visa block

My packet came in today - they ordered me another x-ray. Just took medicals in Feb. Both of us have to go.

Update/breaking news: As of today the le blocks are still in Riyadh

I just re-did my medical; I was told by the nurse in Houston that x-rays and vision test are valid for one year, but she did require that the physician who re-did the rest ACCEPT the findings from the first go 'round. In other words, he could have required a new set of x-rays and a new vision test if he did not wish to attest to the validity of the first set. My doctor had no problem with it, so it was only the blood, urine, and "other" that had to be re-done.

It is probable that our relocation advisers are NOT doctors or nurses, so it is best to wait until you hear directly from the medical team about what needs doing. I received a checklist and some very specific instructions. I haven't heard anything contradictory from the posters in the forum, but this is not the place to get the truth, friends. That comes from the folks at ASC/AOC or Aramco directly.

First set of xrays were done at ASC so I guess they selected/used their own doctor. Either he charges them per case and has a built-in reward system to be doubtful of his first diagnosis or it's country-specific and expires depending on which country you are from.

Either way, gotta repeat it. Guess I'll finally drop my passports off while I'm up there - they are starting to get nervous about not holding them. Eliminates the possible escape risk.

Free commentary: This is just me but if I was in the medical profession and was able pick and choose which test would be good for a year I'd pick "other" - no question. That one would be good for decades.

You folks have a good weekend!

I believe you. I am just finding it strange that ASC Houston has their own clinic, tests and x-rays are done there at their offices, we did it all in early Feb at ASC, and I have orders to repeat the x-ray/tests next week.

Re: medical screening tests

I took my initial Medical screening tests: blood, urine, stool, Xray (no Vision... interesting JeffSteiner) in Houston during my Orientation back in October 2013. When I inquired why I would need to take them there, vs having my regular doctor who knows me best conduct the tests, my recruiter (not my relo advisor) said "oh we like having our own docs conduct the tests to ensure continuity and consistency."

Then in Feb 2014, given 3 months had passed, I was contacted by the Medical folks at Houston to arrange taking it again. This time I didn't have to go to Houston. (So much for consistency, I guess!) They FedEx me the instructions to go to a local LabCorp office in my city (Seattle) to conduct the tests--the same as above, but no Xrays. Curiously, I called the LabCorp office (because I wanted to have a copy of the results for my own records, which you can do btw- -I did the same for Houston's results, too) and found out that all the tests they conducted on me cost only $54 US dollars (unbelievably cheap for the extent of tests!) because "LapCorp has a large contract with Aramco to conduct tests around the country."

So very interesting to read that a) some are being required to return to Houston for the tests vs going to a local LapCorp office and b) some are now needing to to redo the Xrays. (I just hate undergoing unnecessary radiation so I was glad to bypass that step in Feb, but come May, I'll most likely have to undergo again.)

I wear contact lenses as well, not that old yet (32), and I had to do a vision test as well.

Like everyone else on this post, we are also waiting on the elusive visa block :?

My husband cleared all contingencies on 11 March and we attended orientation on 31 March in Melbourne where he left his passport. Orientation was very useful and enabled us to meet 3 other families. All of us are waiting on the visa block. Our agent indicated there that there had been some issues which have now been resolved and they had been told 10 days but acknowledged this could mean a couple of weeks.

Fingers crossed it happens soon, we have four daughters who are asking when they are leaving and a house to get ready for renting with no time frame to work to. I am looking at finishing work when he leaves so I can focus on our girls and finishing the packing but can't give my bus a differentiate time frame. Hubby's work have been very good and he has requested to either go part time or use his holidays to drop to 3 days a week, this will allow him to work on the house! Some of his work mates are now thinking he has made it up and isn't going anywhere due to the time delay (and we have not been waiting anywhere near as long as some of you) 8) I agree with others that it is very hard to live 2 lives!! :!: