Anticipating the Medical Exam challenges during Embassy Interview

[usanow 0]

Hi All,

I am trying to make sure I cover everything regarding my mother’s immigrant visa. I am concerned about the medical exam that will be done before the interview. Here is the thing:

My mother had a stroke and her left side was paralyzed and never fully recovered. She also has diabetes and high blood pressure and taking medication. Will any of these be a factor for her medical exam? She is 64 years old and otherwise healthy.

I am providing the I-864 and my income level is six times more than the amount required. My mother also has significant cash in her bank, which alone is enough to over come the poverty guideline (5 times more than the minimum required).

1. Should she reveal all her medical history during the medical exam? Or only highlight the big things (i.e. Stroke, Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure.

2. Should I go through a lawyer in case they make a big deal out of it?

3. Is there anything that I do would make the medical exam easier for her?

Please enlighten me and help me to better anticipate all the challenges.

Thanks

[Markieboy 104]

Hi All,

I am trying to make sure I cover everything regarding my mother’s immigrant visa. I am concerned about the medical exam that will be done before the interview. Here is the thing:

My mother had a stroke and her left side was paralyzed and never fully recovered. She also has diabetes and high blood pressure and taking medication. Will any of these be a factor for her medical exam? She is 64 years old and otherwise healthy.

I am providing the I-864 and my income level is six times more than the amount required. My mother also has significant cash in her bank, which alone is enough to over come the poverty guideline (5 times more than the minimum required).

1. Should she reveal all her medical history during the medical exam? Or only highlight the big things (i.e. Stroke, Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure.

2. Should I go through a lawyer in case they make a big deal out of it?

3. Is there anything that I do would make the medical exam easier for her?

Please enlighten me and help me to better anticipate all the challenges.

Thanks

First of all, I am deeply sorry that your mother had a stroke. It is very devastating and emotional watching a loved one live and cope with the effects of stroke. My grandfather had one seven years ago, and it was a difficult time for him and the rest of our family. I can only imagine having a parent who has suffered from one.

In my opinion, the diabetes and hypertension should NOT be a problem during the medical exam. People with diabetes and hypertension, controlled with medication, can function normally in life and without much restrictions. I don't see this as a problem during the medical.

I would only reveal medical history that is questioned during the exam. That's just me, though. What other history would you think is relevant? Was/is your mother a smoker? History of alcohol intake? Family history of stroke? Diet and exercise schedules? This is correlated with your mother's condition. And most likely, they will be asked during the medical.

I should hope you don't need a lawyer during or after the medical exam. However, if you feel that your mother is being unjustly discriminated against because of her condition; by all means, seek legal advice.

Bringing evidence documenting your mother's medical condition may help during the exam. If you have copies of her medical records, I would definitely bring those. It would aid the physician's evaluation of your mother's progression of the disease. I am assuming your mother has had/or is having physical therapy or occupational therapy? Bring copies of their notes or exercise routines they have your mom do. Most important of all, is your mother educated about her condition. Many doctors today just treat the disease and not the patient. It is the physician's duty to explain the condition to the patient. And also to answer any questions they may have.

Overall, I don't think your mother will have problems during the medical exam. Patients with stroke need to be treated and managed for life. And since you state that you are well above the poverty line, your mother will not be a charge on the state. And unfortunately, that is mainly what USCIS/NVC is concerned with.

I wish you and your mother good luck and many blessings! Please post on the forum any updates.

Edited November 16, 2010 by Markieboy

[usanow 0]

First of all, I am deeply sorry that your mother had a stroke. It is very devastating and emotional watching a loved one live and cope with the effects of stroke. My grandfather had one seven years ago, and it was a difficult time for him and the rest of our family. I can only imagine having a parent who has suffered from one.

In my opinion, the diabetes and hypertension should NOT be a problem during the medical exam. People with diabetes and hypertension, controlled with medication, can function normally in life and without much restrictions. I don't see this as a problem during the medical.

