AFQuaid

I can't say in word's how happy I am but am glad it's for sure my girls on her way HOME, heh an I wont be macho I cried in happiness near an hour after hearing this

=/\=Andrew=/\=

So the story begins after very little sleep and an early rise of 4am. The transport I had booked (as you may remember train option didn't work out) was actually a private ambulance was spot on at arriving at 5am. Everything started out really well, we had everything and I clinged to my folder as if my life depended on it, as it does.

It took us from 5am-8am to begin to "near" London and you could tell you were nearing it even if you were 60+ miles off because the traffic oh my god. Hooking horns, police on motorcycles it was madness! Then to make things worse as we start moving again we hit roadworks, then traffic, then more roadworks, then more traffic. It was so bad we didn't get anywhere near to finding the Embassy till 9:30. It became a case of the two paramedics with me hopping out of the ambulance every few streets asking random Londoners where the flippin' building was. Oddly most Londoners don't seem to know much about where any buildings are. They asked 6 people before asking a policeman and by that time it was 10am. My appointment time, fear going through me thinking the worse. Maybe they won't let me in? It's too late! They aren't gonna let us off with "we were stuck in traffic."

We eventually found the building but nowhere to park that wasn't streets away. Guards were glaring at our dilemma as they stood beside the two lines of people gawping at the commotion. Eventually they parked the ambulance across the street and a paramedic hopped out to go talk with the guard. He came running back saying they need to see the appointment letter and passports of myself and mum (who was going in with me to help physically). They gave the ok and allowed the paramedics to offload me. We headed towards the two lines of people and the guard checked our passports again and my appointment letter and got on his walkie-talkie to inside the Embassy sayin' they need somebody to come down for assistance with getting me inside. There were steps at the main enterance. We only waited about 5 minutes then another officer showed us round the back into a big garage thing with crates. Accidently my wheelchair skidded on the sandy ground and the guy got a clipped ankle . He didn't mind though. He showed me into a lift and we went unstairs into the visa department, thats after mum was asked if the bottle of lavender cooling water in her handbag was a weapon! He actually asked her to test it on her and he said ok he believes its a perfume thing.

He told us then to get a ticket from the nice lady at the far end and we got number 015! and was told we'd be seen at window 1. So we sat near there as instructed. For 3 hours the screen flashed and spoke it seemed like millions of 200 numbers and then 300s then the occasional "8" then repeated numbers and "last calls." In which time we saw some poor man collapse as he got himself a ticket (I'm guessing from anxiety) but he had to be helped up and everybody gasped. We sat, we twiddled our thumbs, the guy that was running the nice little sandwich and drink counter at the back of the room offered to help me buy something to pass the time. That was nice of him. I passed him up on the offer because it was quite early on but eventually I asked mum to grab us some food and drink.

Finally my number was called to window 14! which was round the little corridor. A business type gentleman was there and he asked for my passport photos (2), birth certificate - copy and origional and police report - copy and origional. He checked em then got me to sign some forms then gave me the origionals back.After a minute of him typing on the computer he did my fingerprints then told me to go to window 15 next door. Where I was met by the most nicest american lady who had a beaming smile on her face. She asked me for the Affidavit of support forms and visa fee slip, checked them. Said everything looked great and asked me to raise my right hand and swear everything I'm about to say is the truth. And of course I did. She asked me:

How me and Andy met

What website was it or where on the internet

What do you have in common

How do you plan to support yourself finationally

Do you have a carer lined up

She spent a second looking up our file and made some jokes i.e "Oh boy, Andrew sure wanted us to know you guys had met from the RFE" and "Yep, he is certain he wants to marry this woman" she chuckled. Then she said all looks great and

"I'm Happy To Issue You Your Visa" *BIG RED APPROVED STAMPPED DOWN*

She explained to me again 6 months to enter the US, 90 days to marry on entry. Then about sending the marriage certificate to homeland security. And that she generally wishes us all the best. Pending my medical results my visa will be issued in 1-2 weeks.

I get given a pink courier form. I was the ONLY person with a PINK one everybody had BLUE, I realised that maybe they were all on a totally different visa. Anyway I couldn't get to the desk so mum had to take the filled out form up with the money. All went fine.

Then another guard was actually waiting to take me out and my folder slid off my land and down the ramp of the garage like door they took me out of. Poor guy had to chase it before the papers fell out.

