Help with the medical test...IBD

[kryt0n]

No, he didn't ask for it, he didn't even ask me to do any further testing or anything, why is that important?

Just wait

You'll either pass the medicals or be sent a fairness letter to explain how you plan to fund your medicine.

 

[ahmedhere]

Nothing to do with your medical but it's a good read: https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.bellissimolawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/JRDecision.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwin3qaC7avRAhVHDsAKHYaHBr4QFgg-MAQ&usg=AFQjCNHzLEfkLMCk9tUcY35e5EHrAkvHmA

Yeah that's quite interesting, but as you said, not directly related to my case...

 

[ahmedhere]

Just wait

You'll either pass the medicals or be sent a fairness letter to explain how you plan to fund your medicine.

So you don't think I should write anything about it in the LOE? I was planning to write that I'm covered by a private program and that I'm in a remission for about 2 years and only on a minimal dose to maintain the remission, with a plan to gradually withdraw the drug over the next couple of years.

 

[kryt0n]

So you don't think I should write anything about it in the LOE? I was planning to write that I'm covered by a private program and that I'm in a remission for about 2 years and only on a minimal dose to maintain the remission, with a plan to gradually withdraw the drug over the next couple of years.

Oh sorry you haven't submitted yet! That does sound like something good to write

 

[ahmedhere]

Oh sorry you haven't submitted yet! That does sound like something good to write

Wish I could apply now ...the main problem is that I have to wait for the PRC for about 2 months, then submit the application and then wait and wait...that's why I hate staying concerned and worried like this for all these months...but guess nothing I can do, my usual luck striking again

 

[tosinosho1992]

No, he didn't ask for it, he didn't even ask me to do any further testing or anything, why is that important?

I believe a specialist report is important to ascertain your IBD is inactive and you won't be needing further treatment/surgery for the next five years that would exceed the Canadian threshold. If you have included your medical history document, perhaps results of your clean colonoscopy etc, you should be fine. In the interim, you should contact your specialist (Gastroenterologist, I guess) to give you a report that you are fine and that your IBD is inactive, just in case they request it; it would save you a lot of time. Remember, the prognosis of IBD is different for every individual particularly now that you are on biologics (Remicade).

 

[ahmedhere]

I believe a specialist report is important to ascertain your IBD is inactive and you won't be needing further treatment/surgery for the next five years that would exceed the Canadian threshold. If you have included your medical history document, perhaps results of your clean colonoscopy etc, you should be fine. In the interim, you should contact your specialist (Gastroenterologist, I guess) to give you a report that you are fine and that your IBD is inactive, just in case they request it; it would save you a lot of time. Remember, the prognosis of IBD is different for every individual particularly now that you are on biologics (Remicade).

Yeah, again as I said above, unfortunately I didn't have any experience with medical exam and didn't expect this issue to come up, and of course didn;t know I can include my history...

But now that I have already finished the exam, I think it is over and I can meanwhile ask my doctor for the report as you said, thank you

 

[tosinosho1992]

So you don't think I should write anything about it in the LOE? I was planning to write that I'm covered by a private program and that I'm in a remission for about 2 years and only on a minimal dose to maintain the remission, with a plan to gradually withdraw the drug over the next couple of years.

Just to throw a monkey wrench on your plan. I believe the LOE will go to the visa officer not the medical officer. What if the medical officer does not mention anything about your IBD to the visa officer--you will be selling yourself out. Why don't you wait for them to ask for an explanation. Just my thought

 

[canuck_in_uk]

That's what I thought as well, but then upon further research found that there is something called Exceptional program in which they cover part of it if you don't find other sources...
It is just so saddening because I actually developed the disease here in Canada, because young migrants from Middle east and Europe are of a significantly higher risk of developing it..

Note that the Exceptional Access Program only applies to those who are eligible for Ontario Drug Benefit, a program for people that are disabled/low-income/welfare.

For now, just leave it. The VO that reviews your app has absolutely nothing to do with the decisions regarding your medical, so there is no point in sending them an LOE. You will need to just wait and see if you are issued a Procedural Fairness letter.

 

[kryt0n]

Just to throw a monkey wrench on your plan. I believe the LOE will go to the visa officer not the medical officer. What if the medical officer does not mention anything about your IBD to the visa officer--you will be selling yourself out. Why don't you wait for them to ask for an explanation. Just my thought

Upload the LOE with the medical receipt?

 

[rg74]

I also fear the same as I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and on Humira. I am not the main applicant but the spouse of main Applicant. Also Humira is funded by private insurance & the humira aid program. The government is not paying anything except for 2-3 specialist visits a year and 2 routine blood works a year.

I read the threads above and see that some people who were taking Humira for any kind of disease were being send fairness letter.

I would also request the seniors to guide me how to proceed with medical test or LOE. I am still to receive the ITA (at 462)

After spending so much time & resources on getting a PR facing this would be heartbreaking :'(

Please any member who is in the same boat or is aware of such situation please guide me. Thanks in advance.

 

[ahmedhere]

Upload the LOE with the medical receipt?

You can't, I guess you haven't reached file uploading section yet?

Cause for the medical section you can only upload one file, the eMedical form that's given to you by the doctor when you do the exam...you can't upload anything else in that section...so I guess I will just leave it for now and live with the stress/worry till I hear from them...

 

[ahmedhere]

I also fear the same as I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and on Humira. I am not the main applicant but the spouse of main Applicant. Also Humira is funded by private insurance & the humira aid program. The government is not paying anything except for 2-3 specialist visits a year and 2 routine blood works a year.

I read the threads above and see that some people who were taking Humira for any kind of disease were being send fairness letter.

I would also request the seniors to guide me how to proceed with medical test or LOE. I am still to receive the ITA (at 462)

After spending so much time & resources on getting a PR facing this would be heartbreaking :'(

Please any member who is in the same boat or is aware of such situation please guide me. Thanks in advance.

Yeah I feel you, especially that from what I have read, Humira is about 4 times more expensive than even remicade, cause its dose is every other week (not sure if true but that's what I have read), while for remicade I take a dose every 2 months...

In worst cases, from what I understand now, if you receive a fairness letter you can provide evidence that your household is able to cover it...

Also to note, Humira is also exceptional access in ON, not regular ODB.

 

[ahmedhere]

Note that the Exceptional Access Program only applies to those who are eligible for Ontario Drug Benefit, a program for people that are disabled/low-income/welfare.

For now, just leave it. The VO that reviews your app has absolutely nothing to do with the decisions regarding your medical, so there is no point in sending them an LOE. You will need to just wait and see if you are issued a Procedural Fairness letter.

Yes, but I believe this whole debate is about ODB...because the regular health insurance doesn't cover any drugs anyway..

 

[rg74]

Thanks. I am already in Canada since Jan 2014 and the govt is anyway supporting me. In Ontario the cost of Humira is around $1650 per month which my insurance & drug company together are bearing it.

I would like guidance from seniors if I could get some documents ready by specialist or GP about my treatment etc which could make it easier or if i could avoid fairness letter by giving all info beforehand. Also sometimes it feels putting unnecessary attention towards the details which A VO might overlook...just a wish !!

quote author=ahmedhere link=topic=468029.msg5688204#msg5688204 date=1483652628]
Yeah I feel you, especially that from what I have read, Humira is about 4 times more expensive than even remicade, cause its dose is every other week (not sure if true but that's what I have read), while for remicade I take a dose every 2 months...

In worst cases, from what I understand now, if you receive a fairness letter you can provide evidence that your household is able to cover it...

Also to note, Humira is also exceptional access in ON, not regular ODB.
[/quote]