything is well MandE! Let us know how your new X-Ray looks. I'm sure if it was something very serious, the Doctor would have spoken to you about this.

Carla

Wow, thanks everyone for you encouraging words. You guys ROCK!! I certainly wasn't expecting that, I just wanted to vent, haha.

To answer a couple questions...

I should know by this Friday the results of my follow-up x-rays.

I did call the Panel Physcian, and asked if I needed to come back to his office, or take any supplemental paperwork with me to the interview. He said that everything the consulate needed was in his packet (which I have a copy of, and there is nothing in there, other than a lot of "Abnormal X-ray, f/u required" remarks). He told me to visit my own doctor, and that I didn't need to bring any additional medical info with me.

Regardless, my family doctor has agreed to provide me with a copy of the follow up x-ray report, along with a letter from him, that I can take with me... just in case.

Assuming that my f/u x-rays come out ok, I'm not too worried about the interview part. Like someone mentioned earlier on here... I think they are more concerned with communicable diseases (I hope anyways!).

Thanks again everyone for your kind words.

If anyone has any similiar experiences, I would still love to hear them

Hey there.....don't stress too much about it. See a Dr. Unless you are able to specifically read x-rays it could be nothing. I should never have looked at mine. I figured I had some terrible thing going on. I didn't, but it didn't stop me from stressing over it.

Please see a Dr. that can tell you. Then report it back to us. It will be all good.

In the meantime do your body some good and don't worry.

Big hugs!!!

Whatever the consulate is worried about is of no concern if it something serious health-wise for you.
Do keep up posted.

UPDATE

I met with my doctor this morning, and the follow up x-rays revealed that I do have a dark spot that is not a shadow.

I now need to have a CT Scan completed. It can be anything from scar tissue to a tumor

Needless to say, I am freaking out. I know my concern needs to be about my health, and it is, but I can't help be concerned about my interview. It's less than 2 weeks away, and I have to have a cat scan!! It seems so surreal. I am sure that if I don't have a clean bill of health by the time of my interview, they will not give me my visa.

I don't have anything communicable, so I expect they will delay my visa approval, rather than deny me outright. Does anyone have any POSITIVE experiences to share about a similar situation.

Please, refrain from telling me anything that is going to stress me out even more at the moment

I just wanted to say I'm so sorry...I'll be thinking about you.

I'm praying that it is nothing, I'm so sorry that you have this additional stress.

I'm afraid I can't really offer much other than I am hoping and praying that you will be okay.

Thank you for your prayers. They mean a lot to me. Thank you.

When do you get your CT? Hope it won't be long so you don't have to spend a lot of time stressing. I saw this other post about someone who went through the same thing (all was well!):

This was the post where they talk about having to wait for the update before being issued the visa: Thread Link

Their follow up post: Follow up post link

Thank you Trailmix for the links. It is nice to know that someone else had to go through the same thing, and came out all right.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to wait that long for clearance. I have already given my notice for my apartment, and my landlord already has someone else lined up to move in!!

Actually, just thinking about this, I know another person who went through something similar about a year and a half ago. The person is elderly - so anyway they went to the hospital, believe they did the x-ray first, couldn't really determine what was what so they actually went in and had a look, even the nurse who was passing the information on was really uninformed.

Anyway, long story short - lung infection - course of antibiotics - then she was fit as a fiddle!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. I don't mean to further burden you at this time, but how big is the spot and when was the last time you had an x-ray? *looking for a ray of sunshine*

BTW, to everyone else out there, please go to your family physician and get a chest x-ray (at the very least) before you go to the medical. It is a good idea anyways and you won't have any unfortunate surprises to deal with. I can't emphasize this enough!

the spot is about 1 1/2 by 1 cm big...

Ugh.. I don't mean to be argumentative, but IMO this is a little alarmist.

I don't think it's necessary to go do a pre-medical chest x-ray.. the majority of us who've had medicals have x-rays without incident from what I've seen. Most of the time (no offense to the OP intended) this doesn't happen. Just seems like a waste of time besides.. what CDN Dr's just going to "order up" a chest x-ray for no reason anyway? Just my 2 cents worth!

Everyone has their own opinion. You're right but then again I guess there's no need for Pap smears, breast exams, chest x-rays, urine tests or blood tests. Some people don't take their health very seriously (or maybe they just don't want to know!), that's OK but it flies in the face of preventative medicine. One of the advantages to national healthcare is that you won't go broke to get a few test done. If your doctor doesn't order a chest x-ray or blood tests at least once a year, then you'd better start looking around for a physician that doesn't fail to maintain the proper standard of care and isn't likely to end up on the wrong end of a disciplinary hearing. That's my opinion (and that of the CMA, OMA, CPSO, CPSA, etc.)

