mickybrit

I went for my medical last week, had my jabs passed the blood test, the tb test showed positive of which I put down to my school tb innoculation, Doc sent me for an x-ray. When I was having x-ray lady asked if I got short of breathe, I said no, she told me to keep still when I had x-ray as any movement could interfere with the results.

Two days later the Doc said they had found a shadow in my right lung but it could be a mistake or something other than tb. He then said that I would have to have a 3d cat xray that would be a better result. I'm told this costs around $1500.

I'm just trying to put my mind at rest has anyone had this done, or did something similar happen to anyone?

Rete

Where are you living at the moment? Do you have a primary physician and if you are in the US, do you have medical insurance.

chicagojlo

My husband has been for chest x-rays before (not immigration related) that weren't taken correctly and showed possible shadows and he had to go back, only to find a different angle cleared it up. It's not necessarily a sign of anything to worry about but yes checking your insurance is in order would be a good idea.

mickybrit

I'm in NewYork with my American wife, I have a Doctor recommeded to me by my lawyer to get my green card. I dont have medical insurance.

Thanks for reply.

At the moment I'm going for another x-ray this Friday for a second opinion just to see if I moved slightly in the 1st x-ray (my doc says he will pass me if it comes back clear). Otherwise I'm thinking of going back to England, the expense here would be too much.

Jerseygirl

I had a chest x-ray two years ago and a shadow was found on the upper right side. I was sent for further x-rays...the shadow had disappeared. I was also referred to a pulmonary specialist...I went through various breathing tests in an airtight chamber. Everything was OK.

Please remember the doctors here are ultra, ultra cautious because of litigation. The slightest thing they will most likely refer you to a specialist for further tests.

Tracym

OK, so they are recommending a CT scan instead of another x-ray it sounds like.

I am wondering if you got another x-ray done elsewhere that was clear, if they would accept it (unfortunately I doubt it).

Another thing I would check is can you have a CT scan done, and bring them the results, or must they do it? There are lower cost CT scans available out there for self-pay, if the immig. medical would accept it.

For example:

http://www.wecaremedicalmall.com/

select m r i/ct down on the left side (for some reason it won't let me put up the direct link)

CT scans are 1/3 the price or less. I have not used this place, and you would have to check it out, but seems like they use regular facilities.

Rete

Yikes, sorry that you don't have US healthcare insurance. Yes, a CAT scan would be expensive. Another xray is definitely in order and you need to hold perfectly still and not breath or twitch. Seriously practice holding your breath.

A shadow can mean anything from a spot of bronchitist <sp> to poor quality xray. So unless you have any symptoms of a lung ailment, don't worry about it yet.

mickybrit

Coincidently the right upper side is where my shadow is, I'm hoping I just moved slightly when taking the x-ray. My wife is upset she keeps crying.

mickybrit

Thanks for the link, my Doctor says that if the new x-ray is clear he will accept it, I may have moved in the first it was so cold in the x-ray room.

chicagojlo

I was almost the same when my husband had the same problem. It doesn't help when they are giving you absolutely no information! If you can get an earlier appointment it might be worth trying, even if it's just to put her mind at rest!

Tracym

That's good - I'd just get a new x-ray to start then.

And aww, poor wife - give her a nice hug. Chances are your health is fine, don't worry too much yet

Ray

But make sure you get that will done today .....

nadnad

a shadow in the lung can mean a lot of things. sometimes there are blood vessels which appear as shadows on x ray- they are normal but the only way to distinguish them from abnormality would be to do a CT scan. quiet possibly a repeat film will show the blood vessel if we presume tht is the shadow.

have u had a xray done in england- it would be an idea to compare the report and see if a shadow had been present for a long time- if so then there is nothing to worry about.

Tracym

Ray, you are SO mean

mickybrit

I had the x-ray done here in USA and the next one this Friday if thats the same,
I will most probably go back to England and get my tests done, and start the immigration all over again.