After that the ambulance picked us up again and dad (who had gone to sit in a cafe) but actually ended up chatting to a guy who was waiting for a relative outside. Dad was on about that his friend had a conviction and he'd been in the building since 9am and still hadn't come out, I'd been in since 10:20am and got out at 2:20pm. We wondered what had happened to the poor fellow all the way to the medical center.

I had an appointment at the Alliance Medical Center which isn't too far from the Embassy and was found pretty easily. Dad went inside to ask about wheelchair access and a nice lady showed us round the back where she put down a ramp. Got in fine and she told me to go up the level 2 in the lift and sit in the waiting room. So we did.

The lady from behind the desk brought me a clipboard with another questionaire on it, similar to the one provided in packet three but seems to also have doctors imput section. She asked for a passport photo and documents (pkt 3 questionaire and all my supporting doctors letters and factsheet on my illness i handed over lol). Then the questionaire after I'd finished. She handed them to the doctor who came out his room briefly and she asked me to go change into a gown in the toilet so I did and came back out into the waiting room. The doctor called me in and went over all the stuff I just gave him and seemed very pleased that I'd thought the appointment through. He told me many people go there with pre existing conditions and dont bring doctors support letters even if its just asthma. He says it really helps if you do! So thats some good advice for those here on VJ! He tested my vision and felt my stomach. Took my blood to test for HIV and sent me back out into the waiting area. Then I was called in by a lady checking my vaccination records, the ONLY one I had missed was the Heppititus (sp?) B in which according to her I just need the first dose to complete the approval and I can have the 2 others when in the States. Other than that she was happy, gave me a letter for my GP to let me get it done on the NHS and then hes to fax the alliance medical center and they'll tell the embassy. I was called into the x-ray room and that was simple in and out and back into the doctors room again where he asked a few questions about my care and who would do that etc. I found it actually pretty hard to understand his accent. But he was very jokey and friendly. He listened to my heart too that was very fast he said and asked if I was nervous. Obviously... Then that was that. He thanked me and wrote up his report, read it to me. Was correct and left me to go get dressed again and I payed the lady at the desk and all done.

I actually just got back an hour and a half ago. I'm totally beat.

Fiona

P.S Andrew and I are completely overjoyed.

It was very busy. I waited 3 hours. I'm about to post my London Marathon.

My fiance is kinda similar Lina. But HE LOVES messages boards (he goes on alot) but NEVER admits he loves them but he very rarely comes to VJ unless I try to "share" a thread with him. Then it's all good

tyvm

We could but non of my family can drive nor do we have any friends who are willing. Even after 14 years of living in England from moving from Scotland we still haven't made much of a dent in being accepted nevermind liked in our area. But thank you for the suggestion.

Fiona

Linababe don't worry about your NOA2 expiring ours has already they just told us to make sure the US citzen writes a note reconfirming the intention to marry like in the beginning and you take that to the interview.

Feel better. You'll get through this.

Hiya everybody,

I just wondered at the London Embassy do they give you the origional tax returns back? Our co-sponcer sent us origionals plus one copy. BUT she needs them back asap. I have told them yes because origionally I thought they took both then handed origionals back but now I'm in doubt.

Fiona

Hi Everybody,

Firstly I would like to thank all for the wonderful advise, information and responses in general.

You'll be glad to hear like I was that the transport situation has resolved.

I had phoned up Virgin Trains to ask about assistance for somebody like myself but they told me they couldn't garentee 100% I would get help despite letting them know 24 hours in advance. So I couldn't take the risk of not getting help as you can understand.

Thankfully we got hold of the origional company and they quoted £800 to get me there and back which we've accepted because we saw no other way that wasn't risking me being stranded somewhere I've never been before.

I tried to contact also some black cab firms but some basically refused to take my electric wheelchair and others said they did not accomidate wheelchairs period.

So there we have it after all the stress and drama back to plan A.

Thank you again everybody.

Fiona

Andy = connectable

Unfortunitely not, it was an "in-person" arrangement and several talks over the phone which were all fine until today. Something to do with policies of having multiple drivers because of the long trip is making the price higher. This company has taken me several places before with NO PROBLEM! And even bragged about how they've taken many other people to London for several reasons but when it came to me apparently it's an issue.

What else can go wrong for us huh?