I would only reveal medical history that is questioned during the exam. That's just me, though. What other history would you think is relevant? Was/is your mother a smoker? History of alcohol intake? Family history of stroke? Diet and exercise schedules? This is correlated with your mother's condition. And most likely, they will be asked during the medical.

I should hope you don't need a lawyer during or after the medical exam. However, if you feel that your mother is being unjustly discriminated against because of her condition; by all means, seek legal advice.

Bringing evidence documenting your mother's medical condition may help during the exam. If you have copies of her medical records, I would definitely bring those. It would aid the physician's evaluation of your mother's progression of the disease. I am assuming your mother has had/or is having physical therapy or occupational therapy? Bring copies of their notes or exercise routines they have your mom do. Most important of all, is your mother educated about her condition. Many doctors today just treat the disease and not the patient. It is the physician's duty to explain the condition to the patient. And also to answer any questions they may have.

Overall, I don't think your mother will have problems during the medical exam. Patients with stroke need to be treated and managed for life. And since you state that you are well above the poverty line, your mother will not be a charge on the state. And unfortunately, that is mainly what USCIS/NVC is concerned with.

I wish you and your mother good luck and many blessings! Please post on the forum any updates.

Thank you Markieboy, I really appreciate you taking the time and gave me some valuable encouragements and kind words.

No, my mother does not smoke or drink (never). Her only problem is that her left hand and leg is kind of disabled. She understands her situation and yes she takes physical therapy three times a week since she had the stroke. That’s pretty much everything she currently deals with. Other insignificant issues like minor back pain, dental issues, and so on.

It is the stroke and left hand being non-functional is my primary concern. I know I’ll support her as it’s a holy duty given to me by God, but will the visa people feel the same?

Thanks again

[Markieboy 104]

Thank you Markieboy, I really appreciate you taking the time and gave me some valuable encouragements and kind words.

No, my mother does not smoke or drink (never). Her only problem is that her left hand and leg is kind of disabled. She understands her situation and yes she takes physical therapy three times a week since she had the stroke. That’s pretty much everything she currently deals with. Other insignificant issues like minor back pain, dental issues, and so on.

It is the stroke and left hand being non-functional is my primary concern. I know I’ll support her as it’s a holy duty given to me by God, but will the visa people feel the same?

Thanks again

You're very welcome. When I read your situation, I immediately empathized with you.

So her extremities of the left side are completely paralyzed? Or partially paralyzed? Is she wheelchair-bound? Or does she use a walker of some type? Patients with complete sided paralysis usually will require more medical care and attention. I'm sure the physician will discuss the costs involved, but again, this should not be an issue.

The back pain, dental issues, loss of hair, etc are all part of aging. We will all be affected by some condition with age, eventually.

We can only hope that those reviewing your case are sympathetic to your situation. It is a blessing that you are well above poverty line to you, your mother and the rest of your family. BTW, I'm very happy to hear you say it's a holy duty given by God. I, like many others, feel the same about our families.

[usanow 0]

Thanks again Markieboy, your kind words are really giving me high hope. My mother is partially paralyzed. She can walk by herself, but slowly. She does not need a wheelchair or walker as of now.

I am grateful to God that He gave me an opportunity to do something for my mother. I’m afraid that something may prevent her (i.e. visa denied) coming here and live with me.

[Markieboy 104]

Thanks again Markieboy, your kind words are really giving me high hope. My mother is partially paralyzed. She can walk by herself, but slowly. She does not need a wheelchair or walker as of now.

I am grateful to God that He gave me an opportunity to do something for my mother. I’m afraid that something may prevent her (i.e. visa denied) coming here and live with me.

I'm glad to hear she can walk, even if it is slowly. Honestly, I really don't see her case being denied.

We hope and pray for the best! What a wonderful son/daughter your mother has!

Again, good luck with your journey! And keep us posted with any news!