[dawn]

I'll sum up the history first.

Had my original medical & blood tests on 20th October, I only had the syphilis blood test as it was before the NZIS changes. However, I submitted my application in January, so I had to go back and have the extra blood tests, HIV, Hepatitis, full count, etc.

So, to the point. During the blood tests on 6th Jan, the doctor told me he'd ring if there we any problems, and I laughingly said "No offence, but I hope I never talk to you again!".

Well, today I did speak to him. He called and as soon as I realised it was him, my heart sank. He told me that all the tests except the blood count were fine, all clear, but the blood count shows enlarged red blood cells. This means I have pernicious anaemia, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency.

I now have to go to my GP and have a vitamin count and other blood tests to confirm his diagnosis and then send the results to the panel doctor so he can make a call on my blood test form.

At worst, I will have an injection every 3 months, with an increased risk of stomach cancer. It may affect my application to emigrate. They can ask me to go see a blood specialist.

I spoke to my case officer and he was great, Michael Slade, just told me to keep him informed and he said he'd put my application on hold until we get the results back.

As for me, I feel like my life is on hold, I have not really got any idea of what it all means, seems it's not life threatening, but it is quite serious, serious enough to (at the very least) delay our application.

Fingers crossed, I'm off to see my GP tomorrow.

Dawn

[K&CS]

Dawn, I'm really sorry this has happened, and it must be such a pain when all seemed to be on track, but I really don't think it'll make too much difference to your application. I have a medical condition which makes me at increased risk of bowel cancer, plus I have to be on medication for the rest of my life. Apart from having to attach a letter from my consultant, they didn't bat an eyelid at it. It wasn't mentioned at all, and we got PR. It's always shocking when you get a diagnosis you weren't expecting - I was really upset 6 years ago when I was diagnosed, even though I wasn't really ill. Once you get your head round it, and you realise that it isn't going to affect your daily life, it's amazing how you forget about it. Try and hurry along your appointment with the specialist (I presume you'll be going private), and then get on with your application. Try and look on it that it's good you had to have this extra test - otherwise you'd never have found out and you could have ended up quite ill.

Good luck - I really don't think you'll have any bother.

Kate x

[Smiler]

Hi Dawn

My nan lived with this for 30 years at least, injection every month or so and popped off aged 86. Apart from being tied to a nurses appt, it shouldn't cause you any concern.

It is disconcerting for all this to happen and they might want blood tests frrom a specialist etc but I really don't think it will stop things moving on for you, just a delay maybe.

Keep your chin up and big hugs from over here (((((((((((((((Dawn))))))))))))


Deborah x

PS Thanks Kate it took me so long to type that but you said it more clearly than me

[sizzlingbadger]

Wow what a shock, just think though if you hadn't had the extra blood tests you'd still be in the dark.

Fingers crossed it won't affect your application.

[dawn]

Thanks guys, I think it was the shock that upset me, more than anything really. I knew I didn't have HIV or hepatitis or syphilis! So I really wasn't expecting that call from the doctor.

I think the other thing is that I don't feel ill, but having checked the symptoms, I do have some of them, albeit mildly. I know it's not a terminal illness and I should be really glad I don't have HIV!!!

I'm seeing my GP tomorrow (not private), but if I do need to see a blood specialist, I definitely will be going private as it'll be much quicker. Apparently, once the test results get to NZIS, they have their own specialists that they send them to to get clarification.

Try and look on it that it's good you had to have this extra test - otherwise you'd never have found out and you could have ended up quite ill.

My hubby said the same thing Kate, and you're both right, just have to see the positives.

Thanks for all your kind words :nice1

[StevieD]

Good luck Dawn! You must be feeling a bit low so {{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}} to you from us up here in Liverpool!

