Question about medical

[jace5869 9]

I had my wife and step-son get a chest x-ray dne at a local clinic here in RP. My wifes xray came back negative, but step-son had a small calcified lymph nide according to the doctor. She immediately said it was TB and to have a PPD done. Well, according to the doctor the PPD was positive (13mm). However, she said it was healing (?). She gave my wice a prescription for the 3 anti-tb medicines and she bought the, (i didnt want her to).

I want St. Lukes to do the testing and administer treatment if needed so I'm telling the wife just wait until medical (I'm DCF filing on the 14th of Aug). I would rather he get approved treatment, if needed, from St. Lukes then to start this medicine that St. Lukes may not even recognize as treatment. NOTE: He shows NO symptoms..no cough, sneezing, bleeding, weight loss or fatigue..acts just like a normal 4 year old.

Some questioms....

How possible would it be for them to allow the child to travel to the US on a MED B2 to recieve treatment since mother has negative?

If they would alloow it wold they first do a sputum, or no?

I'm hoping my wife doesnt have to leave her son here for a couple of months if he has to undergo treatment at St Lukes for 6 months... or would they delay her approval until his was done?

[Cathi 5,849]

they won't let someone who could potentially have TB enter the US

[jace5869 9]

Iunderstand that, but Ive read posts of people who get aannotation in there passport and then they get a letter while in the US requiring them to get treatment.

[jace5869 9]

Would taking the medicine now be credited towards treatment? Or should we wait for the medical and results? We don't expect to wait long before attending the medical.

[six7one 17]

Would taking the medicine now be credited towards treatment? Or should we wait for the medical and results? We don't expect to wait long before attending the medical.

Yes, depending on the medication and the duration SLEC will classify this as a Transfer. Bring all pertinent materials from the treatment to the SLEC Medical Exam.

If the same spot is seen by SLEC, discuss the outside treatment with the physician. This is will be the time the physician will decides if whether or not to allow the classification as a transfer.

Edited July 31, 2013 by six7one

[jace5869 9]

We're hoping that the spot isn't TB..but we'd like to increase our chances of getting a transfer. Do you think factoring in his age, and IF he starts the treatment that it would increase the chances of getting a transfer? Would they HAVE to do a sputum first? Will they delay processing the mothers application for his, or continue it since they are separate petitions?

I just worry about taking this medicine since there isn't a real set of documentation or records the doctor gave us..There's instructions, but nothing that looks like St. Lukes would accept it...

[six7one 17]

I can't say for sure in reference to children and the CXR results as my experience was with my wife. SLEC will adhere to the CDC requirements for TB Screening for Immigrants to the US based on the CXR or if there are any positive results from the sputum or culture. You can read more about the Transfers HERE. See page 14.

You can read FAQs about the TB Screening for children HERE. Includes information on possible waivers.

I undertand your concerns and I hope someone else can chime in with some sound advice or experience with children.

[jace5869 9]

So..I read the document and saved it. I don't know if I'm 100%, but it seems like they are likely to give transfer treatment to children under 10 years unless they find overwhelming evidence of active TB. All we know is our son's skin test is positive according the doctor, but he's been given the BCG vaccine like most filipinos. Also, they only saw a small singular calcified lymph node that she claims looked like it was healing. I'm not sure if that's possible, or if that counts as a "cavity" or "scar", but to me I have some more hope on not being delayed 2-6 months. I think might do a sputum and just wait for the smear results(?).

It's really hard finding info on children for this. He's 4 years old and my wife is worried he may not be able to provide sputum. Do they have any techniques for acquiring sputum for the young ones?

Thank you for your help..that was a great read..we at least have some more hope about this.

[six7one 17]

So..I read the document and saved it. I don't know if I'm 100%, but it seems like they are likely to give transfer treatment to children under 10 years unless they find overwhelming evidence of active TB. All we know is our son's skin test is positive according the doctor, but he's been given the BCG vaccine like most filipinos. Also, they only saw a small singular calcified lymph node that she claims looked like it was healing. I'm not sure if that's possible, or if that counts as a "cavity" or "scar", but to me I have some more hope on not being delayed 2-6 months. I think might do a sputum and just wait for the smear results(?).

It's really hard finding info on children for this. He's 4 years old and my wife is worried he may not be able to provide sputum. Do they have any techniques for acquiring sputum for the young ones?

Thank you for your help..that was a great read..we at least have some more hope about this.

Even if you have him do a culture prior to the SLEC Medical Exam, they will still do their own tests. I don't mean to sound negative, but chances are high that you will be delayed. Since he was already given a PPD test and it was positive, he'll more than likely be required to do the SLEC sputum and culture tests. Can't say for sure, but more than likely.

[jace5869 9]

we havent been to st lukes..just got it done here locally in the province. According tomthe document if theres no significant scarring then transfer or waiver is granted. We might be delayed fir the smear but maybe not the culture...Imguess we'll see..we're being hopeful