Well the transportation I had booked 2 months ago phoned me up today to say they may or maynot be able to take me to London for my interview on Wednesday and take me back. They'll have a quote and decision tomorrow (the quote is increasing from £650 to near £1000) just for a wheelchair access vehicle with driver!

So I need to come up with an alternative and FAST. This company has left things to the last minute to "have a problem" with the arrangement now.

I googled the internet for "black cabs" but could only find London tour ones. I found other companys similar to the above but weren't in Manchester.

Next and last option I try the train and found something called "Virgin Trains" that say they have wheelchair access onto the trains and plateforms. But that isn't the problem now, we have NO idea where we go when we hit London Euston station and how to get back to it when we're done. Anybody know?Can provide me with a map? Info?

Plus in and around the embassy are they're any black cabs parked ready for any customers? I "think" there is but I want to be sure where exactly they are so I can hop in one to go to the medical center.

This WHOLE thing is turning out to be a last minute disaster and if I cannot find a way to get to London and around safely without getting stranded either at plateforms or elsewhere then I'm going to have to reschedule the whole day. The transport company has REALLY landed us in it! I'm furious and very upset.

HELP anybody who knows about trains Can't take anymore.

Fiona

I have my interview next wednesday at London. I have no questions really just wondered if anybody could drop in with just some advise about the interview in general. I'm VERY extremely, a nervous reck sort of nervous.

Fiona

Andrew is similar to others SO mentioned. He wants to know the "basics" what "he" needs to do, when, how and why. Nothing else, wheras I read, re-read everything and anything and he just needs the general knowledge of what he needs to do on his side. I've nagged my Andrew alot too about paperwork but like he always tells me "Trust me, I aint gonna lose you over not filling out a form. I just want to make sure I do it right even if I'm a tad slow." It can be very stressful and I've read alot about couples where one half is *right in there knees deep in everything immigration wise* and the other just needs the basics and they're fine.

Andy, look at what you are saying.

Perfect is the immigrant who moved here. How much of a support network do you think she has? Do you think she's got LOADS of close friends she could talk to about this? I doubt it. So she posted here to get something off her chest. Maybe some of the details were more 'intimate' than you or I might post, but she HAS tried to speak to her husband about it and he disregards it. You will be the immigrant soon. What if you had no where else to turn? What if Fiona pooh'd your feelings?

First off maybe look closer at our situation Fiona WILL be the immigrant not myself, an if she "pooh'd" on my feelings we would deal with it, even if it means we have to have a conflict of words, a fight if you will, the point is I wasn't basing my post off myself but rather what "I" felt from the OP. I'm sorry you can't/don't wish to understand some people still consider "ole' fashioned" beliefs like not breaking your marriage into another man's life or woman's for that matter quite that great but as only a 3rd Gen. American an the family I have an how we were raised this is unexceptable. I'm posting how I feel just as the rest of you except I don't make a final judgement on anyone as where here I'm reading ####### like leave the guy...

Next time you qoute me I would appreciate my whole post as you chopped it to skew the overall intension, as I said it was expected my opinions wouldn't be popular (well if they are I doubt enough have the nerve to say so) but I'm not here for that, hell I aint really here for this type of post rather for the information on the Govt. process of a Visa...

Everyone has a right to do as they please an I'm not saying otherwise so excuse my thought out first post where I was critical on the posting of such issues but also reread where I also gave some decent suggestion's... I don't follow peoples cases as I have my family to worry about but from what I got her attempts to connect with her husband are ended when he rejects her ... well ya know what the same thing has happend to most relationships an if ya say "NO never ours..." your straight lying an this has happended to myself an Fiona though *shock, horror, gasp* she didn't turn around (with a bad past also) an go into a forum she let me have my little tantrum and we really started to get to know each other one hell of alot. Imagine that...

Again I nicely ask not to chop quotes of me as I pride myself in the way I structure my statements as when thrown around the "whole" point is lost, ya know kinda like how David Letterman or Jay Leno cut audio files of Bush to make him look worse, it's not needed let himself do that an by quoting my entire post's you'll be doing the same otherwise I'll just end up skipping over your post's like a horse apple in the road an those shows I just mentioned...

=/\=Andrew=/\=

I've been browsing through the replies to this topic since it began. I've chosen not to post any advice, because I believe the proper advice has been given already. I will just add my wishes for a happy outcome for perfect.

