Has THIS affected your health?

[mkg265 2]

Since I started my husband's visa process I've had my gall bladder removed and have blood pressure that is creeping higher and higher every month. The doctors tell me to stop the stress in my life but until I find a full time job and my husband is here my blood pressure will be high.

I've found that writing a letter to my loved one every day detailing how I feel helps me sleep at night. I don't send all of them but just knowing they are there helps. I also make paper cranes while watching tv. They say if you make 1000 you get the wish that you whispered to every crane you made. Believe what you want, but it helps me visualize the moment when I pick my husband up at JFK airport and calms me.

When it starts getting sunny, everyone will perk up a little.

[taj'samericanwife 0]

thank you...

[SAT 9,609]

4 months ago, my beautiful wife and step-daughter got on a plane and headed back to Ukraine. Since that time, my health has steadily declined. I have had chest pains, headaches, serious bouts of depression, stomach pains, arthritic flair ups that my regular medicine can't seem to fix, even dizziness at times ...

My stress level has got to be at the heart of it I guess. On top of the immigration stuff, I lost my job a few months ago. I was able to find work again, and at a salary above the magical 125% line, but all our savings are gone. Even IF we got our approvals today, there is no way I could bring them home.

You all know the costs ... If I follow through with the CR1, I'm looking at close to $1000 ... round trip air fare for me to go to the interview is around $1200 ... 2 one way tickets for them to come back around $1800 ... plus medicals, etc.

I don't know how I'm going to do it. I can't find a 2nd job to save my life. Her parents might have been able to help with her ticket back here, but now 7 banks in Ukraine have shut down and my in-laws have lost everything they had saved.

Anyway, sorry to ramble ... I was just wondering if anyone else here is physically falling apart through this whole process. Obviously, the emotional toll of being separated from the one you love is terrible and gut-wrenching.

Have you noticed a difference in your physical health?

Thanks for your input ... and best wishes to all

Steve, what a great topic you brought up. and YES, I been feeling all kinds of symptoms lately. And I work out all the time. And I'm not going thru half the stuff you are going thru. My wife is here, my job is secure. Our process is smooth so far. And yet.........I'm all stressed out. My wife, on the other hand...is real calm and cool about this.....I wish I could be that relaxed.

The good thing is that I have undergone all kinds of tests (because one day I thought I was having a heart attack). I went for a nuclear stress test too, and the Doctor said "You're a healthy guy Steve, relax, and smoke all you want" (OK he didn't tell me to smoke). But anyway, I'm glad all of you shared your experience.

Good luck to you Steve, and hang in there. You are not alone.

[HappyDancer 7]

I landed in the hospital bed a few months ago. Just being away from the people you love is just so draining.

I feel you!

[FSSLeb 0]

everyone her ein Vj is going thry some stress one way or another. look at me, i am away from my husband and son...sometimes i hate my job and i have to drag myself to go to work each day...plus im also studying for my boards...and i cant afford to fail it because everything will be much better when i do pass it. i can make it to the 125% poverty line for 3 people but how can i let my family live on 23,000 dollars a month? what will i feed my baby with that kind of money? i dont want him to chew on the cheap cuts of meat from the supermarket! NO WAY! so i have to be strong...but sometimes i have relapses and it goes on for days...

Your son is really adorable. Just had to say that

[FSSLeb 0]

Im 27 and always had normal blood pressure. Since this process, Ive had continually raised blood pressure, accompanied with long headaches, and ringing in my ears. I miss my fiance sooo much. Before I found this website I thought that I wouldnt hear anything for 7 months (according to the processing times listed on the website)... and since Ive found this website Ive gained new hope. It definately has helped an enormous amount to read posts about other people's experiences and to know that ppl from Sep/Oct. are getting approvals from VSC. It gives me hope maybe Ill hear something next month, if Im lucky maybe sooner (but I know Im pushing it).

Now Im worried about finding a job to make the 125% poverty level so I dont have to worry as much about the interview when he shows my income. I have had soooo much trouble finding work too. I finally found temporary employment but it doesnt start until March. I have someone who can co-sponser him, but Im afraid of this affecting his approval to come here. And then what????

So you are not alone. Don't give up hope though... its easier to give up hope and wallow in depression that to keep on fighting the struggles you are facing. And do not give up hope that God will help you, sometimes it takes longer than we expect but have have FAITH. Inshaallah you will be Ok.

[stevai 0]

I've lost 20 pounds and quit 2 jobs. Unemployed now so I need to ask my friend to be a joint sponsor. Having trouble sleeping lately...

[GS4EVER 0]

Since I started my husband's visa process I've had my gall bladder removed and have blood pressure that is creeping higher and higher every month. The doctors tell me to stop the stress in my life but until I find a full time job and my husband is here my blood pressure will be high.

I've found that writing a letter to my loved one every day detailing how I feel helps me sleep at night. I don't send all of them but just knowing they are there helps. I also make paper cranes while watching tv. They say if you make 1000 you get the wish that you whispered to every crane you made. Believe what you want, but it helps me visualize the moment when I pick my husband up at JFK airport and calms me.

When it starts getting sunny, everyone will perk up a little.

OH GOD YESSSSSSSS!! Picking him up at JFK!! I have pictured that scene a million times! Can't wait till that day is here!!

And Lisa are you out of AP yet?

[HappyDancer 7]

group hug... this whole immigration sucks.

[SteveColo 0]

I want to thank everyone for their kind words and sharing their experiences. Some of your responses truly touched my heart and I appreciate them so much. I know I am not alone, and there are so many of you suffering just as I am. My heart really goes out to those going through the exact same things, and for many, going through them longer than me.

Sometimes I don't even want to share any of this because I know how hard it is and has been for you all. I don't want to come across as looking selfish or saying "feel sorry for me" ... but I just needed to get this out now ... and today things got even worse!

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=179685

Edited February 19, 2009 by SteveColo

[sara..... 371]

I want to thank everyone for their kind words and sharing their experiences. Some of your responses truly touched my heart and I appreciate them so much. I know I am not alone, and there are so many of you suffering just as I am. My heart really goes out to those going through the exact same things, and for many, going through them longer than me.

Sometimes I don't even want to share any of this because I know how hard it is and has been for you all. I don't want to come across as looking selfish or saying "feel sorry for me" ... but I just needed to get this out now ... and today things got even worse!

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=179685

oh my i just read it im so sorry well we will all pray very hard that u get ur noa2 very fast now so that all of this can be done in time

sara

[Kiv 32]

I am a very aprehensive. This process changed me "I learned I could be patient", I respect the people who does not need a religious believe but in my case I started feeling better when I accepted that we did all we could and just put our case "in the hands of God" It is ok to don't have the control of everything. At the end of the process you have a stronger relationship. To be thinking about it all the time won't make it happen faster.

[amberdima 6]

Since I started my husband's visa process I've had my gall bladder removed and have blood pressure that is creeping higher and higher every month. The doctors tell me to stop the stress in my life but until I find a full time job and my husband is here my blood pressure will be high.

I've found that writing a letter to my loved one every day detailing how I feel helps me sleep at night. I don't send all of them but just knowing they are there helps. I also make paper cranes while watching tv. They say if you make 1000 you get the wish that you whispered to every crane you made. Believe what you want, but it helps me visualize the moment when I pick my husband up at JFK airport and calms me.

When it starts getting sunny, everyone will perk up a little.

OH GOD YESSSSSSSS!! Picking him up at JFK!! I have pictured that scene a million times! Can't wait till that day is here!!

And Lisa are you out of AP yet?

maybe we'll all be at jfk waiting for our SO's to get off the plane at the same time))) god bless us all!!!

[childress_london 3]

Yes, stress can do all kinds of things to your body and make you very sick physically. I think we all are experiencing this in some way.

[Ephantus'nJenny 0]

Keep strong, and walk by faith. Dont let circumstances destroy what is ahead. My husband and I have been apart for seven months now and I understand what you are going through. Know that God says "be anxious for nothing, but in all situations have a thankful heart." There will be a provision when the time comes, meanwhile continue to be strong.

Pastor Ephantus and Jenny