Before you go for your physical get the chest x-ray, blood tests and any vaccines you may need from your family physician. Or follow Emancipation's advice and don't.

MandE, that's not too large a spot, let's hope for the best. I assume that you have no symptoms of any illness. *hoping it stays that way*

I didn't in anyway state or infer that people shouldn't go for regular health check ups and you know it. To state that everyone should do a pre-medical medical IMO is overkill if you have a healthy person who has had regular check ups. In Canada, I have NEVER had a Dr. order a chest x-ray every year as part of a routine physical exam and I am an asthmatic. I do think you are being a bit melodramatic on this particular issue.

I don't really go for the pre-medical chest x-ray myself. All that radiation might make your bones liquefy, you know.

In all seriousness, I'm for preventative medicare myself, but there are instances where you can go too far with it. I agree with Emancipation when she says that people shouldn't subject themselves to pre-medical physicals. Pre-medical vaccines, I agree with - we get them for free, why not get 'em done while we can? But theoretically no one should have to do pre-medical blood tests for the sake of "finding out surprises" if they're maintaining their health.

Everyone is definitely allowed to their opinion though. Us Canucks are allowed to disagree every once in awhile. And yes, I do go for my annual each year. I'm sure that's more info than all of you wanted to know

</derail>

MandE I hope things work out for the best. All our best thoughts are with you.

I must respectfully disagree with you. How many people go for a regular yearly checkup in the first place? When was the last time any of us had a chest x-ray or a metastatic report? You state that you never had a doctor order a chest x-ray and you are asthmatic. What does this mean? Specious reasoning. Just because George Burns smoked two cigars a day from the age of 13 and died at the age of 100, does this mean that we should all smoke and we too will live to 100? Some doctors are screw ups, some are apathetic and some don't follow current guidelines. I have several friends who are asthmatic and they all get yearly chest x-rays. Of course they all live in the GTA so maybe a lack of resources may prevent a physician from ordering the appropriate tests. The fact that you have never had a "NEVER had a Dr. order a chest x-ray every year as part of a routine physical exam..." means that if anything, you should have gotten a chest x-ray. That's my point exactly. I don't think there's anything melodramatic about one's own health. What price do you place on it or piece of mind? There is an old Chinese proverb, "health is capital for life." How many people with asymptomatic illnesses pnly learn of their condition when it's too late? An x-ray, a few blood tests and a urine sample take only a few minutes of your time.



MandE, we can hardly wait until you come back with a clean bill of health.

Emancipation, thanks, it's been a while since I've had a good argument. At least the furniture wasn't upset this time.

I get general bloodwork done each year (along with the girly exam) to check for specific things in my blood related to general health (cholesterol, b12, iron, etc.), but not an xray. My doctor did do lung capacity tests each year though along with listening to my breathing because I'm a heavy smoker. I should probably A ) quit smoking and B ) get chest xrays.

I think at the very least everyone should get yearly bloodwork to check to make sure your diet is actually decent. And for girls, get your yearly girly exam done!

As I said it's a personal choice. I'm no fan of x-rays but how many of us actively take an interest in our health. Very few of us that's for sure. Chest x-rays can show things that other tests might miss. The physical for US immigration is not the same as the yearly physical you get from your doctor.

Liquid bones? Might just improve my dancin'

I almost hate to get into the fray here, but I feel compelled to speak up. There seems to be two issues in discussion here:

1. Yes, I totally agree that preventative medicine is a great way of taking care of ourselves. I don't think anyone here will disagree with that. Yearly checkups with blood work and Pap smear or prostate tests etc. should be on everyone's list of things to do! And taking care of our bodies help us feel better about ourselves and improve our outlook on life, so visiting the doctor each year is only half of the battle. Ultimately we are responsible for our own health.

2. A chest x-ray is by no means part of a standard physical examination. There are no current guidelines for regular chest x-rays from healthy, asymptomatic people meaning that doctors do not consider it a critical test to administer each year to healthy people. Unless a patient presents with chronic lung problems, such as coughing or pain with breathing, a doctor will assume that all is well. Is that assumption correct? Well, for most folks including asthmatics the answer is yes. For asthmatics, there are standard tests that do not involve x-rays and a chest x-ray is usually performed on asthmatics only if there is the possibility of another disease. It is possible that asthmatics who do get yearly chest x-rays have complicating issues which require the yearly x-ray. However, it is not standard practice.