The reason I'm quoting Andrew is that I take exception not with what he says, but how he says it. He says that one reason he doesn't want anyone to use only partial pieces of his posts because he "prides himself in the way he structures his statements." Apparently he takes pride in, but gives no thought to, grammar, punctuation, or run-on sentences. Just my two cents worth.

Thanks for copying the whole thing it is appreciated ... my statements are that as if I was speaking excuse the bad grammar an run-on sentences. Also thank you for making a personal attack against me that just goes to show how VJ is shifting...

=/\=Andrew=/\=

discussion

Hi Perfect,

I feel for you and your situation. It must be a great strain on your mind all these issues with your husband. Can I ask, are you afraid to have the "ultimate" discussion with him? Somehow I sense that you may be frightened to bring it all out in the open with him. But perhaps it would be the best thing you ever did. He'd know exactly what your feelings are and not through hints, odd occasional comments etc.. And so if he goes in a huff for a few hours/days it may be the thing that either makes him open his eyes and see whats going on or make you step back take a look at the whole picture and make a decision for your own happiness.

Every relationship has its hiccups, Andrew and I have had many but eventually it blows over. You just need to have it out in the open. Keeping feelings like these especially about your SO inside is just making it more hurtful for you.

Let us know how to get on.

As for "just being hormonal" perhaps it is that thats made you "see" the issues instead of blocking them away which is a thumbs up for menstrating. Also it's alright to cry, I've cried and been angry at Andrew for no apparent reason. But obviously in your situation it's brought about important issues you need to sort out in your marriage.

Good Luck

Fiona

Andy, look at what you are saying.

Perfect is the immigrant who moved here. How much of a support network do you think she has? Do you think she's got LOADS of close friends she could talk to about this? I doubt it. So she posted here to get something off her chest. Maybe some of the details were more 'intimate' than you or I might post, but she HAS tried to speak to her husband about it and he disregards it. You will be the immigrant soon. What if you had no where else to turn? What if Fiona pooh'd your feelings?

First off maybe look closer at our situation Fiona WILL be the immigrant not myself, an if she "pooh'd" on my feelings we would deal with it, even if it means we have to have a conflict of words, a fight if you will, the point is I wasn't basing my post off myself but rather what "I" felt from the OP. I'm sorry you can't/don't wish to understand some people still consider "ole' fashioned" beliefs like not breaking your marriage into another man's life or woman's for that matter quite that great but as only a 3rd Gen. American an the family I have an how we were raised this is unexceptable. I'm posting how I feel just as the rest of you except I don't make a final judgement on anyone as where here I'm reading ####### like leave the guy...

Next time you qoute me I would appreciate my whole post as you chopped it to skew the overall intension, as I said it was expected my opinions wouldn't be popular (well if they are I doubt enough have the nerve to say so) but I'm not here for that, hell I aint really here for this type of post rather for the information on the Govt. process of a Visa...

Everyone has a right to do as they please an I'm not saying otherwise so excuse my thought out first post where I was critical on the posting of such issues but also reread where I also gave some decent suggestion's... I don't follow peoples cases as I have my family to worry about but from what I got her attempts to connect with her husband are ended when he rejects her ... well ya know what the same thing has happend to most relationships an if ya say "NO never ours..." your straight lying an this has happended to myself an Fiona though *shock, horror, gasp* she didn't turn around (with a bad past also) an go into a forum she let me have my little tantrum and we really started to get to know each other one hell of alot. Imagine that...

Again I nicely ask not to chop quotes of me as I pride myself in the way I structure my statements as when thrown around the "whole" point is lost, ya know kinda like how David Letterman or Jay Leno cut audio files of Bush to make him look worse, it's not needed let himself do that an by quoting my entire post's you'll be doing the same otherwise I'll just end up skipping over your post's like a horse apple in the road an those shows I just mentioned...

=/\=Andrew=/\=

13 months here

Fiona

Cute

Well said *applauds*! Sometimes I think VJ needs somebody to say that every one in a while.

Perhaps give that gif to the admin to have it put at the top banner like the "look at the guides reminder" but for when posting in off topic.

Fiona

Ric Flair should shut the fuq up and know better than to drag his comedy act into a thread like this

Wooooo!

Woooo!

No comedy LisaD, in fact a good question!

Woooo!

