Sputum culture results are now available

[lloydegbrick]

Hello all

After waiting a couple of months

Sputum culture results are now available for my wife to make an appointment to travel to Manila

Touch wood all is well

[Terpe]

Touch wood all is well

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[lloydegbrick]

Ah yes, thank you Terpe

[Terpe]

Ah yes, thank you Terpe

Why did she need to do that test ?
Did she have a questionable x-ray ?

[lloydegbrick]

Did she have a questionable x-ray ?

Yes

[Anne2014]

Hello all

After waiting a couple of months

Sputum culture results are now available for my wife to make an appointment to travel to Manila

Touch wood all is well

Glad you can tick the TB test off the list now :smile:

[lloydegbrick]

Glad you can tick the TB test off the list now

Hello Anne
It's not off the list just yet because we don't know the results?

[Anne2014]

Hello Anne
It's not off the list just yet because we don't know the results?

I see. Has your wife booked an appointment at IOM already?

[lloydegbrick]

I see. Has your wife booked an appointment at IOM already

Hello Anne
We only found out that the results are on Friday 30th Jan
Now hoping to go to the clinic soon to find exactly what the results show?
Book a flight to go to the TB test centre in Manila.
Because there is only 1 clinic of this kind in the whole of the Philippines Islands, this takes more time and extra cost.too....

[Anne2014]

Hello Anne
We only found out that the results are on Friday 30th Jan
Now hoping to go to the clinic soon to find exactly what the results show?
Book a flight to go to the TB test centre in Manila.
Because there is only 1 clinic of this kind in the whole of the Philippines Islands, this takes more time and extra cost.too....

I feel for you Lloydegbrick. I was also wishing they would open branches in Visayas and Mindanao. I, too, had to fly to Manila just to get the TB screening done.

Wishing a positive result for your loved one.

[DAnn]

Hope all is well with your wife Lloydegbrick :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[lloydegbrick]

Hello all
How are you all been keeping?

Thank you all for your kind words and best wishes

Sorry not had much to report since I was last on here, only that my wife had to see a doctor to talk with her about the sputum test, no TB, but the X-ray showed a slight shadow on her right lung which turned out to be a bit of mucus. The wrote out a prescription to treat this. My wife had an X-ray done locally and the results show all to be clear. Her next appointment is on the 13th April. Touch wood all goes well this time.

On another subject
Chikka free text messaging service, we been using this for ages, but recently it has not been working very well for us. Are there any more free or cheap text service around for us to used?
Thank you all
:smile:

[cheekee]

Hello all
How are you all been keeping?

Thank you all for your kind words and best wishes

Sorry not had much to report since I was last on here, only that my wife had to see a doctor to talk with her about the sputum test, no TB, but the X-ray showed a slight shadow on her right lung which turned out to be a bit of mucus. The wrote out a prescription to treat this. My wife had an X-ray done locally and the results show all to be clear. Her next appointment is on the 13th April. Touch wood all goes well this time.

On another subject
Chikka free text messaging service, we been using this for ages, but recently it has not been working very well for us. Are there any more free or cheap text service around for us to used?
Thank you all
:smile:

Do you use whatsapp or viber ?

[lloydegbrick]

I will check out whatsapp and viber. Thank you Cheekee

[lloydegbrick]

I feel for you Lloydegbrick. I was also wishing they would open branches in Visayas and Mindanao. I, too, had to fly to Manila just to get the TB screening done.

Wishing a positive result for your loved one.