[MB]

Dawn - thanks for explaining this to us. Good on you as you progress with your application. :nice1
Going on the -- possibly incorrect -- assumption that it's NZ health care costs that worries NZIS re. this diagnosis and your application, it'd be interesting to get an idea of how much this kind of treatment would cost if you had to have it.
I'd have thought -- based, I'm afraid, on almost no knowledge or experience -- that treatments for anemia would be relatively cheap, quantifiable and tested. If so, that might be a big plus. More so than , say, a disease the treatment for which is in its infancy. Hope I'm right... any nurses or doctors reading this hunch of mine? Comments?

[dawn]

Comments please indeed! It's just a vitamin injection, so I can't see it being THAT expensive, but now you've put the thoughts in my head, I'm going to do some research.

Once again, thanks for your kind words, you guys are amazing! (And I need the support right now).

[MB]

Dawn - right on!
Your research -- or part of it -- could be a quick chat with a friendly local pharmacist or community nurse or anemia association. That way you might at the very least get an idea of whether the injection is cheap, and/or whether (s)he can think of any caveats to its cheapness (e.g., its cost in other countries; or any common complications of anemia being a more significant cost question than the cost of the drug itself, etc., etc... just examples off the top of my head, probably nonsense!)

[MB]

In fact, if you're reading this at night and are impatient, you could even see if there's a wordlwide anemia group or message board on the Web (e.g., a Yahoo! group or similar).
You could join and post a question, and you might get answers within minutes or hours.
Could at least help you with general questions and give you a chance to write a para or two about your concerns.

[Nienke]

I am so sorry for you Dawn! Indeed it is lucky that they discovered it now before you get really ill, but that won't cheer you up much now I suppose.
Big hugs from me too! http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/traurig/e045.gif

[dawn]

Matt you are a font of knowledge and so full of great ideas. I just phoned my mother-in-law, she's in Featherston, she's going to check with the local pharmacy and/or doctor, to see how much they cost, I've just joined a blood disorder forum, so hopefully will get answers quickly.

Thanks again! And, thanks to everyone for the (much needed) hugs :D

[jubjub]

Dawn, sorry to hear about the results not being what you expected, but like the others have said, at least you know.

On the other side, I am sure there are forum members that have been accepted that have had conditions such as diabetes, or other conditions that need regular drugs. I think it would only be a big issue if you had something that required long term hospitalisation and would be a constant drain on the care system. from what you have said, you would not be a drain, just require drs appts and drugs, both of which you would pay for yourself anyway.

Good luck, and look after yourself.

[dawn]

MIL is fab, she works in a hospital, which is a plus and she spoke to her contacts there, they said I'd have the injection from a health nurse and that it would only be the cost of the drugs, which is between $15 and $25, depending on where you go. A doctor's appt on it's own is $45 without the drugs!!

So looks like I won't be a drain on the care system and I think hubby and I can afford $100 per year to keep me fit and healthy, DH has already re-designed our menu for the next week and has included lots of broccoli and spinach!!!

[MB]

Dawn - excellent news! How encouraging. Hope you can enjoy your weekend even more now. And, to iterate what others have suggested, this (and similar) forums are peppered with accounts from folks whose applications have included a range of medical conditions that did not prevent their application's success. And from what I recall, some of these have been really quite challenging conditions and situations.
:nice1 :yes :nice1

[dawn]

I haven't had time to do a search through on the the other posts, but I will get round to it.

I just realised something, having this setback has made me realise just how much I want this, so I guess it's true, every cloud does have a silver lining!

Keeping on trucking ..... http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_2_127.gif

[dawn]

MIL just sent this:

When you come into the country you will have to register with a Doctor to get a prescription, which you will have to obtain phial of Vitamin B12 from the chemist, then the nurse administers the injection; charge is $15.00 you will be contacted by medical center when you need to get another prescription or you contact the center and ask for a repeat prescription.

You will be asked to have another blood test which means another doctors visit sometime down the line to see if the injections work. But this will be discussed with you from the doctor when you first visit. So it could be as little as $15.00 and prescription charge. Doctors fees are different with each practice. Masterton Medical was $50.00 a visit. Featherston I get charged $45.00 and $5.00 for the Nurse.

