tandn

I'd be really grateful for any help/advice. My partner's medical has come back with the 'abnormal/significant findings' box ticked. He had a heart op when he was a child but hasn't needed any treatment or meds since then and was given the all clear last year (we submitted this report at the time of the medical). He's really worried that this is going to stop us from moving to NZ but am I right in thinking that because he's had such a major op, they would have to tick the 'ab/sig' box? His liver count was also abnormal - should we get this re-tested or just submit it and see what happens?

Any advice on what might happen next, from those who may have been in a similar position? We don't want it to really delay our application - we want to be over there in the next couple of months!

Many thanks

tandn

Him and Me

The only advice i can think of is think ahead...get as much information together on his health....found out why his liver count is high, get a report from Dr's/specialist that his heart problem is stable and managed..even if Immigrayion haven't asked you for it...the more info you can provide for them the better.

I had a health issue and made sure i provided as much info as possible so they could review me on a individual basis and not a general one for said condition

JohnThePom

I can't give you any specific advice except don't panic. I believe abnormal liver counts are quite common. Of course, I can't say if your particular case is significant or not, but it could easily end up being ok. It's important not to jump to conclusions. They usually ask for further investigation in the case of an abnormality before any decisions are made. The abnormal tick might be nothing to do with the major op, it could be just because of the liver count.

In the absolute worst case scenario it is possible to apply for a medical waiver, but I don't think you're at the stage where you need to worry about that yet.

Good luck.

WP

tandn

Thanks for your help and reassurance guys. Much appreciated. It's just so hard not to worry when your future is in the hands of INZ, I'm a nervous wreck! My other half is going to contact the Dr who did the medical and ask about the liver count. A friend of the family (Dr) has said it could be due to long term paracetamol use for his back pain, so he's cut down on those.
I don't know much about medical waivers - does it mean that if you had any associated problems with an exempt/'waived' condition, you wouldn't be able to get free treatment?

I'm sure I'll be back again soon with more questions! Take care

JohnThePom

A medical waiver simply means that all things considered they let you in regardless of not meeting the strict medical criteria.

Sorry, but I don't know anything much more detailed than that except that it is possible. I assume you would have to put together a case of some sort. If it gets to that stage it might be wise to consult a professional immigration adviser.

BevK

My LFTs were raised and I abstained from drinking alcohol for two weeks before having them repeated, but they were still high. The doctor passed my medical but referred me back to my GP for follow up. Rather than sending my application to immigration with no definitive reason as to why my levels were raised, my GP referred me for a liver scan first to make sure my liver was okay. Turns out I had gallstones. Sent my application in with a copy of the scan and a letter confirming that I was booked in for surgery to have my gallbladder removed, which I had done yesterday. NZ immigration have asked for repeat bloods after the surgery to make sure that my LFTs have returned back to normal. If they have, then I wont have to be referred to the Medical Assessor Hopefully then my application can be approved. Quite long winded,I know, but it is better to investigate it before you send your application in, but bear in mind the three month timescale of your medical. Hope this helps. Immigration seem to be quite keen on LFTs. Let me know how you get on. for you.

tandn

Thanks WP, that makes me feel loads better knowing that there's potential to 'get in' even if there are problems down the line with the medical. Thanks for your reply too, Bevk. Sounds like you've had quite a journey so for you too.

Just waiting for the Dr to call my other half back. It does say on his form that there are no symptoms of liver disease so hopefully he can get his liver count down. I think we're both more worried about the heart operation - he hasn't had any problems or treatment for 33 years but I just hope INZ don't conclude that he my be a drain on their health system in the future!

I'll let you know how we get on. Thanks.

Aliwales

Hi, Sorry to jump in but I have a question related to this, someone mentionned earlier having as much info available as possible. Would a letter from a GP confirm any childhood issues cleared up, was epileptic till the age of 19 yrs, nothing since? Or do i have to get copies of hopsital & gp notes to take to the medical?
Thanks Ali