All for a spot

When I had a chest Xray done for my student visa in 2004, there was a small white spot in my left lung on the Xray. The radiologist called it a "granuloma" on the report and that set off a series of events. For non medics; a granuloma is suggestive of tuberculosis.

My grandmother cried because she thought that would mean I couldn't go overseas to study. She set up an appointment to see their Respiratory Physician to check it out. The specialist said it was not a granuloma; probably just a scar of an old chest infection. Besides, I was well and healthy, have had my BCG injections and never had contact with people with active tuberculosis.

Recently I had another chest Xray done for my work visa. Obviously the spot would be there again. The radiologist here also reported it as a "granuloma". As a result, our visa application is pending until it is further investigated. Lecehnya.

I had to attend a Migrant Screening Clinic yesterday all the way in Western Hospital (my old training hospital in the city). After an hour's drive and battling traffic jam on the highway, a hot day, shitty parking, waiting 1.5 hours for a 5 minute consultation with a condescending Pakistani doctor who asked me if I could speak English or not (!!!) - they told me it's just nothing and they'll tell Immigration to resume our visa application.

All for a spot. I'm sure the same problem will arise next year when we apply for PR visa!