Great info :D

[zardell]

Dawn.

Just picked up this thread. Sorry to hear your news, but happy to read that things seem to be turning out ok.

Good luck with the GP tomorrow, though I dont think you'll need it. Sounds to me as though this condition can be monitored very successfully.

Big hugs and loads of positive vibes are coming your way.

Julie

x

[kiwidollie]

Crikey it must have been a shock to get that phone call when you've no idea there's anything wrong with you.

Glad that things look so much more positive now than at the start of this thread. Once again the people on here have been so helpful, supportive and full of good advice.

Good luck with your GP Dawn - I'm sure things will work out well for you. You've got a really positive attitude and I'm sure nothing will get you down for long.

Alison

[dawn]

Thanks again for the kind and supportive words - crazy eh how I can go from despair to joy in one post!! lol

[kiwidebs]

Hi Dawn

Big hugs from me too. Sorry about the bad news, but it could've been worse and, as the others have said, at least you found out before you were really symptomatic.
I agree that NZIS is generally looking to 'weed out' anyone who will be a drain on the NZ health system, so if you needed say a heart transplant I don't think they'd be interested, but most chronic conditions will be acceptable (asthma, diabetes, hypothyroid, pernicious anaemia.....). As someone said, it's you that ends up paying the costs for these, in doctors visits and meds, so it's no drain.
Let us know how you get on at your GP's. (And enjoy the free healthcare while you can - won't be long before you're paying £45 a visit!!)

Debs

[Avalon]

{{{HUGS}}} from me too. Im glad that your mind is already more at ease - which just goes to show that these forums can be so wonderful.

Stay positive - and forge ahead. You will get here.

[willsken]

Only just seen this thread Dawn and I am sorry to hear your news. I can also say at the same time I'm glad to hear it all seems to be working out OK for you.

Fingers crossed for you at the doctors

[gil]

Dawn,
I've been outof the loop a bit the last few days, so just wanted to add my good wishes for your health and plans. Everything I would say has been said, so I won't add it all again,
Thinking of you,
Love
Gil
x

[dawn]

A little update from me, went to see GP today, no blood tests, even though I told them I needed them when I made the appointment, have to go back and see the nurse to have the tests on Tuesday morning :(

[K&CS]

Dawn, can't you go down to your local hospital for the tests? I always have to do that anyway cos no-one else can get blood out of me. The GP surgery just need to fill out a blood form for you and you then just take it down to the hospital and wait your turn (a bit like at the deli at the supermarket). If you do it that way, you can have it back quicker. The results would just be sent off to the hospital anyway. Could you ring the surgery and ask if you can do that?

Kate

[dawn]

I've got to be honest, I've never heard of that. I'll definitely give them a call and see if it's possible, I already have the blood forms, they told me to bring them with me on Tuesday, excellent idea Kate, thanks!

[westies]

Hi there
Would like to add that anaemia worlwide is very common, and easy to treat. I am a nurse and alot of people I see come in for a 3 monthly B12 injection, the drug is really cheap, currently £2.46. Also I was found to have abnormal blood results this year and after other blood tests was diagnosed with coeliac disease, a shock at the time but no probs now, all was required was a letter from the consultant confirming diagnosis and thats it!!!
Hopefully this will help to put your mind at rest, it's chronic conditions or like that are likely to cost alot of money that they look hard at, certainly in your instance this is not the case.
The benefits are that at least this can be treated now!!

Chin up!!
Traceyx

[Cardiff Irons]

Hi Dawn. I'm afraid to say I definitely haven't been out of the loop. I saw your post before anyone had responded and...well.....I just didn't know what to say, panicked and took the easy route of looking in "safer" parts of the forum like the Lounge. I do feel a bit ashamed and I want to apologise.

Fortunately, other forumites showed a bit more courage and I've taken heart from the many positive and, more particularly, constructive replies.

