So, went out today to pick up my results. Before leaving, I called Medisys as instructed and they told me the results were ready. My dad had an appointment at a nearby hospital, so he dropped me off across the street from where Medisys is. I was definitely not stressed this time going to Medisys, compared to last week when I was freaking out.
Anyways, got up to the 11th floor and had to wait in line to speak with a receptionist. I think it was about 5 minutes and then I was able to go up. When I called earlier, I had asked the person on the phone if I needed to bring anything with me, but she said no. Yet when I got to the receptionist and asked for my results, she asked for my invoice paper. I told her I didn't have it, so she asked for ID. Thank goodness ID is acceptable as I would have had to go back another day if they needed my invoice. Anyways, she took my driver's license and went to find my results. She then returned and told me I could not open the two envelopes and that I had to bring them with me to the interview (duh). There was a paper stapled on top that I was allowed to open as it was just my vaccination sheet.
I took pictures of the envelopes and you can find them here. Note, the X-rays were in the brown envelope and I can tell they're on a CD. Much more convenient then carrying around a HUGE envelope of the actual X-rays.
So, no one actually told me I passed, but I'm going to assume that since I didn't hear back that I passed the medical. Not like it's hard to pass though, I just had to not have syphilis or HIV, and no past drug use or anything like that.
~Lindsay
Showing posts with label medical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label medical. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Medical review
I survived! I survived! :D
So, my appointment was at 10am at Medisys in downtown Montreal today. I had asked months ago if my dad was willing to come with me for moral support. Plus I knew I wouldn't be able to drive; I'd be too nervous. Anyways, my dad and I left at 9am. We got there like exactly at 10am.
Waited in line till the receptionist was available. Told her I was there for a medical. She found my file and then asked for my interview letter. I had only brought the first page, and she asked where the rest was, so I'm guessing I was supposed to bring all the pages, not just the first. But she took what I had, thankfully, and made a photocopy. She then took my passport (made a photocopy of that too) and stapled my 3 pictures to various papers. She then took my vaccination record. I was given a paper (front and back) to fill out. It asked me my name, date of birth, whether I've had any of the diseases listed, if I was on medication, etc. Also, females: it asks when your last menstrual period was, so make a note of the date. I think I got the date right for mine, but who knows, lol.
After I finished filling out the paper, I brought it back to the receptionist. She then told me to wait till my name was called. I barely had time to sit back down before I was called. I followed the doctor into his office. He told me to undress to my underwear and socks behind a curtain and put on a gown. He then asked me a few questions as I was undressing. Once I was done, he did a standard physical exam. Checked my eyes, ears, and throat, took my blood pressure, listened to me breathe, and the funnest: hit my kneecap with that thing (which I've never had done before, so I was amused). I then got re-dressed. This part took all of like 5 minutes and was very quick.
I then had to go back to the waiting room. About 10 minutes later, my name was called again, by someone different, and was for the X-rays. I was showed to a little cubicle (felt like a bathroom stall, minus the toilet) and told to take off my shirt and bra, along with any jewelry, and told to put on a gown. I did that and then waited, as instructed, inside the cubicle for my name to be called. A few minutes later, a woman called my name and was shown inside the X-ray room. I was given this heavy thing to tie around my waist. I faced this white board and told to take a deep breath and hold it as the X-ray was taken. I then had to go in another position. This time my left arm was against the white board. Again, I took a deep breath and held it. That was all for the X-ray. The woman instructed me to go back to the cubicle and wait till she looked at the X-rays before getting dressed to make sure they were okay. Once I was cleared, I got dressed again and was given a red paper to hand to the receptionist. All in all, the X-ray part took about 10 minutes to do.
