anaemia - problem for NZIS?

[Elainep]

Does anyone have experience of a diagnosis of iron-deficiency anaemia being a barrier for immigration? I'm trying to re-assure a worried OH from my own position of ignorance
My feeling is that he's managing it with diet and iron supplements so shouldn't be worrying. Also we're trying to get WTR visas so what real risk is this to NZ, when if we go for PR at a later date, we'll have to go through the medicals again (oh joy) and they have another opportunity to say no then.
Also any experience of getting in with a PAST history of depression/anxiety?
Any thoughts on these two issues? Thanks.

[dilanium]

I had a history of depression and anxiety written on my medical and they didn't even care. (That I'm having issues again is not something I'm about to tell them).

As for the anemia wait and see how bad it is on the medical. If you have to feed your OH only black pudding, liver, and supplements for a week before the tests to see if that helps boost his iron levels.

There's a full list of iron rich foods here: http://www.weightlossforall.com/iron-rich-food.htm

I used to be anaemic when I was younger so I am used to being forced to eat iron rich foods.

[Elainep]

thanks for that
we're already past the medical stage. OH knew he was anaemic before the medical and was already going through tests at the hospital (involving colonoscopy/endoscopy/biopsy) so we had to declare that when we attended the medicals. he is going back to the consultant tomorrow where (hopefully) he will be given the all clear. Otherwise it's a scan of the smaller intestine (and more delay ) the concern is that the anaemia is being caused by internal bleeding. The reason he has been through all this is because his ferratin levels were very low (5 when the normal span is 25 - 300). He has managed to increase his ferratin 'score' to 21 over a 2/3 week period by taking ferrous sulphate, blackstrap mollasses, loads of iron rich foods and by stopping the use of soya products (which apparently stops the iron being absorbed properly).
What I wanted to establish was if he continues to show signs of anaemia whether this is a no-no for NZIS? I would have thought that a lot of people have it without even knowing.
With regard to the depression/anxiety, I suffered with this in 2004 and my OH did about 12 months ago. Our CO has asked for a medical report from our own GP on all of this before considering our visa application. She has also asked that the medical report covers 2 episodes from my medical history (hepititis A in 1984 and a blood transfusion in 1973!). These issues have all been picked up by the CO from our panel doctors report.

[BkyMonster]

Not sure on the anaemia, but sounds like you got lucky on the depression assessment. Our CO had me undergo a $1k assessment from a specialist when both my original doctor and a NZ doctor had pronounced me fine and well managed with medication and exercise. (which is exactly what the specialist ended up saying....*sigh*)
Some people certainly seem to have the experience that if it's a easily managed ailment then it isn't an issue, but that hasn't been my experience so far.

[Janey]

Hi Elaine
if you go for PR yes you will have to go through it again we did and when I questioned we were told by our CO PR medicals are tougher! i do not believe it myself but think for our WTR because my CEO created a stink with the ministry the medicals were not properly assessed seems one rule for one one for another!