Thank you Anne2014

[lloydegbrick]

Hello all
Well it looks like that TB X-ray and sputum test has come back to haunt us
Earlier on I reported that it was clear but, this not so now.
It seems that the X-ray still shows a little bit of mucus in the right lung the first TB team did not spot this until the put the X-ray on a CD and enlarge it to have it viewed on the computer. So to be on the safe side my wife has to have further sputum test and to continue with the medication for at least another 4 months. Thank heavens this was spotted in time as my wife now has a better chance to be totally cured of this disease Although the 1st sputum test was not conclusive, the TB clinic is not taking any chances
So whatever happens? We just have to wait

[Terpe]

Hello all
Well it looks like that TB X-ray and sputum test has come back to haunt us
Earlier on I reported that it was clear but, this not so now.
It seems that the X-ray still shows a little bit of mucus in the right lung the first TB team did not spot this until the put the X-ray on a CD and enlarge it to have it viewed on the computer. So to be on the safe side my wife has to have further sputum test and to continue with the medication for at least another 4 months. Thank heavens this was spotted in time as my wife now has a better chance to be totally cured of this disease Although the 1st sputum test was not conclusive, the TB clinic is not taking any chances
So whatever happens? We just have to wait

Sorry to learn of yet another delay for the visa application, but as you say, the big positive is that your wife will be treated and monitored.
Good luck and thanks for the update.

[lloydegbrick]

Sorry to learn of yet another delay for the visa application, but as you say, the big positive is that your wife will be treated and monitored.
Good luck and thanks for the update

Thank you Terpe
It's been over 10 months since my wife have had a meet up and the way things look at this moment it will be a long time yet before we another meet up again?

[will1927]

hi, I know what you going through as my wife went through something similar last year...after her 1st TB test at the IOM, she was told that she has shadow/mucus on the lung and was told she need to do a sputum test, when we receive the result from the sputum test after 10 weeks which were negative for TB, the IOM were not prepared to give my wife a TB clearance certificate. she was then given a course of antibiotic, which did not clear mucus up and another x-ray....don't know what happened next, but the doctor at the IOM, told my wife to go to a Pulmonologist, which she did(outside hospital)....another x-ray 1/4 of the cost, and they gave her TB blood test ...which was negative....she took back the results to IOM and they give her a TB clearance certificate for 13weeks...

we never got around to submitting that TB clearance certificate, as we were waiting for our 2 children's uk passport to turn up before we could submit our visa application..

on my wife's second visit to the IOM, she took all paperwork/scans from before, she had another x-ray, still a bit of a shadow/mucus but not as much as before...they gave an medical interview and was given her 6 months TB clearance certificate.

the problem at IOM, is they are general doctor, not Pulmonologist. if I was you, I would ask them if your wife could see Pulmonologist and have a TB blood test, I am sure they would let you do it, as they done it for my wife..

will

[Doc Alan]

I’m sorry to read of the problems you each had with your wives’ pre-entry screening and treatment for TB, and wish you well for the future.
As always, without knowing the individuals concerned, I can only make general comments which I hope may be useful.


• The " mucus " / " shadow " seen on X-rays in each case was likely to be an area of inflammation and scarring which the specialists have concluded was due to TB infection. Proof requires identifying the TB " bugs " microscopically in sputum samples ( or sometimes an actual tissue biopsy ). A very large number need to be present to actually see them – hence the result may be " inconclusive ", or apparently negative, even if TB is present. " Culture " of the sputum sample – attempting to grow the TB " bugs " in special media over several weeks - may then be needed to confirm a suspected TB diagnosis.


• I can’t vouch for the individual doctors at the one clinic in the Philippines approved by the UK Border Agency ( but they are subject to quality control / audit ). However, as TB may not just affect the lungs, they must be good general doctors aware of all the possible signs and symptoms of active TB. A " pulmonologist " is what we call a " lung physician " or " respiratory medicine physician " in the UK ( there are around 1,800 ) - of course they also need to be good general physicians.



• The " blood test " mentioned is relatively new and expensive. It may well help in the diagnosis of TB ; but be aware that it has so far mainly been used for " latent TB " ( no symptoms ), rather than the " active TB " targeted by pre-entry screening. A positive result may not necessarily mean active TB and a negative result may not necessarily rule out active TB. Be careful what you ask for - but if you do, it’s called " IGRA " ( and measures/Assays Interferon-Gamma Release from cells responding to parts of the TB " bug " ).