The longest wait now began. All I had left was the blood test. It was about 30 minutes before my name was called by another person, Melissa. She asked me how I was and I told her I was extremely nervous about the blood test. She then asked if I had gotten the influenza shot this year and told her no. She said then I'd have to get it done. I told her that I had read that flu season for immigration ended March 31. She told me to wait a second as she left the room to go talk to someone. She returned and told me that no, flu season only ended April 30. I had to get another needle stuck in me!! Anyways, blood test was up first. I requested a butterfly needle, so she got that ready. My dad was in the room with me and he came over next to me. I then started to squeeze the crap out of his hand as Melissa (such a nice nurse by the way) started "prepping" my arm. This was my first blood test ever, so I didn't know what to expect. The only pain I felt was the prick as the needle went in. Then it just felt weird (in a not good way) having the needle just sitting there in my arm. Finally it was over and the needle was out. I didn't faint! Melissa then left to get the other nurse who would be giving me the flu shot. She then came in with Melissa and prepped my left arm again for the vaccine. I began to squeeze my dad's hand again and Melissa started asking me questions to distract me. Thankfully, vaccines are quicker and the needle was out quickly. I breathed a sigh of relief; no more needles! I said aloud that I deserved a lollipop and Melissa went to the cupboard and actually gave me a lollipop! I got up and felt a little light-headed, so Melissa told me to sit back down. She asked if I had anything to eat this morning, and I replied no as I wasn't feeling well. She then got some orange juice from a fridge that was in the room and gave it to me. After drinking that, I then felt I was okay to go back to the waiting room.
I was told I'd have to wait 20 minutes before leaving to see if I'd have a reaction to the flu shot. At like 12pm, the receptionist called me up. Told me to call before coming back to pick up the results next week. I then forked over my credit card to pay the $240 bill. It would have only cost $215, but getting the influenza shot wasn't free, so.
And that's it! All in all, I was at Medisys for exactly 2 hours. If it hadn't been for any of the waiting, I could have been done within 30 minutes. I'll be going back next Tuesday to pick up the results of the medical, along with my X-rays.
~Lindsay
P.S. My left arm is extremely sore. I now realise that typing with only one hand is difficult and I hope this soreness goes away soon.
P.P.S. I'd like to give a huge shout out to my dad. I'm so thankful he was willing to drive me there and back again and coming inside with me for the blood test. Thank you daddy!! :D
So, my appointment was at 10am at Medisys in downtown Montreal today. I had asked months ago if my dad was willing to come with me for moral support. Plus I knew I wouldn't be able to drive; I'd be too nervous. Anyways, my dad and I left at 9am. We got there like exactly at 10am.
Waited in line till the receptionist was available. Told her I was there for a medical. She found my file and then asked for my interview letter. I had only brought the first page, and she asked where the rest was, so I'm guessing I was supposed to bring all the pages, not just the first. But she took what I had, thankfully, and made a photocopy. She then took my passport (made a photocopy of that too) and stapled my 3 pictures to various papers. She then took my vaccination record. I was given a paper (front and back) to fill out. It asked me my name, date of birth, whether I've had any of the diseases listed, if I was on medication, etc. Also, females: it asks when your last menstrual period was, so make a note of the date. I think I got the date right for mine, but who knows, lol.
After I finished filling out the paper, I brought it back to the receptionist. She then told me to wait till my name was called. I barely had time to sit back down before I was called. I followed the doctor into his office. He told me to undress to my underwear and socks behind a curtain and put on a gown. He then asked me a few questions as I was undressing. Once I was done, he did a standard physical exam. Checked my eyes, ears, and throat, took my blood pressure, listened to me breathe, and the funnest: hit my kneecap with that thing (which I've never had done before, so I was amused). I then got re-dressed. This part took all of like 5 minutes and was very quick.
I then had to go back to the waiting room. About 10 minutes later, my name was called again, by someone different, and was for the X-rays. I was showed to a little cubicle (felt like a bathroom stall, minus the toilet) and told to take off my shirt and bra, along with any jewelry, and told to put on a gown. I did that and then waited, as instructed, inside the cubicle for my name to be called. A few minutes later, a woman called my name and was shown inside the X-ray room. I was given this heavy thing to tie around my waist. I faced this white board and told to take a deep breath and hold it as the X-ray was taken. I then had to go in another position. This time my left arm was against the white board. Again, I took a deep breath and held it. That was all for the X-ray. The woman instructed me to go back to the cubicle and wait till she looked at the X-rays before getting dressed to make sure they were okay. Once I was cleared, I got dressed again and was given a red paper to hand to the receptionist. All in all, the X-ray part took about 10 minutes to do.
