Medical Exam & Prozac??

[saraswati007 0]

Hi all,

We've had a (thankfully) pain-free K1 process thus far. My lovely fellow had his medical yesterday - that went smoothly, too, except for the fact that the doctor has given him yet another form because he takes a low dose of fluoxetine (prozac)... apparently he has to have his GP or another physician certify that he's not psychotic or a danger to himself.

Has anyone had to deal with this before? Did it delay your interview, or did it turn out to be a big deal in the process???

I'm trying not to have a heart attack about this, since everyone and their dog takes some kind of anti-depressant in the US, but still.... any notes on others who've been through this, reassurances, advice, would be enormously appreciated!!!

THANK YOU!

[KaiserD 12]

I was either on prozac at the time of my medical or I had just come off of it, I don't remember if I needed a letter or not.

In any case, I doubt it will cause any problems or hold ups, and I seriously doubt he'll be quizzed over his mental health so I wouldn't be too concerned. But I remember how it is, worrying about every possible little thing that might go wrong, it's understandable but I'm sure it will go off without a hitch. Or at least if there is a hold up it's not going to be to do with that.

What does he have to do with the letter, send it to the doctors or bring it with him to the interview?

[Chica Yeyé 41]

He should not have any problems. He could have the letter with him just in case the panel doctor asks about it, but I don't foresee any problems at all. The issue is him not being a danger to himself or others, so don't worry.

[Lansbury 19]

It seems quite common in the UK for the Embassy doctors to seek confirmation where there has been a history of depression or other such illnesses. Enough that it is not uncommon on this board for people to comment on being asked to provide further evidence from either their own doctor of a specialist.

Once a letter confirming that the applicant isn't going to have long term on going problems is provided the Embassy doctors seemed to be quite happy and pass the applicant.

It doesn't seem to cause any delay or additional problems other than those caused by getting what they want. I don't recall anyone posting on here it has been a problem at the visa interview or even mentioned for that matter.

It seems that the Embassy doctors concern is more founded in the cost of medical care in the US and a concern that someone with a long term need for prescription medication might well not be able to afford it and hence the problems that may cause.

Going by what previous posters have said on this board when they had a similar request there should be no cause for any undue concern. It should only be a slight hiccup in the process

Good luck.

[bakofoil 27]

I had personal experience of this - even though at the time of my medical it had been 4 years since I had taken anti-depressants. I was asked to present further evidence from my GP and panicked about it but it was nothing to worry about once they received my GP's opinion.

I don't think there is anything to add which will help you further, Lansbury summed it all up perfectly.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

They do assess your mental state at the interview because one of the reasons for being inadmissable to the US is mental illness where you would be a danger to yourself or others. When the doctor chats with you he's trying to assess if you're wacky or not. But a little prozac is not going to make you inadmissable. However they have to get more info on you from your doctor based on the fact you said you took prozac. Just get a statement and have your doctor's office fax it to Knightsbridge. They will complete the medical form and send the package on to the Embassy. That's the fastest way.

[saraswati007 0]

Phew! This is very reassuring. Thanks! They want his GP to send the letter to the Knightsbridge doctors, and that should complete his medical.

You know how it is... you get so close to the finish line that every little blip starts seeming like a major obstacle!

I was either on prozac at the time of my medical or I had just come off of it, I don't remember if I needed a letter or not.

In any case, I doubt it will cause any problems or hold ups, and I seriously doubt he'll be quizzed over his mental health so I wouldn't be too concerned. But I remember how it is, worrying about every possible little thing that might go wrong, it's understandable but I'm sure it will go off without a hitch. Or at least if there is a hold up it's not going to be to do with that.

What does he have to do with the letter, send it to the doctors or bring it with him to the interview?

[saraswati007 0]

Lansbury -

Thank you so much for this detailed and thoughtful response! It makes a lot of sense that they'd be mostly concerned about possible burdens to the health care system (already kind of broken as it is).

By the way, I saw the OSU logo on your post... I'm originally from Corvallis! GO BEAVS!!!

It seems quite common in the UK for the Embassy doctors to seek confirmation where there has been a history of depression or other such illnesses. Enough that it is not uncommon on this board for people to comment on being asked to provide further evidence from either their own doctor of a specialist.

Once a letter confirming that the applicant isn't going to have long term on going problems is provided the Embassy doctors seemed to be quite happy and pass the applicant.

It doesn't seem to cause any delay or additional problems other than those caused by getting what they want. I don't recall anyone posting on here it has been a problem at the visa interview or even mentioned for that matter.

It seems that the Embassy doctors concern is more founded in the cost of medical care in the US and a concern that someone with a long term need for prescription medication might well not be able to afford it and hence the problems that may cause.

Going by what previous posters have said on this board when they had a similar request there should be no cause for any undue concern. It should only be a slight hiccup in the process

Good luck.

[Lansbury 19]

Lansbury -

Thank you so much for this detailed and thoughtful response! It makes a lot of sense that they'd be mostly concerned about possible burdens to the health care system (already kind of broken as it is).

By the way, I saw the OSU logo on your post... I'm originally from Corvallis! GO BEAVS!!!

It is the cost of drugs and people with pre-conditions not getting cover, as someone said in this thread the possible problems by people who have acute conditions not being able to get medication has a serious potential. Unfortunately they tend to have a standard you need a doctors letter to say you are OK response to it, instead of perhaps using a bit of common sense and in your circumstances realizing it isn't a problem.

Well having watched the opening game against Stanford I think it might be a trying season but I'll be at Reser Stadium for the home games.