Just wanted to let you know that failure to respond does not equal failure to care. Like everyone else on here, I'm absolutely delighted that things are beginning to look more promising for you.

Take care and good luck.

Steve x:nice1

[dawn]

Oh Steve, please don't feel bad or ashamed, I've done the same thing myself before. It's not always easy to know what to say, especially when someone is feeling emotional, as I obviously was! Actually, I think you said exactly the right thing, I was quite choked reading your message (especially from a fellow Cardiffian!) Thank you for your lovely words, in fact, thanks to everyone and yes, I am feeling more positive, though not as confident as I was before the tests.

It's a bugger really, especially as my case officer told me that we WOULD have had a decision by 12th Feb if it hadn't happened :( That would have made it 5 weeks from application to in principle!!!

Tracey, I wanted to thank you too, that's the kind of thing I needed to hear! I'm so sorry to hear abour your diagnosis too, I know how it can be, my cousin has coeliac. I hope you're coping ok with it.

Playing another waiting game now, and hoping that it will be ok, I'm taking pronatal vitamin supplements (hubby checked the content of every vitamin bottle on the shelves at Boots and decided they were the best - so sweet!), they have a higher concentration of B12 and folic acid, so hopefully, by Tuesday, after 4 days of the supplements, my results will be better. If need be, I think I may have a glass of berocca before I go! lol

Roll on Tuesday, though, it will still be a week until I get the results and then I have to send them to the panel doctor and then he has to make a decision and then I have to send it to NZIS ...... a lot of to'ing and fro'ing, but I know it will be worth it - SIX MONTHS TODAY WE FLY TO AUCKLAND TO START OUR NEW LIFE (if all goes to plan!)

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_2_116.gif

[Cardiff Irons]

Thanks Dawn, I appreciate your kind reply. If need be, I think I may have a glass of berocca before I go! Glass...glass girl! Get a couple of bottles down yer Gregory, that'll confuse them!:)

Look forward to seeing you in sunny Auckland (where we're likely to be going too).:nice1

[dawn]

lol Steve, spoken like a true Welshman! Funny you should say that, apparently, anaemia can be caused by excessive drinking (ok, it is alocohol though, not berocca!), but I'm tee-total lol Ironic eh!!

We'll just be passing through Auckland, spending 2 nights so we can pick up the dog, we'll be settling in Masterton, where hubby has a house (saves us a bit of cash!!).

When will you be there?

[Cardiff Irons]

lol Steve, spoken like a true Welshman! Funny you should say that, apparently, anaemia can be caused by excessive drinking (ok, it is alocohol though, not berocca!), but I'm tee-total lol Ironic eh!!

We'll just be passing through Auckland, spending 2 nights so we can pick up the dog, we'll be settling in Masterton, where hubby has a house (saves us a bit of cash!!).

When will you be there?Well :o, not quite a Welshman! I'm probably more partial to a bit of a cockney knees up than a rendition of Bread of Heaven, but my OH (Gil, who posts on here) is Welsh and so are three of our four kids, so I guess I'm into the realms of honorary status :yes.

We'll be off when we sell the house, so your guess is as good as mine! If we're there before you, you'll have to come and see us for some alcohol-free :cheers:cheers.

All the best


Steve x

[Moorf]

Just woken up here in NZ... really sorry to hear your news Dawn but I bet you can't help but feel encouraged after the great response :nice1 - can't add more except our best wishes and (((((((( HUGS ))))))) and can I offer you a Hairy Lemon? (it's like Berocca but better!) ;)

[dawn]

Well :o, not quite a Welshman! I'm probably more partial to a bit of a cockney knees up than a rendition of Bread of Heaven, but my OH (Gil, who posts on here) is Welsh and so are three of our four kids, so I guess I'm into the realms of honorary status :yes.

We'll be off when we sell the house, so your guess is as good as mine! If we're there before you, you'll have to come and see us for some alcohol-free :cheers:cheers.