The longest wait now began. All I had left was the blood test. It was about 30 minutes before my name was called by another person, Melissa. She asked me how I was and I told her I was extremely nervous about the blood test. She then asked if I had gotten the influenza shot this year and told her no. She said then I'd have to get it done. I told her that I had read that flu season for immigration ended March 31. She told me to wait a second as she left the room to go talk to someone. She returned and told me that no, flu season only ended April 30. I had to get another needle stuck in me!! Anyways, blood test was up first. I requested a butterfly needle, so she got that ready. My dad was in the room with me and he came over next to me. I then started to squeeze the crap out of his hand as Melissa (such a nice nurse by the way) started "prepping" my arm. This was my first blood test ever, so I didn't know what to expect. The only pain I felt was the prick as the needle went in. Then it just felt weird (in a not good way) having the needle just sitting there in my arm. Finally it was over and the needle was out. I didn't faint! Melissa then left to get the other nurse who would be giving me the flu shot. She then came in with Melissa and prepped my left arm again for the vaccine. I began to squeeze my dad's hand again and Melissa started asking me questions to distract me. Thankfully, vaccines are quicker and the needle was out quickly. I breathed a sigh of relief; no more needles! I said aloud that I deserved a lollipop and Melissa went to the cupboard and actually gave me a lollipop! I got up and felt a little light-headed, so Melissa told me to sit back down. She asked if I had anything to eat this morning, and I replied no as I wasn't feeling well. She then got some orange juice from a fridge that was in the room and gave it to me. After drinking that, I then felt I was okay to go back to the waiting room.
I was told I'd have to wait 20 minutes before leaving to see if I'd have a reaction to the flu shot. At like 12pm, the receptionist called me up. Told me to call before coming back to pick up the results next week. I then forked over my credit card to pay the $240 bill. It would have only cost $215, but getting the influenza shot wasn't free, so.
And that's it! All in all, I was at Medisys for exactly 2 hours. If it hadn't been for any of the waiting, I could have been done within 30 minutes. I'll be going back next Tuesday to pick up the results of the medical, along with my X-rays.
~Lindsay
P.S. My left arm is extremely sore. I now realise that typing with only one hand is difficult and I hope this soreness goes away soon.
P.P.S. I'd like to give a huge shout out to my dad. I'm so thankful he was willing to drive me there and back again and coming inside with me for the blood test. Thank you daddy!! :D
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Booked my medical
Just called up Medisys and asked them a few questions (since their website is lacking in any kind of information on the medical). There are two places available in Montreal for medicals. I already had most of my answers for Dr Seidens from their website. I decided to go with Medisys since it was $35 cheaper. And when I called and asked about butterfly needles (I've been told they're easier to get to the vein and less painful), the guy on the phone told me they were available! So, I called back a few minutes after my Q&A and asked to be booked for a medical. I got scheduled for April 6th (next week!!!) at 10am.
I am now going to freak out for the next week about the blood test as I have mentioned before that I hate needles. And I've never had a blood test done before either. Hoping I don't pass out or anything. If anyone has any suggestions to help my blood test go smoother, please, please, please leave a comment. I already know I'm not going to watch and that I'll lie down if possible. I've also heard that drinking a lot of water ahead of time helps with blood circulation, as well as keeping warm. Anything else?
~Lindsay
I am now going to freak out for the next week about the blood test as I have mentioned before that I hate needles. And I've never had a blood test done before either. Hoping I don't pass out or anything. If anyone has any suggestions to help my blood test go smoother, please, please, please leave a comment. I already know I'm not going to watch and that I'll lie down if possible. I've also heard that drinking a lot of water ahead of time helps with blood circulation, as well as keeping warm. Anything else?
~Lindsay
Monday, November 22, 2010
Medical explained
*Reference link to abbreviations/term post*
So, after the case is complete at NVC, it's sent off to the embassy (in my case, the one in Montreal). An interview date is later assigned and I'll discuss all about the interview step in another post. Once the interview date is assigned though, a letter is sent out (not sure if it's to the petitioner or beneficiary, or both). In the letter, it describes what's needed for the interview and information on the medical.
Before the interview takes place, a medical examination must be done. And it can't be done by a family doctor. It MUST be performed by an approved panel physician. In Canada, there is a total of 4 approved panel physicians, two of which are in Montreal. Another one is in Ontario, and the last in British Columbia.
One thing that can be done by a family doctor is get the required vaccinations. I followed this website for what vaccinations I will need. The vaccines required are dependent on what age you are, and that website lists the different ones for each age group. Since I am 22, I'll need the following vaccines:
-Combination vaccine for: Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) and Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis (Tdap)
-MMR combination vaccine for: Mumps, Measles, German Measles (Rubella)
-Chickenpox (Varicella)
If I understand my vaccination record and the specific instructions of the required vaccines, I believe I have all the necessary ones. I never received a chickenpox vaccine, but I should be fine since a verbal declaration is accepted. My mother has pictures of when I had chickenpox and I'm requesting her to send them to me and I'll bring them along with me as proof that I did indeed have the chickenpox and do not require the vaccine.