I agree that getting titers before your immigration exam is a good idea. My husband found that he needed to get a couple of new immunizations, and finding that out now saved us a bit of anxiety. But I disagree that getting an x-ray beforehand is necessary, especially if the person has no history of prior lung dysfunction. There are other tests for lung function that do not require x-rays, which may be requested at the time of your yearly exam.

I would jump off the soap box, but it's slippery. So I'll carefully step down. Ahoy!
Lady Jane

You are right about there being no "standard" for how often a chest x-ray is indicated. Having said that, if you have an history of heart disease in your family, are over the age of 30 (this is changing depending on your physical condition), have respiratory problems (depends on the severity of your condition), are a smoker (of any age) and have various other physical abnormalities or conditions then I see no problem with choosing to get a chest x-ray before your medical. It is probably the easiest test to schedule. Is it necessary, probably nought, if you're in good shape and get tested often. Many doctors are choosing to be more agressive in these areas (the published standards often lag behind practice doctrine) and the chest x-ray is often one of many tests ordered. It is by no means the best test but no doctor would refuse a request for a chest x-ray, which is what Emancipation was suggesting and what I was disagreeing with. The other issue was whether you should go to your doctor and get a complete medical with, at the very least, all the tests that the immigration doctor will order and that includes a chest x-ray. I believe you should. Fear mongering? Maybe. But since we all would like a smooth trip through the MTL it certainly couldn't hurt and you might just turn up something (I hope not!). That's all I was trying to say. Some people are afraid of x-rays and the radiation. I can understand that. There are too many x-rays scheduled in Canada mainly due to the lack of resources for other tests. But the decision is up to you and you must make it of your own volition.

Being a first year RN student, I can admit I know nothing,lol The focus in the medical world has gone through many phases. The big kick is now on preventative care! If your family has a history of certain diseases, I'm sure it would be easy enough to convince a Dr in most cases to get the tests done, or the DR may state because of ur age group he would not advise it. People now a days are much more informed (which is good and bad,lol) of medical problems.

It works like that in the U.S., too. My GP referred me to a specialist for my knee, and so now I have an appointment for.... December 10th. (ohnoes private medicine!) I don't think X-rays regularly are good for your health; it's a low dose of radiation, but my GP was telling me that she had a patient doing it six times a year by going to clinic screenings.

MandE, rumor has it that if you take a healthy person and run a battery of tests, you'll always find at least three things 'wrong' with them that turn out to be just quirks of their anatomy. Get it tested, good luck, and keep us posted.

Hoping for the best of news MandE! Thinking of you...

Carla

Thanks everyone!

Still waiting for appointment for ct scan. Every minute that passes seems like an eternity!!

Hang in there! Did they give you any indication of how long you would have to wait for the appointment?

my doctor said he requested an urgent appointment, and that he will do what he can to ensure that the ct scan and results are back before my interview. I need to relax and trust him... I just can't help think that every minute that passes is time wasted!!

It's got to be hugely stressful, but you are going to be ok! Once you get the appointment date and time maybe you can call them and tell them you are available for any cancellations at short notice and you can get in even earlier.

thanks trailmix for your optimism and suggestions. I'll be sure to ask about a waitlist for cancellation.

If I don't hear anything by tomorrow, I have free reign to call my doctor and let him know.

Just sending good thoughts your way!

Keep us posted!

Never were truer words said. Let's all pray that the dark spot on MandE's x-ray is just a dark spot and nothing more. Trailmix is right about cancellations. I had an appointment for the 15th of November, I called in to confirm it and they hadn't gotten around to tell me that the doctor was unavailable and I could be rebooked for the 5th. So you never know. Try phoning once in the morning and once in the afternoon, so the receptionist gets to know you and is more likely to think of you when a cancellation comes up.

oh, you guys are very sweet. I am very lucky to have your prayers.

When I met with my doctor yesterday, he told me to hang tight till Wednesday. If I don't have an appointment by then, I can call him, and he'll call the hospital on my behalf. I made sure to let him know that if I don't have a clean bill of health for my interview, I may not get a visa, which means no wedding. He's knows the kind of pressure I'm under haha.

No problems.. Anytime!!

*end of thread hijack*