• It’s vital that if a diagnosis of TB is made, the full course of antibiotics is taken, usually for at least 6 months. With appropriate treatment, TB should be cured, as we ALL wish for any of our loved ones affected by this illness :xxgrinning--00xx3:.

[will1927]

hi doc..wife had the all clear by the IOM, no TB and no TB spores found in the sputum test and the TB skin test and blood test, sorry forgot to mention the skin test.

talking to my uncle who is also a doctor at uhw, he told me that prior medical history "may" of had a lot to do with the infection with my wife...the funny thing was my 1+ year son passed on a chest infection to all of us over the Christmas period, as my wife had just given birth to daughter and she seemed to catch it worst, more than me. maybe due to a low immune system when she gave birth, I wish now we did not attend the 1st TB until she was clear of it...but we wanted to get the visa application on it way.

I had the same infection for almost 8 weeks, and several different antibiotic did not clear it until I came back to the uk, does that mean that I possibly had TB,??? ...no aircon and no pollution, and seemed to go away.....

will

[Doc Alan]

Thanks for your reply, Will. The " skin test " which you mention is also known as the " Mantoux test " or " Tuberculin skin test ". It involves injecting a protein derivative of the TB " bug ". While a positive reaction ( firm red swelling ) can mean immunity, and either latent or active TB, a negative reaction may not rule out TB. In fact the skin and blood tests alone can’t distinguish active from latent TB – which is why specialist doctors are needed to assess all signs and symptoms for accurate diagnosis :smile: !


Regarding your chest infection, which thankfully has now cleared up, it’s impossible for me to answer your question as to whether or not this was TB – your GP would hopefully confirm that it wasn’t.

[lloydegbrick]

A lot of info to take in, thank you and a clearance certificate that is value for only 13 weeks?
With this in hand
It can take that long to get a visa if one is granted?
Very tight situation there.
This could go on and on?

[will1927]

TB clearance certificate starts on the day your wife/partner takes the test, so if she passed the test on the start date at the IOM, she would have got 6 months.

[lloydegbrick]

TB clearance certificate starts on the day your wife/partner takes the test, so if she passed the test on the start date at the IOM, she would have got 6 months

thank you for that Will

I almost forgot to mention that my wife has to go back to the clinic each month until the end of August, her next trips is for the 25th of May for further X-rays

We had to pay for another whole new set of applications for the Tb clearance certificate plus the extra cost of staying in Manila for 3 nights to have another sputum test each morning before she can eat her breakfast
It is a tough place to live in if you don't have a welfare safety net like we have here in the UK

I must Vote labour if we want to keep our NHS for the people. For I believe the tories will turn this country into a 3rd world place like the rest of the countries around the world if they get back into power again?
"Sorry for being political in here"

Also it is now almost 10 months since we last saw one another
I am wondering if I should go back there to see her soon as it looks more than likely this whole business could take until November before we will get her visa, that is if we will get it anyway?

I have already been over there twice before and will it increase our chances of a more successful visa application if I were to go there again?

I have been sending her a bit extra money to support herself, I have to honest with myself the journey is very tough and it takes forever to get there, not to mention the heat and discomfort of being in a strange place too.
I'm probably getting too long in the teeth for all this global trotting now:smile:
There are more question than answers
Regards to all

[lloydegbrick]

Hello
How are you all keeping?

My wife will go to the Manila TB clinic on Monday 25th May for further X-ray This will continue for each month until the end of August. If she gets the all clear. please God?
Then we can begin to apply for her visa.

When my wife was last at that clinic, they ask her to take some blood, 9 in all and HIV screening and bring the results with her when so that the doctor will be able to look at them.

By the way, please could you tell me if there has there been any new changes to the rules of the visa application since or is there some more new rules in the pipeline that we should know about?

Oh almost forgot, does anyone know where I can find out the names of the staff at the British Embassy in Manila, who deal with the visa clearances?
It would be very helpful to us when and if we need to write and to address these members of the staff

Thank you
all the best
LG

[Terpe]

By the way, please could you tell me if there has there been any new changes to the rules of the visa application since or is there some more new rules in the pipeline that we should know about?