Also, there might be another required vaccine for influenza, but it's only needed if the interview takes place during the flu season. On the website I found the required vaccines for my age group, it states only people aged 50 and over need this during flu season, but I've seen people on the VJ forums that aren't 50 require it as well. I'll inquire about it once I get closer to my medical/interview stage.
For the medical examination, the beneficiary needs to bring: the interview letter, passport, 3 passport pictures, immunization information (such as a vaccination record), and money to pay for the exam. The actual medical exam will consist of a medical history review, physical examination, a chest X-ray, and a blood test for syphilis.
The cost of the medical will vary by country and which panel physician you go to. For the two in Montreal, it will vary from $200-300 and will cost more if vaccines are required. I know for one of the panel physicians, credit credit cards or Interac is not accepted, so the only methods they accept of payment would be cash, certified cheque, or money order. I better not get robbed on the way to the medical!
After the medical is done, the results can be picked up a few days to a week later and must be brought to the interview.
This is probably one of the parts of this whole visa thing I'm not looking forward to at all. I have a great fear of needles and I'm praying that I have all the required vaccinations. The only thing I know for certain is that I will have to have a blood test done. I've never had one done before and I'm not looking forward to it at all. There better be someone there to hold my hand cause I'm going to need to squeeze something.
~Lindsay
P.S. Less than 3 days till Ben arrives here!
So, after the case is complete at NVC, it's sent off to the embassy (in my case, the one in Montreal). An interview date is later assigned and I'll discuss all about the interview step in another post. Once the interview date is assigned though, a letter is sent out (not sure if it's to the petitioner or beneficiary, or both). In the letter, it describes what's needed for the interview and information on the medical.
Before the interview takes place, a medical examination must be done. And it can't be done by a family doctor. It MUST be performed by an approved panel physician. In Canada, there is a total of 4 approved panel physicians, two of which are in Montreal. Another one is in Ontario, and the last in British Columbia.
One thing that can be done by a family doctor is get the required vaccinations. I followed this website for what vaccinations I will need. The vaccines required are dependent on what age you are, and that website lists the different ones for each age group. Since I am 22, I'll need the following vaccines:
-Combination vaccine for: Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) and Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis (Tdap)
-MMR combination vaccine for: Mumps, Measles, German Measles (Rubella)
-Chickenpox (Varicella)
If I understand my vaccination record and the specific instructions of the required vaccines, I believe I have all the necessary ones. I never received a chickenpox vaccine, but I should be fine since a verbal declaration is accepted. My mother has pictures of when I had chickenpox and I'm requesting her to send them to me and I'll bring them along with me as proof that I did indeed have the chickenpox and do not require the vaccine.
Also, there might be another required vaccine for influenza, but it's only needed if the interview takes place during the flu season. On the website I found the required vaccines for my age group, it states only people aged 50 and over need this during flu season, but I've seen people on the VJ forums that aren't 50 require it as well. I'll inquire about it once I get closer to my medical/interview stage.
For the medical examination, the beneficiary needs to bring: the interview letter, passport, 3 passport pictures, immunization information (such as a vaccination record), and money to pay for the exam. The actual medical exam will consist of a medical history review, physical examination, a chest X-ray, and a blood test for syphilis.
The cost of the medical will vary by country and which panel physician you go to. For the two in Montreal, it will vary from $200-300 and will cost more if vaccines are required. I know for one of the panel physicians, credit credit cards or Interac is not accepted, so the only methods they accept of payment would be cash, certified cheque, or money order. I better not get robbed on the way to the medical!
After the medical is done, the results can be picked up a few days to a week later and must be brought to the interview.
This is probably one of the parts of this whole visa thing I'm not looking forward to at all. I have a great fear of needles and I'm praying that I have all the required vaccinations. The only thing I know for certain is that I will have to have a blood test done. I've never had one done before and I'm not looking forward to it at all. There better be someone there to hold my hand cause I'm going to need to squeeze something.
~Lindsay
P.S. Less than 3 days till Ben arrives here!
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