Anaemia, hypothyroidism - anyone with these done a Knightsbridge medical?

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

Hi everyone,

 

I have 3 chronic auto-immune conditions that require medication  - type 1 diabetes, B12 deficiency (anaemia) and hypothyroidism.

 

Diabetes I know is considered a serious condition, so I have a letter from my consultant for the visa medical.

 

Now, hypothyroidism and anaemia, I’m not so sure - what’s considered serious is subjective I guess. I feel tired and weak if I don’t take the meds for these conditions, but I wouldn’t die (like I would if I didn’t take my insulin for diabetes)...so I don’t consider these to be ‘serious’ conditions, but I’m looking comparatively.

 

I called Knightsbridge to enquire whether I’d need a letter from my doctors re the anaemia and hypothyroidism and the receptionist was unsure. I don’t especially want to pay for a letter that I don’t need, so was hoping someone with these conditions (or one of) might have already done their medical and could let me know if you needed a letter or not?

 

I have time after my medical to get a letter sent over to them, before my interview - so if no one can advise re the above, that’s what I’ll do - but I like to be prepared beforehand if I can be! 

 

Thanks 🙃

[little immigrant 801]

Delete 

Edited July 2, 2019 by little immigrant

[Wuozopo 4,293]

In general, they tend to want anything explained that you take meds for. But it's kinda up to the doctor doing the exam if he's satisfied with your telling of the situation. Just wait since you have time. 

 

Ask at your medical if he is recording anything as a Class A condition on his report.  If so, you need a new medical before AOS. Would be good to know that in advance. 

Edited July 3, 2019 by Wuozopo

[Ontarkie 14,280]

~~One post removed as requested by poster~~

[fip & jim 452]

When's your medical, Zoe? I was thinking about you having to chase up people if Knightsbridge want more information, and you're away in August (if I remember correctly). If you know your GP surgery won't be slow in responding then it may not be a problem. From my experience (son with lifelong condition) it took about 2 months to get everything together because of other people being slow and unresponsive. I got his documents together before the medical because we wanted to move in July/August ready for him to start school. The GPs letter cost 25 pounds and that took 4 weeks for them to do, to give you an idea. 

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

21 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

In general, they tend to want anything explained that you take meds for. But it's kinda up to the doctor doing the exam if he's satisfied with your telling of the situation. Just wait since you have time. 

 

Ask at your medical if he is recording anything as a Class A condition on his report.  If so, you need a new medical before AOS. Would be good to know that in advance. 

What’s a Class A condition? And how come you’d need another medical/what would be achieved through another medical?

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

8 hours ago, fip & jim said:

When's your medical, Zoe? I was thinking about you having to chase up people if Knightsbridge want more information, and you're away in August (if I remember correctly). If you know your GP surgery won't be slow in responding then it may not be a problem. From my experience (son with lifelong condition) it took about 2 months to get everything together because of other people being slow and unresponsive. I got his documents together before the medical because we wanted to move in July/August ready for him to start school. The GPs letter cost 25 pounds and that took 4 weeks for them to do, to give you an idea. 

My medical is on the 26th July and I go away 5 weeks after that (very end of August) - so think I should have time...I’m going to my doctors tomorrow for the pertussis shot, so will enquire as to how long it would take for them to produce a letter 🙃.

 

To be honest, they’ve been great in giving me all the jabs, really easy to get my medical summary and vaccination records too - so I think they’re fairly efficient - and fingers crossed I won’t need the letter...

[fip & jim 452]

2 hours ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

My medical is on the 26th July and I go away 5 weeks after that (very end of August) - so think I should have time...I’m going to my doctors tomorrow for the pertussis shot, so will enquire as to how long it would take for them to produce a letter 🙃.

 

To be honest, they’ve been great in giving me all the jabs, really easy to get my medical summary and vaccination records too - so I think they’re fairly efficient - and fingers crossed I won’t need the letter...

You can judge what's best for you - paying a small fee to have everything ready for the medical, or wait for them to request more and delay your visa being issued. We have varying needs. If time is an issue then be proactive and get those documents ready. If not, then see if it's required, then take action. 