Please take at look at these forum threads, especially review the new BRP impacts and the Health Surcharge:-

Round up of UK Immigration changes from April 2015 (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/56405-Round-up-of-UK-immigration-changes-from-April-2015)

Changes to visa process for applicants travelling to UK (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/57030-Changes-to-visa-process-for-applicants-travelling-to-the-UK )

Migrant Health Surcharge to Raise £200 million a year (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/56459-Migrant-health-surcharge-to-raise-£200-million-a-year/page3?highlight=Health+survharge )

[lloydegbrick]

Please take at look at these forum threads, especially review the new BRP impacts and the Health Surcharge:-

Thank you for this Terpe

[Terpe]

Thank you for this Terpe

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[lloydegbrick]

Hello Terpe
Can my wife apply for the C.F.O.sticker on her passport before she has the visa?

[lloydegbrick]

Hello all,

I'm sorry for not being on here as often as I would like to be.

I hope you all are doing ok?

All this waiting is very nerve wracking upon us both.

Her sputum test shows that she is in the clear and no sign of any TB in her lungs.

My wife is still undergoing medication for the TB.
She has to finish the course, which altogether will be 6 months by the end of August.
She went to the clinic 25th June.
Her next appointment is 27th July.

We carry on with this until the end of August. Hopefully this will be the last appointment, then we will get the certificate at that time time.

Fingers crossed, and touch wood!

The last time we met was almost a year ago come July 14th 2014.
We have been constantly in touch with each other almost every day now, plus phone calls, emails, texting, every day.

Do you think I should go over there again to show the visa people that we are still in touch and that we are as keen as ever?

Thanking you all for this invaluable site that you have here - keeping up to date with what is going on in the visa application world - as I'd be totally at a loss on what to do next without it.

Regards

[lloydegbrick]

I almost forgot to mention that my wife has to go back to the clinic each month until the end of August, her next trips is for the 25th of May for further X-rays

Dear all
Correction here
The date of my wife's next appointment is on the 17th August at the TB clinic in Manila
After being on medication for 6 months I hope her next X-Ray will show that her lungs are clear

Thank you
LG

[jonn23]

Hello all,

I'm sorry for not being on here as often as I would like to be.

I hope you all are doing ok?

All this waiting is very nerve wracking upon us both.

Her sputum test shows that she is in the clear and no sign of any TB in her lungs.

My wife is still undergoing medication for the TB.
She has to finish the course, which altogether will be 6 months by the end of August.
She went to the clinic 25th June.
Her next appointment is 27th July.

We carry on with this until the end of August. Hopefully this will be the last appointment, then we will get the certificate at that time time.

Fingers crossed, and touch wood!

The last time we met was almost a year ago come July 14th 2014.
We have been constantly in touch with each other almost every day now, plus phone calls, emails, texting, every day.

Do you think I should go over there again to show the visa people that we are still in touch and that we are as keen as ever?

Thanking you all for this invaluable site that you have here - keeping up to date with what is going on in the visa application world - as I'd be totally at a loss on what to do next without it.

Regards



I just wanna ask why despite the sputum test result is negative, your wife has still to undergo TB treatment? Isnt that bad for your health if you are taking medication for a disease that is not existing? Was your wife referred to a pulmonologist in Makati Med?

Thanks

[lloydegbrick]

Hi all
My wife has had 2 sputum test and the both showed negative
Today 17th August in the TB clinic in Manila my wife had her chest X-Ray taken
She has been on the medication for the last 6 months
Even after 2 sputum test which showed negative ?
The X-Ray today showed that she has something in her right lung
I ask my wife to ask the doctor if the sputum test showed negative?
Then why does it show it is not clear in the X-ray?
I am confused and I'm wondering what is going on at this clinic?
I know that most of us have some mucus in our body and some have more than others?
Something does not feel right and I am blow if I know what it is?
does anyone have some suggestions? Thanks
LG

[Doc Alan]

Unfortunately TB case-finding and diagnostics are not perfect. Pre-entry screening is an attempt to diagnose active TB, which of course remains relatively common ( but not always diagnosed ) in the Philippines and needs treatment.


