Medical exam issues...

[sbkim]

Just in time to greet in the holiday season, my mom was diagnosed as having latent case of TB. She was treated when she was younger but she tested positive on skin test and X Ray. Now what?? As expected, the civil surgeon will not be signing-off on her medical exam.

Is there anything we can do to overcome this? What if she seeks medical treatment?

I know about form i 601 Waiver but i am sponsoring my mother so I am not sure if we qualify to do this...

 

[Al Southner]

She needs to be treated....

Just in time to greet in the holiday season, my mom was diagnosed as having latent case of TB. She was treated when she was younger but she tested positive on skin test and X Ray. Now what?? As expected, the civil surgeon will not be signing-off on her medical exam.

Is there anything we can do to overcome this? What if she seeks medical treatment?

I know about form i 601 Waiver but i am sponsoring my mother so I am not sure if we qualify to do this...

Sbkim,

sorry to hear of those bad news. What will most likely happen, civil surgeon will note in the I-693 form that she tested positive for the skin and chest x-ray. If she claims that he had treatment, then I don't think it will matter now, 'cause she is positive. From my understand, civil surgeons are required to report the case to the local state health department so that a patient can be put on medication for treatment... Also, this means her petition won't be approved for NOW, until she tests negative...

So, I am not sure how long does it take to cure TB, but maybe after six months of religiously taking her medication, then she can go and see if it has cured... I don't know...

My advise: check local state department website for details. If you lived in the tri-state of Washington, DC, VA or MD... most local health department will offer free medical care for this condition including drugs. Simply because of the fear of contamination of other residents.... Even in cases where a disease is not communicable...

 

[sbkim]

Al - thank you so much for the info!

Do you think filing form 601 waiver - which "allows" the applicant to be under medical supervision under doctor and local health department for treatment of TB - will allow us to continue with the filing? Or could this cause more issues?

 

[Al Southner]

Not sure....

Al - thank you so much for the info!

Do you think filing form 601 waiver - which "allows" the applicant to be under medical supervision under doctor and local health department for treatment of TB - will allow us to continue with the filing? Or could this cause more issues?

SB,

I haven't dealt with the situation like yours. As such, my advise would probably be limited.

My hunch is that if your parent is under supervision from Civil Surgeon and local dept, USCIS could see that this is a situation which is is being medically corrected. I am not sure what was the Dr's report and the likelyhood of recovery and total healing for your parent.... If this can be corrected in 6 months, then I would wait for 6 months to get a new medical and file the forms without any issues of concern about failing the medical.

In the meantime, you can process the GC application for one of your parents who is medically eligible for this benefit. You don't want to send your applications for both, spend money on fees and one is rejected because of poor medical records. I am not sure if USCIS could consider processing an application on contigency (assurance from Dr that TB will have cured in 6 months), and process her or his petition after this time... I doubt...because bureaucracies have their own wheels and move at their own pace....

 

[sbkim]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

Talking to local health dept TB clinic, it appears that she probably has scar from old TB treatment. She doesn't believe she needs further treatment - hopefully that's enough for the dr. to just sign off. Let's hope for the best

 

[sbkim]

SB,

IIn the meantime, you can process the GC application for one of your parents who is medically eligible for this benefit. You don't want to send your applications for both, spend money on fees and one is rejected because of poor medical records. I am not sure if USCIS could consider processing an application on contigency (assurance from Dr that TB will have cured in 6 months), and process her or his petition after this time... I doubt...because bureaucracies have their own wheels and move at their own pace....

Al and others - what are the disadvantages of separating my parents application? I am sure they will inquire of my father where his spouse is. He is currently in US as F1 student and my mother as F2 spouse.

 

[jasmine7103]

In some countries back in 70's, they gave the TB vacines (9 needles in one) to all students. If you get the vaccine, you can be tested positive even if you are negative. It's kinda like feline HIV. The vaccine will stay in the system.

The same thing happened to me. When I arrived the US. I was teted positive (no xray), the nurse figured that it was due to the vaccine. But I had to complete the 6months treatment anyway. I think it was actually good that I did it back then. They didn't test me after that treatment so i don't know if I will test positive when I do my medical exam. At least I have the record...

Good luck. Keep me posted!

 

[sbkim]

Jasmine - thanks for the info.

FYI for everyone, it seems like when you test positive for TB skin test, the next step is to take a chest xray (as directed by the civil surgeon). Once they determine that you have an abnormal xray - even due to past healing scar - you have to go seek additional testing. Rather than going to your dr., cheaper solution is go to your local health dept - often called the TB Clinic - where they provide screening and treatment for free. To make the long story short, my mother will need to provide sputum samples for additional testing at a lab. Once that comes out negative (up to 8 weeks), she gets the clearance from both civil surgeon and the health center. If not, she gets treated by the health center. SO, the good news is it's all free and she gets the treatment she needs. The bad news, of course, is further delay in processing. Such is life I guess.