 

Class A conditions are medical conditions that render a person inadmissible and ineligible for a visa or adjustment of status. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-b-chapter-2

 

Personally, I would take all action possible because that's my personality. You seem like a person that prefers to be prepared. A couple of quid to be fully prepared for the medical is money well spent, in my opinion. Saying that, only you can evaluate the cost to your well being - both mental and physical. You seem to be on a tight schedule and I wouldn't want to be trusting a third party to mess with that. I'd also be wary because people can have good intentions without realising the full implications of their advise. A nurse in a GPs surgery, or a GP, won't fully understand the ins and outs of immigration and the steps necessary. For us it was worth paying 25 quid to get that letter in hand, calling ahead to Knightsbridge to request extra time for our papers to be reviewed, and nailing it at the medical. I knew I'd done everything I could and that was that. 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

4 hours ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

What’s a Class A condition? And how come you’d need another medical/what would be achieved through another medical?

From the I-693  Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record instructions:

1. What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical examination overseas?

   If you were admitted as a:

   1. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or

   2. K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen or a K-4 child of a K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen; and

   3. You received a medical examination prior to admission, then:

      1. (1)  You are not required to have another medical examination as long as you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination; and

         1. (a)  The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or

         2. (b)  The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of the waiver.

      2. (2)  Even if a new medical examination is not required, you must still show proof that you complied with the vaccination requirements. If the vaccination record (DS 3025) was not properly completed and included as part of the original overseas medical examination report, you will have to have the Part 9. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 3., 4., 6., and 9. of Form I-693. 

I don't even know what the Class A conditions are. Forgot. I don't think it's diabetes. There's Class B too.  Look it up. I just remember a long ago VJ friend from this forum was diabetic and had to do some kind of medical follow up once in the US that she had no clue she was supposed to do. So you might ask about all that when you're with the doc. 

[ConnorS 85]

4 hours ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

My medical is on the 26th July and I go away 5 weeks after that (very end of August) - so think I should have time...I’m going to my doctors tomorrow for the pertussis shot, so will enquire as to how long it would take for them to produce a letter 🙃.

 

To be honest, they’ve been great in giving me all the jabs, really easy to get my medical summary and vaccination records too - so I think they’re fairly efficient - and fingers crossed I won’t need the letter...

Hi Zoe, good luck on the medical I wish I could help you but unfortunately I don't have that kind of insight.  I had my medical on Tuesday the 2nd. Like you I had concern with regards to getting pertussis so opted last week to go get it privately as my GP wouldn't provide it.  I like you called Knightsbridge too with my query but found the person answering my question to be flaky and not definitive, so didn't want to take the chance, even though several months prior I already had revaxis (tentanus, diptheria and polio)

 

Anyway on the day I arrived I was first taken by a lovely gentleman technician, after completing my additional medical questionare and providing a urine sample, to have my x-ray done, which went without a problem, and was told everything looked lovely and clear.  I was then told to take a seat in the waiting room before being called to see a nurse who went over my vaccination summary and indeed told me I over done it with the vaccinations and did not require that last one as the primary concern was tetanus. So my vaccination documentation worksheet (US department of state form 3025) was signed off and I was given a copy home with me which you will be required to present upon adjustment of status.

 

After seeing the nurse I was then sent back to the waiting room before seeing a doctor who asked some additional questions after reading over my questionnaire, then asked me to strip off to my underwear and performed a physical examination, again this went without issues. I was then directed back to reception where I paid my fees, was given my paperwork and receipt and told my medical should be with the embassy by the end of this week.

 

I found all the people I encountered that day extremely pleasent and willing to engage in conversation be it you questioning them or them asking you about your plans (which they did).

 

Once I was done I even popped into the pub directly across the street and had myself a wee celebratory drink and also to calm the nerves, as much as I tried to convince myself I had nothing to worry about, they where there 😅

 

Anyway I hope you don't require the additional information, and I wish you all the best on the day, and look forward to reading about it when your done.

