My husband and our three children are hoping to emigrate next year but i have just been diagosed with rheumatoid arthritis and i am now on medication for the rest of my life we havnt had our medical as yet and they wont tell us weather this will affect their decision can anyone
help i would love to here from them.
jackie from liverpool

Hi Jackie,

Try not to worry too much about it. It won't affect the medicare budget because you have to pay the full prescription price for your drugs in Aus anyway.

We passed the medicals with my son having recently had a major accident and needing years of follow-up to come. I have an arm/hand disability from injury, and was retired on ill-health.

I explained my concerns to the examination doctor when I telephoned to book the medicals, and she told me to get reports from GP & consultants ready to carry with me to her examination, which I did. The reports gave a VERY brief outline of diagnosis, stability of the condition under medical supervision (with drugs), and follow-up requirements.

Even though they seemed to take forever making their decision the medical board passed us without any further queries.

Good luck with that.

Y.

Hi Jackie, sorry to hear re your illness. A few points which may help, but sadly this first. Had my medical yesterday, I suffer from fibromyalgia. In the subsequent conversation and doc reading my diagnostic reports she said 'good it says your rheumatoid -ve on blood test,'cos they might not like that'. I hope the might is sufficient to allay worries.

Consider consulting an immigration agent - we did due to my history - they have access to case histories and have a pretty good idea what will be tricky.

Main aim is to not flag on the 3 criteria (i.e infecting Aussies [no worries], cost of medicare [<$20000 in 3 yrs - should be no worries], not taking up Aussie places [imo this may be their quibble]

So to combat - do as much as you can now to minimise future investigation/treatment. Check with your doc re rehabilition/occupational therapy courses. I did a Pain Management Course in Bath (3wks residential, away from the family - may be good holiday for you .) and hope this will show that future major medical intervention is less likely as I have knowledge to improve my coping skills, and that Oz have not had to pay this.

Another bonus is assumed. That is that your hubby will be the main applicant (and worker?), so your ability to work may not be as important, just your ability to look after yourself.

Definitely positivity DON'T worry, stressing will not help your condition, get good support, and talk to others (RAs, doctors, physios, expats, vets [me ] ) you may find ways to reduce meds (acupuncture is great for me)

Good luck, be happy and pain free, don't stop.
Best wishes Gerry