Thanks all!

 

[sarrebal]

The same thing happened to me. When I arrived the US. I was teted positive (no xray), the nurse figured that it was due to the vaccine. But I had to complete the 6months treatment anyway.

What?
Many people test positive at the skin test. But you can clearly see if someone has TB by the X-Ray (they don't do X-Ray at first because they're more expensive and not exactly healthy).
After tou tested positive to the skin test they should have given you chest X-ray and you would have been ok.
TB antibiothics are no joke.
Bad decision by the doctor.

 

[pianoplayer]

What?
Many people test positive at the skin test. But you can clearly see if someone has TB by the X-Ray (they don't do X-Ray at first because they're more expensive and not exactly healthy).
After tou tested positive to the skin test they should have given you chest X-ray and you would have been ok.
TB antibiothics are no joke.
Bad decision by the doctor.

I second this. You should have had a second opinion.

 

[Al Southner]

Not as easy...

I second this. You should have had a second opinion.

Sarpizza and Pianoabuser,

Guys... as much as a second opinion was needed, most of this people have no time and money to engage in this kind of exploration.... For most immigrants, whatever the USCIS certified civil surgeon say, it's the gospel and the whole truth, nothing but the truth....

So, USCIS and local health departments are eager to be seen as protecting softies of this country, its citizens from the alien diseases such as TB and avian flu... So, most immigrants are forced to endure unnecessary abuse of TB antibiotics and the crap like that...

I bought an avian flu sandwich as subway the other day, but I am alive...

 

[sarrebal]

Sarpizza and Pianoabuser,

Guys... as much as a second opinion was needed, most of this people have no time and money to engage in this kind of exploration.... For most immigrants, whatever the USCIS certified civil surgeon say, it's the gospel and the whole truth, nothing but the truth....

So, USCIS and local health departments are eager to be seen as protecting softies of this country, its citizens from the alien diseases such as TB and avian flu... So, most immigrants are forced to endure unnecessary abuse of TB antibiotics and the crap like that...

I bought an avian flu sandwich as subway the other day, but I am alive...

With all due respect, you're an idiot. Good just to make stupid stereotypes.
Why don't you do some research and find out what is a TB treatment. It's something like getting 10/12 pills/day for 10 months. Those pills definitely are not good for your liver.

Many many people test positive to the skin test. While testing negative means for sure that you never contracted TB, testing positive does NOT mean that you have (or had) TB.
X-Ray is the fastest way to find out. X-ray are definitely not healthy, hence the skin-test.
A doctor that puts you under 6 months of (powerful) antibiotics after having tested positive at a skin-test is an idiot. I'm not surprised you're on his side.

 

[Al Southner]

With all due respect, you're an idiot. Good just to make stupid stereotypes.
Why don't you do some research and find out what is a TB treatment. It's something like getting 10/12 pills/day for 10 months. Those pills definitely are not good for your liver.

Many many people test positive to the skin test. While testing negative means for sure that you never contracted TB, testing positive does NOT mean that you have (or had) TB.
X-Ray is the fastest way to find out. X-ray are definitely not healthy, hence the skin-test.
A doctor that puts you under 6 months of (powerful) antibiotics after having tested positive at a skin-test is an idiot. I'm not surprised you're on his side.

With all due respect, you are smart....

His mother already tested positive for TB, skin test and X-ray. I am sure you read and understood his entire post....the 1st post he did, he mentioned this... I wonder why you didn't see this important point in his posting.... ....wonder.... maybe is the calzone, lasagne and olive oil you had last night....

I would care less about TB and stuff, I don't have it and never will have it, but I care about his mother's well-being and ability to get a greencard and start having life in the US with her husband... My wife works in health...she has all the knowledge I need to have on the matter... I helped her evaluate the conditions and effects of TB in Brazil...

 

[jasmine7103]

TB test and Xrays

I think he was talking about my case. Sorry my post might have confused the topic.

Anyway, in my situation, I was tested at my first university on skin test. They immediately sent me to the clicnic founded by government because I had no insurance or extra money. So they didn't bother x-raying me (maybe due to the cost on their side, or maybe because they could careless...) and put me on the heavy antibiotic. It was no fun but if I didn't do it, they'd have kicked me out of school or the country (not sure).

Question: I took chest xrays several times this year for my spinal condition. If I was indeed postive, would it have shown? The doctors were only focusing on the spine but if there was some dark area in the chest, would they have noticed? Until this thread, I didn't think about the TB test which I did over 10 years ago...