[Wuozopo 4,293]

The nurses at Knightsbridge do not know AOS. I think it's good that you have a record of having a pertussis jab if there wasn't any on your record. Then you won't be called out at AOS for lack of one of the required diseases. Tetanus is the "within 10 years" 10 yr concern. 

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

7 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

 

I don't even know what the Class A conditions are. Forgot. I don't think it's diabetes. There's Class B too.  Look it up. I just remember a long ago VJ friend from this forum was diabetic and had to do some kind of medical follow up once in the US that she had no clue she was supposed to do. So you might ask about all that when you're with the doc. 

Found this - I’m completely comfortable none of my illnesses fall under class A or class B and have documentation to back that up, so should be fine🙃:

 

Class A conditions are medical conditions that render a person inadmissible and ineligible for a visa or adjustment of status. [2] A Class A medical condition is a:

• Communicable disease of public health significance per HHS regulation;

• A failure to present documentation of having received vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases; [3] 

• Present or past physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior or harmful behavior that is likely to recur; and

• Drug abuse or addiction.

Class B conditions are defined as physical or mental health conditions, diseases, or disability serious in degree or permanent in nature. [4] This may be a medical condition that, although not rendering an applicant inadmissible, represents a departure from normal health or well-being that may be significant enough to:

• Interfere with the applicant’s ability to care for himself or herself, to attend school, or to work; or

• Require extensive medical treatment or institutionalization in the future.

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

9 hours ago, fip & jim said:

You can judge what's best for you - paying a small fee to have everything ready for the medical, or wait for them to request more and delay your visa being issued. We have varying needs. If time is an issue then be proactive and get those documents ready. If not, then see if it's required, then take action. 

 

Class A conditions are medical conditions that render a person inadmissible and ineligible for a visa or adjustment of status. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-b-chapter-2

 

Personally, I would take all action possible because that's my personality. You seem like a person that prefers to be prepared. A couple of quid to be fully prepared for the medical is money well spent, in my opinion. Saying that, only you can evaluate the cost to your well being - both mental and physical. You seem to be on a tight schedule and I wouldn't want to be trusting a third party to mess with that. I'd also be wary because people can have good intentions without realising the full implications of their advise. A nurse in a GPs surgery, or a GP, won't fully understand the ins and outs of immigration and the steps necessary. For us it was worth paying 25 quid to get that letter in hand, calling ahead to Knightsbridge to request extra time for our papers to be reviewed, and nailing it at the medical. I knew I'd done everything I could and that was that. 

You know what, that’s a fair shout. I’m trying to be very cost-efficient with everything, as I’m conscious I only have 4.5 more months of wages before I go - and I want to have as much of my ‘own’ money during the waiting-for-EAD stage (though Herschell has already set up a joint account and put a healthy amount in to tide me over - little saint that he is 🙃)...however, I think for the sake of £25, it’s worth just getting it! I have a tendency to get really fixated on things - so with saving, I have strict budgets for everything, that I take almost a sadist enjoyment in adhering to - but you’re right, this is worth an exception!

 

Will put the request in today, plus a description of what’s needed in the letter.

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

9 hours ago, ConnorS said:

Hi Zoe, good luck on the medical I wish I could help you but unfortunately I don't have that kind of insight.  I had my medical on Tuesday the 2nd. Like you I had concern with regards to getting pertussis so opted last week to go get it privately as my GP wouldn't provide it.  I like you called Knightsbridge too with my query but found the person answering my question to be flaky and not definitive, so didn't want to take the chance, even though several months prior I already had revaxis (tentanus, diptheria and polio)

 

Anyway on the day I arrived I was first taken by a lovely gentleman technician, after completing my additional medical questionare and providing a urine sample, to have my x-ray done, which went without a problem, and was told everything looked lovely and clear.  I was then told to take a seat in the waiting room before being called to see a nurse who went over my vaccination summary and indeed told me I over done it with the vaccinations and did not require that last one as the primary concern was tetanus. So my vaccination documentation worksheet (US department of state form 3025) was signed off and I was given a copy home with me which you will be required to present upon adjustment of status.