All the best


Steve x

Same as my hubby, he's honorary Welsh too, I'm Welsh, both the kids are Welsh, even got the dog from Wales! Aha, I see the connection now, you and Gil, I'll catch up soon!

Absolutley will, and if you're ever down Masterton way, just give us a shout.

[dawn]

Just woken up here in NZ... really sorry to hear your news Dawn but I bet you can't help but feel encouraged after the great response :nice1 - can't add more except our best wishes and (((((((( HUGS ))))))) and can I offer you a Hairy Lemon? (it's like Berocca but better!) ;)


Thanks Moorf, can't say I've heard of Hairy Lemon, is it a Kiwi thing? I'll have to ask hubby about it.

[gil]

Hi Dawn, you're up early for a Saturday! You beat me today as Franca (8) has what we would definitely call a lie-in till 7.30 these days!!
Hope you're feeling OK today, and I'm so glad that you're feeling more positive about this.
I didn't realise you're actually from Cardiff! Which bit?
Looking forward to that catch-up in Auckland! :cheers:cheers

Gil
xx

[dawn]

Blame husband and his nostrils for me being up so early! Been awake since 5.30am :wah God I hate it when he has a cold. My boys are 11 & 12 (13 next month) and they used to get up really early, now I have to drag them out of bed!!! :nice1 Great for the weekend, not so much fun on a school day.

I'm a bit annoyed with the GP, but I'll get over it, I'm renowned for my lack of patience, so this is very frustrating for me, I hate that I can't do a thing about it! (Apart from dosing up on vitamins of course!!). It comes in waves, one minute I'm fine, the next minute I'm convinced that we're not going! The rational part of me knows it's just a hiccup!

I was born in Bridgend, spent most of my life in Roath, parents retired to Bryncethin, been in England (various places) for the past 15 years though :no Would love to go home for a bit, but hubby is Royal Navy, so no chance of that. He leaves the forces on 17th July and we're flying on 20th. 179 days to go!!

Might get to see you before Auckland, depending on when you're going, we'll be in Wales in March and July, might find some time to say hi then. Be much more fun down under though I reckon!

[gil]

March might be good Dawn, PM me nearer the time and see if it works...altough Aucklnad would be cool!! :D
Patience...aaah yes, I remember that...vaguely!

Hope you feel better as the day goes on,
Gil

[dawn]

Cool, shall do, maybe we can do both, one on each side of the world lol

Getting better, feel more awake now, just about to go get my daily vitamin and egg fix, hubby has got me on a high protein diet!!

Dawn
x

[Hannah]

Hi Dawn,
I'm just catching up after a few days away in Wellington with my son who was at a swimming competition (again!). I'm sure things will be fine for you, and think how great you will feel once those B12 jabs start (anaemia leaves you feeling permanently drained, and people with young children always assume that feeling tired is simply normal). Also, looking forward, when you get to NZ you will have the pleasure of calling into Deborah's (Smiler's) house to see the wonderful gifts blown into her garden by the infamous Wellington wind, as i saw this weekend. In fact, that's given me a great idea for a new thread........

All the best Dawn, things will work out fine for you.

Hannah

[Wiggles]

Hi Dawn

I am so sorry to hear your news & hope that all of this will be sorted for you with very little hassle. Good luck and please keep us updated on your progress.

Take care
Wiggles

[zardell]

Hi Dawn..

Good luck with your appt at the docs......it's this morning isn't it ?

I'm sure you'll be fine.

Thinking of you.

Julie

x

[dawn]

Julie, how sweet of you, yes it was this morning, they took a few vials of blood, should have the results back by Friday, I'm crossing all body parts! I'll let you guys know as soon as I get the results.

Hannah, you are spot on, that's exactly how I've been feeling, but I had no idea! anaemia leaves you feeling permanently drained, and people with young children always assume that feeling tired is simply normal The stress of life, juggling everything, emigrating, it all could produce those symptoms.

[katandbob]

Yeah dont worry Dawn, I am sure you will be fine....Good luck