I only read the OP an a few responses after before nearly chucking my keyboard ... and Ric, comedy or not you are right it's a damn valid question (an funny way to present it heh) also despite what alo may think on here. All I see is a serious problem, a wife comming online for help an not to specailists or her husband, yes I read his responses an I've had a few of those myself again what is his side of the story. If Fiona were to come into VJ after she is here spouting our problems in OUR relationship I'd think I would flip out even more, an I'm betting her husband hasn't seen this thread (but not sure as I skipped most of it) but can only imagine his opinion based on the OP... People might jump on me for this but one I find people funny in a not so good way comming in here looking for comfort or something of the sorts an two for in alot of cases going behind their partner's back to do so. I look upon taking such intense feelings like this online to the sorts which dwell here as just the same as going to any stranger an spilling your most intimate personal problems of your marriage (for christs sake you bring up sexual relations), or even to the same likes as taking the problem to an Ex...

If your here complaining it is either beyond a point of hope or ya might wanna hush an just speak with your husband, even if you have to swallow some pride an hear his BS about your lacking whatever he believes so that you can understand him. Sometimes it just takes that, an as far as money if your working so damn hard get your own seperate account to save some for yourself I mean good lord...

I wont even touch your speaking of expecting to be more important then his twin, and especailly his CHILD!

=/\=Andrew=/\=

Another update on the glasses issue!

I got a letter through the mail this morning stating somebody would be out to my home to fit ONE of the pair of glasses on the 9TH OF AUGUST!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRR. After telling them I would be in LONDON then and I needed at least one FOR the 9th not ON the 9th. God sake some people just don't take the time LIIIISTTTEN. Anyway I got on the phone with em right away and literally yelled at the woman and told her exactly what I thought of their company. She phoned back half another lady to say somebody will come out tomorrow afternoon. Geeze! How hard was that to arrange!

*Is raging* I cannot BELIEVE I had to get rude with them before getting what I NEEDED and PAID for!

Here an update on the glasses issue.

They phoned back this morning and said somebody would be out on the 9th August with the reading pair. I was absolutely fuming and couldn't keep my cool at this point, I told her tensely that I requested to have them delivered BEFORE that date because I'll be in London! And guess what? She'll get back to me.....

ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!

As for the discussion on the NHS, my opinion is I absolutely hate them. They are fine for somebody who is healthy despite the occasional bug but for somebody with a long standing condition the treatment is disgusting. For example:

When I was 10 years, I developed Scoliosis (curve in the spine) which is a symptom of my muscle weaking condition. Which had to be pointed out by a Junior doctor even though the consultant thought my back was fine but the Junior doc had em x-ray and guess what a JUNIOR doctor was right and had more knowledge. Then they see me 6 months later and tell me it's progressed to the point bracing isn't an option and put me on a waiting list. I was on that waiting list for 4 years! Till that surgery finally came around and with it marked "urgent" on my file as I was deteroriating rapidly to the point I couldn't lie down and had breathing problems. Due to the wait I was close to being too thin to have the surgery. But luckily they did it despite the high risk. I spent 3 days in ICU, a week in High dependancy and 2 weeks on the regular ward. I was then bedridden for a year due to incorrect pain management and lack of funding for a new wheelchair that could enable me to change my position. It took they contacting a wheelchair company in the US which somebody kindly flew over with a demo and low and behold I could sit up again! The Muscular Dystrophy Association had to fund the electric wheelchair for me because the NHS would not pay for the wheelchairs recline function which I needed in order to stay out of bed. Totally rediculas. It wasn't till 1 year and a half later that they sorted both wheelchair and pain management and my family and friends threatening to contact the head of NHS about this.

So as you can imagine they aint in my good books at all. I'm quite looking forward to going private when I get to the US

Ty very much for your support guys.

At least not in my area of England (North-West) Opticion appointments plus glasses are not covered by the NHS. The dentists are becoming private now too here. Only if you need to see a specialist is it covered. I've been wearing glasses since I was 4 years old normally around £100 a pair but blimey!

I've got emense guilt on my shoulders right now because that 800 had to come out of the "America" account. The account I've been selling ebay things etc to gain funds to get back to Andy. I still have enough thanks to peoples donations but the money I scraped myself is near gone on a pair of glasses! Andy tells me it's fine, I needed them and I shouldn't feel bad but I do. We could have created a memory with that 800.

But I shall not dwell on the past and just continue to hope somehow they'll get a pair to me by the time of my interview. I'm gonna look a right idiot wheeling into things.