 

[Al Southner]

Understood....

I think he was talking about my case. Sorry my post might have confused the topic.

Anyway, in my situation, I was tested at my first university on skin test. They immediately sent me to the clicnic founded by government because I had no insurance or extra money. So they didn't bother x-raying me (maybe due to the cost on their side, or maybe because they could careless...) and put me on the heavy antibiotic. It was no fun but if I didn't do it, they'd have kicked me out of school or the country (not sure).

Question: I took chest xrays several times this year for my spinal condition. If I was indeed postive, would it have shown? The doctors were only focusing on the spine but if there was some dark area in the chest, would they have noticed? Until this thread, I didn't think about the TB test which I did over 10 years ago...

If you weren't completely cured from the treatment, then you would have tested positive on the X-ray shots.

The US govt has the power to get you out of the country, if they are of the opinion that your medical condition could affect their softies....citizens... Unfortunately, this is a matter which you can't avoid or refuse to do...Also, colleges will work hand-in-hand with the govt to get you removed, hence all students in colleges, international students, especially are suppose to prove that they have all their shots, if not, then they need to get them done before enrollment...

If you don't want to get the shots, you won't be enrolled....

 

[pianoplayer]

Sarpizza and Pianoabuser,

Guys... as much as a second opinion was needed, most of this people have no time and money to engage in this kind of exploration.... For most immigrants, whatever the USCIS certified civil surgeon say, it's the gospel and the whole truth, nothing but the truth....

So, USCIS and local health departments are eager to be seen as protecting softies of this country, its citizens from the alien diseases such as TB and avian flu... So, most immigrants are forced to endure unnecessary abuse of TB antibiotics and the crap like that...

I bought an avian flu sandwich as subway the other day, but I am alive...

I wonder on what grounds you called me a "Pianoabuser" ---- I am not really offended, but just curious as to how you came to that. "Sarpizza" I could still figure out.

In any event, I second "Sarpizza" in saying that your advice is very foolish. Unnecessary treatment for TB is very unhealthy and the doctor must have been an idiot. If there are more facts to the medical situation that you picked up from another post, then so be it, but Sarrebal was responding to the facts as stated in this post.

 

[Al Southner]

I wonder on what grounds you called me a "Pianoabuser" ---- I am not really offended, but just curious as to how you came to that. "Sarpizza" I could still figure out.

In any event, I second "Sarpizza" in saying that your advice is very foolish. Unnecessary treatment for TB is very unhealthy and the doctor must have been an idiot. If there are more facts to the medical situation that you picked up from another post, then so be it, but Sarrebal was responding to the facts as stated in this post.

Pianoabuser,

How I came to your nickname is simple: I suspect that you are from South Africa, and you were responsible for abusing lot of people there.... The white minority rulers there....

On a substantive issue you raised: What are going to do if you are told that you are going to be deported if you don't get on with the treatment? If you have the gravitas to fight US govt as an alien, then be my guest and do it...... I will wait till you win....

 

[sarrebal]

Our friend Al likes to stereotype. He must have fun.
Italians are known also for something else, but since I love pizza I'm not gonna be offended.
I'm wondering where our friend Al is from, so when we know it we can all act at his level and have fun stereotyping him.

 

[sarrebal]

On a substantive issue you raised: What are going to do if you are told that you are going to be deported if you don't get on with the treatment? If you have the gravitas to fight US govt as an alien, then be my guest and do it...... I will wait till you win....

Well, you have to keep in mind that obtaining a GC is not everything in life.
If I have to choose between obtaining my GC or not jeopardizing my health, then be sure I'd go for the second one.
Nobody made a fool out of jasmine though. Not everybody is a medical expert (neither am I, but I happen to have a sister who is a doctor). I am just saying that doctor made a very very poor decision.

On a personal note, I suggest you to change your attitude in this country. Nobody needs to stay around people that feel persecuted and abused with no reason all the time.

 

[pianoplayer]

Pianoabuser,

How I came to your nickname is simple: I suspect that you are from South Africa, and you were responsible for abusing lot of people there.... The white minority rulers there....

On a substantive issue you raised: What are going to do if you are told that you are going to be deported if you don't get on with the treatment? If you have the gravitas to fight US govt as an alien, then be my guest and do it...... I will wait till you win....

Interesting, so I am South African now. Just because I know how to use an online dictionary to read and respond to your comments in another post. Guess again ---- you are in the right group of languages though.

Who said the OP was going to be deported? A civil surgeon does not have that authority, and an applicant is free to visit another civil surgeon if she chooses to. I was hoping you learned something while at Columbia!