 

After seeing the nurse I was then sent back to the waiting room before seeing a doctor who asked some additional questions after reading over my questionnaire, then asked me to strip off to my underwear and performed a physical examination, again this went without issues. I was then directed back to reception where I paid my fees, was given my paperwork and receipt and told my medical should be with the embassy by the end of this week.

 

I found all the people I encountered that day extremely pleasent and willing to engage in conversation be it you questioning them or them asking you about your plans (which they did).

 

Once I was done I even popped into the pub directly across the street and had myself a wee celebratory drink and also to calm the nerves, as much as I tried to convince myself I had nothing to worry about, they where there 😅

 

Anyway I hope you don't require the additional information, and I wish you all the best on the day, and look forward to reading about it when your done.

Thanks Connor, appreciate the heads up 🙃.

 

I’m going to get the letter beforehand - Flip & Jim is right, I like to be prepared.

[fip & jim 452]

5 hours ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

You know what, that’s a fair shout. I’m trying to be very cost-efficient with everything, as I’m conscious I only have 4.5 more months of wages before I go - and I want to have as much of my ‘own’ money during the waiting-for-EAD stage (though Herschell has already set up a joint account and put a healthy amount in to tide me over - little saint that he is 🙃)...however, I think for the sake of £25, it’s worth just getting it! I have a tendency to get really fixated on things - so with saving, I have strict budgets for everything, that I take almost a sadist enjoyment in adhering to - but you’re right, this is worth an exception!

 

Will put the request in today, plus a description of what’s needed in the letter.

I completely understand that. All the "little" costs of the requirements add up. I really think some things are worth spending on, even if they aren't eventually needed, as an insurance for your own peace of mind. And peace of mind is not a luxury. I'm glad you changed your mind. 

 

6 hours ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

Class B conditions are defined as physical or mental health conditions, diseases, or disability serious in degree or permanent in nature. [4] This may be a medical condition that, although not rendering an applicant inadmissible, represents a departure from normal health or well-being that may be significant enough to:

• Interfere with the applicant’s ability to care for himself or herself, to attend school, or to work; or

• Require extensive medical treatment or institutionalization in the future.

My son fell under the Class B category. He is autistic. He passed the medical and was issued the K2, no problem. So even if a condition is categorised under the guidelines an applicant can still pass and go on to get a visa. I'm just saying this to give people some hope as I well remember the awful feelings I had preceding and during the stage you're at. Being prepared and proactive can make a big difference to an outcome and how you manage stressful situations.

 

I understand the medical itself is usually fine (from our own experience, from reading a lot of reviews on here, and as @ConnorS has recounted) but the staff at Knightsbridge do not fully understand the visa processes and the whole requirements from start to finish. They are playing a very small part in your journey but a part where they have the power to influence the outcome. I encountered a similar attitude recently when I went back to our local SOS office to get my driver's licence after passing my road test. The clerk couldn't understand why I needed a limited term licence, or why my green card is conditional. When I tried to explain she actually said "I don't care". I said "Don't you want to know so you understand and then you'll know what to do next time?". She repeated that she really doesn't care and hardly ever has to deal with immigrants, which illustrates the perspective we have from going through this process. These things are actually vital to us - having the correct vaccines, passing medicals, the interview, getting a drivers licence, but to the staff that work for these various government departments it's a job. They do it day in day out, it's boring and repetitive. Some of them care about what they do and about being a nice person - like the X-ray technician at Knightsbridge, always jolly and sensitive about you having to undress and have it done. I guess we have all been guilty of being complacent, or not trying to understand someone else's perspective or experiences, at some point in our lives. But this stuff is vitally important to us - so we can be with our loved ones and then build a life with them. This is why this community is important and plays a role that nothing else can - the ones that have experienced this before us can pass on their knowledge and help those that come after. 

 

Jeez, that sounded like a manifesto, sorry. What I'm trying to say, in a convoluted way, is that I wasn't trying to persuade you to do things one way or the other, I was only pointing out that the value of things changes when we experience new things. Wishing you all the best Zoe. I look forward to hearing more about your journey as you continue.