[sheppy99]

We've booked our medicals for a week on Monday and I'm trying to live healthily in the run up to them. A recent blood test revealed slightly raised cholesterol as well as a slightly raised liver enzyme, and my blood pressure is a bit high at 160/100. Should I see my GP about medication for this lot before applying? I'm generally healthy, a non smoker, go dancing at least once a week and have a BMI of 28.
Thanks
S

[Duncan74]

With 2 or more then I think there's a high chance that you'll be refered to the MA. I can't see a downside to seeing your GP about this and either working on a plan to sort it, or to get a letter stating that although the indicators are outside normal range, then they do not suggest anything that should be a concern.

[JandM]

I don't think it's necessary to try and guess what is going to show up and try to pre-medicate for it. Just go with the flow and see what transpires at the medical you have booked. It might be a good idea to go to the test fasting, so that if the doctor thinks extra blood tests are indicated, samples can be taken straight away (but don't pass out on the floor - whether this is sensible to do will depend on the time of your appointment. ;)).

[eassae]

I had very slightly elevated liver enzymes which resulted in a few thousand dollars worth of tests and another few thousand dollars worth of rescheduling, but we are here with pr. I also had high cholesterol (I have had it all my life) which they didn't seem to think to much of because my bmi is on the low end.

[kejktfc]

Completed our medicals today, all results should be back within 7 days, fingers now crossed.....

kejktfc

[petri]

No matter what happens with the medical check, you should start working with your doctor to get the things fixed. To rule out white coat hypertension. 160/100 does require lifestyle changes and if it doesn't help, medication.

[Trendynana]

When I had my immigration medical my blood pressure was 147/80 and the doctor took it 6 times to try and get it a bit lower - three times with me sitting in a chair and 3 lying down!! I assume I must have had 'White Coat Syndrome' - as I knew that this medical was one of the most important days of my life as I so much wanted to emigrate to live near my children. Everytime the doctor said "think of nice things and relax" I couldn't!!! :wah

Since I have had my medical my BP it has gone down to 115 or 120 over 80!!!

So I know it was White Coat Syndrome. I got my own GP to do a letter and a printout of my last 2 years blood pressure readings which have all been normal. I then included this letter and printout in my application.

I think I would go to your GP to see if the Practice Nurse could maybe monitor your BP to see if it was just a blip and if it wasn't then maybe your doctor will put you on a low dose blood pressure tablet to control your readings? At least then you have pre-empted something that you may get asked to do, thus saving some time. Good luck.

[sheppy99]

Thanks for the replies folks, I've booked an appointment with the GP for monday and will see if tablets are an option and indeed if it drops enough by my last cancellation day of Thursday to see if it's worthwhile postponing the medical. As we're only at the EOI stage another week or 2 won't delay things.

[Duncan74]

WOuldn't worry about delaying hte EOI as you've 6 months to go before you need to submit ITA (with medical) at least.

[sheppy99]

WOuldn't worry about delaying hte EOI as you've 6 months to go before you need to submit ITA (with medical) at least.
The EOI has already gone and been selected 2 1/2 weeks ago :nice1
Just trying to avoid any delays when the ITA arrives. Can't wait to leave these sorry shores!!

[72andsunny]

We've booked our medicals for a week on Monday and I'm trying to live healthily in the run up to them. A recent blood test revealed slightly raised cholesterol as well as a slightly raised liver enzyme, and my blood pressure is a bit high at 160/100. Should I see my GP about medication for this lot before applying? I'm generally healthy, a non smoker, go dancing at least once a week and have a BMI of 28.
Thanks
S

If my memory of the medical form is correct, a cholesterol check is only required if your bp is >140/90 (150/90 if over 40), or for a BMI >35...so I would concentrate on getting your blood pressure down prior to the exam. [If you are taking a blood pressure medication, the cholesterol check is required.] How to get your blood pressure down in a week without going on blood pressure lowering medication? 1) If you suspect "white coat" hypertension, take a benzodiazepine (anti-anxiety medication such as Valium) before the exam...though I wouldn't recommend Valium specifically). 2) Go on a low salt diet: absolutely do not exceed 2300 mg sodium a day; <1500 is even better.

Next, I'd focus on lowering my liver enzymes. You haven't specified which are elevated; muscle breakdown can cause an elevation in AST...so avoid any strenuous exercise a few days before the test. Of course, keep up the things you're probably already doing like avoiding any alcohol and hydrating.

On to the cholesterol: I would not recommend starting any cholesterol meds prior to your exam. Many cholesterol lowering meds can increase your liver enzymes. (Probably this won't happen to you, but the beneficial effects take several weeks anyway.) A week of not eating can do wonders for your triglycerides and cholesterol; a week of sensible eating would likely get you in range if you are only slightly elevated.

PS: None of this should be construed as immigration advice or really even medical advice. It's more meant as a commentary on the medical form (which in my opinion follows a strange logic for required/optional labwork). Anyway: to everyone who thinks I'm too quick to recommend medication: I'm only semi-serious about the benzodiazepine. And everything else in this post advocates non-pharmacologic measures.

[sheppy99]

Mike (and everyone else), thanks for the very detailed repies, I'll keep this thread updated as I get on - first step is my GP later today.

[IanW99]

If my memory of the medical form is correct, a cholesterol check is only required if your bp is >140/90 (150/90 if over 40), or for a BMI >35
...


Clearly if you don't meet the conditions listed then the test will be required.

But note that any blood test can be requested for many reasons e.g. medical history etc so it isn't accurate to say that the cholesterol check, or any other blood test will only be done under those specific conditions.

Ian

[sheppy99]

Visited the GP and my BPM is over reading although my BP is still a bit high, so for now the medical is on hold whilst I borrow a calibrated BPM to see what's going on. Then I'll rebook my medical with a note from the GP if needs be.
Watch this space!

[sheppy99]

Further update: Borrowed a BP machine for a week and the verdict is my BP is a bit high 135-160 over 90-100, doctor has given me pills to take but I'm finding out more before I submit to a life on pills. All other tests are fine apart from slightly raised cholesterol.
The doctor at the medical didn't think it would be a deal breaker assuming that other tests were OK which they are. :clap
I've rebooked my medical for next Friday with a copy of my tests to take along.
We also got ITA today :) and my partner has a job too