Sputum smear microscopy alone fails to detect TB bugs in up to half of cases, as a very large number need to be present to actually see them. " Culture " of the sputum sample – attempting to grow the TB bugs in special media over several weeks - may then be needed to confirm a suspected TB diagnosis.


The X-ray " mucus "/ " shadow " seen originally was likely to be an area of inflammation and scarring which the specialists concluded was due to TB infection. Even after successful treatment, changes may persist which don’t necessarily mean active infection. To describe these as " mucus ", which we do all produce, may be unhelpful.


X-rays, other imaging techniques, and sputum tests ALL need to be interpreted in ADDITION to clinical examination, before active TB is either ruled out or diagnosed with enough certainty to justify treatment. There may be general symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, fever, tiredness, persistent cough, and chest pain. Of course specialists are needed to interpret ALL these signs and symptoms to reach a diagnosis. If someone feels healthy with none of these symptoms that’s clearly reassuring ( but screening is still a requirement ).



I understand your worry and confusion. The BEST people to explain " what is going on at this clinic " are the doctors who work there, who should be able to answer all questions that your wife ( and yourself ) may ask. These doctors, at the one clinic in the Philippines approved by UKBA, are specialists who have to regularly prove they’re up to date. Patients should ALWAYS ask questions that trouble them, and not leave the clinic until they have answers which they understand.

[lloydegbrick]

The BEST people to explain " what is going on at this clinic " are the doctors who work there, who should be able to answer all questions that your wife ( and yourself ) may ask. These doctors, at the one clinic in the Philippines approved by UKBA, are specialists who have to regularly prove they’re up to date. Patients should ALWAYS ask questions that trouble them, and not leave the clinic until they have answers which they understand.

Thank you for this Doc Alan

[lloydegbrick]

I just wanna ask why despite the sputum test result is negative, your wife has still to undergo TB treatment? Isnt that bad for your health if you are taking medication for a disease that is not existing? Was your wife referred to a pulmonologist in Makati Med?

Thanks

Hello Jonn
Yes it is a bit strange and I ask my wife to make sure she gets a good reason as to why she has to take that medication?
But it now seems to be a done thing if they are not sure if she had TB or not?

[lloydegbrick]

now they tell her that if this 3rd sputum shows negative?
They will give her the all clear certificate
They have also stopped her taking the medications now, thank heavens

[Arthur Little]

now they tell her that if this 3rd sputum shows negative?
They will give her the all clear certificate
They have also stopped her taking the medications now, thank heavens

GREAT news, Lloyde :Jump: ... after ALL the time they've taken, you're bound to be so~o relieved!

[lloydegbrick]

GREAT news, Lloyd ... after ALL the time they've taken, you're bound to be so~o relieved!

Hello Arthur
Thank you but yes fingers cross she will get through this last test

[lloydegbrick]

Hello to you all
we finally have a date to visit the TB clinic in Manila
on Thursdays 12th November 2015 It's been about a year since her 1st check up
This is for the sputum results
Each time they have shown negative but they were not totally satisfied so for the 3rd time we will see what they have to tell us?

They did tell her on her last visit back 18th August, that if it still all clear this this time? They will give her the certificate....
It is all in the hands of the Gods now....
Regards to you all
LG

[lloydegbrick]

Hello to you all

Today my wife got her all clear TB test certificate
Many thanks for your help and guidance

Regards
LG

[Doc Alan]

Good news and thanks for updating us :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Hello to you all

Today my wife got her all clear TB test certificate
Many thanks for your help and guidance

Regards
LG

At last. What wonderful news. :Jump:
Full steam ahead now with the visa work :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Onwards and upwards