Medical - Anxiety/Panic Attacks - A Problem?

[SteveWWW 0]

Hi, my wife and I are currently awaiting approval of our I-130 and I-129 (for K3) in which she is the petitioner and I am the beneficiary.

My wife has had a lot of serious trouble with her ex-husband and subsequently being so far away (I am back in England - while she is in the US) I've had what seems to be anxiety attacks.. aside from worrying if and when I'll get to see her again.

I've been reading up on this site - and as a result giving myself more to worry about.. in short (too late) would anxiety/panic attacks be considered a mental disorder upon my medical interview?

My GP is typical of the type here in London - generally unhelpful and sluggish to help but I've had some examinations of my heart and am awaiting the results of a neurological MRI - so it is documented to some degree.

If I've broken any posting conventions I humbly apologize

Edited April 30, 2009 by SteveWWW

[Old Dominion 26]

Unless there is something else going on with your mental health, don't even give it a moment's worry. Anxiety/panic attacks are one result of stress, and quite common in the U.S. A qualified doctor could prescribe something like Xanax to help prevent them from happening.

[John and Camie 39]

Awww ... Steve, I don't know you, but *hugs* - I have Panic/Anxiety Disorder, and honestly, I don't think it's crucial for you to bring your disorder up during your medical, as I really feel the medical is more about assessing one's physical state upon entering the US. Leave the Panic/Anxiety for your GP to sort out ... maybe talk to him about prescribing you a small dose of Xanax or, what I take, Propranolol. It's a Beta-Blocker, prevents adrenaline rush, and you better believe I'm not getting on my upcoming flight to England (to collect the Honey) without it.

I hope this helps. Once you get to the US, maybe see about getting some therapy if your wife puts you on her insurance. I find that working out and watching the caffeine help keep me centered, and I only use the Propranolol when needed (like on planes or in meetings). And NO researching symptoms online - I fell into a DEEP health anxiety doing that, ended up having an MRI/CAT scans on my head and spine, an upper GI Series, ultrasounds, an EKG on my heart ... ugh, you name it. I was so sure something was wrong with me that I looked for things to be wrong. If anything, I hope your results give you peace of mind, but it just sounds as if you're simply stressed out and exhausted with the Visa and issues with her ex in the States.

Best of luck, I mean that sincerely.

- Camie

[PB&JAM 1]

aww, it is actually very common and shouldnt be a problem. i went through a stressful time after deaths of ppl close to me where i suffered chest pains and went to the doctor...it was anxiety it turns out...i was suffering panic attacks where i could not breathe properly.

a med student friend of mine said the majority of ppl who go to the emergency room complaining of chest pains, it turns out to be anxiety attacks. I wouldnt worry about that being anything to worry about during your medical. we live in stressful times and its very common.

[gooberlove 0]

You don't have to mention it. it is perfectly normal to be having a hard tiem given our difficult situation. And it is not a big deal. take care of yourself.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

She should be perfectly fine. Is she taking care of it through her physician? Best o luck and best of vibes --- anxiety disorders can be life stopping

[SteveWWW 0]

Hi and thanks for all the replies so far - just to clarify (for anyone that didn't know <ahem!>) it is I who is having the possible anxiety related symptoms.. my wife's just tougher than I am I guess

My main concern about it is whether or not it would be considered a "mental" issue, when I'm to be asked at my medical interview about any mental conditions, given the fact that I won't lie and (in no small part) the fact that my GP is bound to have placed on my medical records "suffering from depression".

I do not agree with at all - I am naturally, rightly and good old fashioned"ly" down/sad/blue about being away from the love of my life and worried to death about the stuff that's happening and might happen over there.

Just hope the medical interview doc isn't trained in the black art or NHS diagnosis and can listen to reason.. I'm not sure how much freedom they are given in patient assessment.

PS thanks for the *hugs* Camie - back at you and anyone else that needs one while our lives are being played with.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

If you were diagnosed for it, are being properly treated by a physician, and pose no risk to yourself or others; it will be ok.

Best of luck to you --- I know depression all too well, and I applaud you seeking treatment. PLUS, I applaud your honesty.

[SteveWWW 0]

No, not been diagnosed as such - GP gave the impression that he thinks it might be.. however I'm not in denial - I just simply don't think my GP has spoken to me enough to make a such a diagnosis - I'm just missing my wife and worried about everything imaginable that could jeopardize our chance of having a future together.

In short I do not believe myself to be suffering from depression.

The public health system in England isn't what it's cracked up to be.

[John and Camie 39]

The public health system in England isn't what it's cracked up to be.

My Honey's told me this as well.

I think you'll do just fine at the medical, hope we've all been able to help make you feel better about it. I'm over here rooting for you! And btw, I have absolute RESPECT for all the Beneficiaries on this site - all the things they have to do to be with us USCs. You must be mentally and emotionally exhausted at this point, Steve.

Be well, friend.

[Reba 2]

there is no reason whatsoever that panic/anxiety would result in your being denied your visa. None. What they are most concerned with in the medical exam is communicable diseases. Heck, I was under treatment and on medication when I had my exam, the fact was was barely blinked at.

Stop worrying, you'll be fine.

[SteveWWW 0]

Thanks for the replies (really appreciated) - will reply to this post at a later date with the end result.