Has the VA ever just given you or tried to mess with current medications without ANY type of diagnosis? UPDATE AT THE END

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:07:12 -0500

So about a month ago, I FINALLY got to go to a neurologist. FINALLY! Now the one they had before was GREAT. Testing... making sure the diagnosis met the symptoms.

So I go in and there is a new Dr. and reminds me of a Doogy Houser. (people my age should know what I am talking about.) But I have been having some serious symptoms. My left hand will go numb for hours, maintaining a WHOLE lot a water that I have been prescribed water pills twice a day, not to include the overall pain associated with the access water and numbness.

SURELY this man is going to let me know what is going on!

I go in... he asks me to describe the symptoms... I do... he does the whole reaction testing on the knee, hand, I think elbows... and he states this...

"So what I am going to do is UP prescription A. Take away prescription B. Give you prescription C."

ME: "But WHY? What is my diagnosis?"

Bone spurs... I have it too. Here, feel.

"How do you know this? NO. It has taken me YEARS to feel the way I feel at the moment (mentally) and you are NOT changing my psych medications or anything else. ESPECIALLY with NO diagnosis. (I mean, you can't see "bone spurs" with the naked eye!! AND my shoulder didn't "feel" anything like his did.)"

Well then, why did you come to me for?

"So that you can run some tests, Xray maybe, diagnose, tell me WHAT is going on and how we are going to fix this."

Well there is a significant difference of reaction between the left and right side...

"OKAY, so why? What tests are we going to do?"

WELL, if you WANT an MRI then I can get you one.

"You know what... Am I going to die due to the symptoms?

NO.

"Then we are done here. Don't change my meds. Don't do anything."

Well, I am going to give them my suggestions.

"Go ahead and do that, but you will not be messing with my medications."

Then I proceeded to walk out. A hour and a half drive for absolutely NOTHING. Still don't know what is wrong.

Have any of you experienced something like this??

GREAT news is that my primary physician is the BEST. So there, I am a very lucky Vet.

http://www.pilotonline.com/news/military/doctor-veterans-get-hooked-not-healed-at-va-hospital/article_c1f138b0-c78e-5d57-8111-3de575b563d8.html

PS. STOP CHANGING HEADINGS... IT REALLY JUST ERKS ME. IF YOU THINK I SHOULD WORD IT BETTER, THEN LET ME KNOW, OTHERWISE STAY OFF MY DAMN PROFILE!!!!!!!!!

Doctor: Veterans get hooked, not healed, at VA hospital

Two doctors who worked at the Hampton VA Medical Center say powerful narcotics are being over prescribed to veterans there, leaving them addicted while their underlying medical conditions go untreated.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 3:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:12:12 -0500

A cured patient is a lost customer. That totally sucks your time was wasted like that.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Nov 23 at 2015 3:12 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:12:31 -0500

Well Hi! And no, but I've seen it with other doctors. It's usually that they're in troubleshoot mode and can't communicate that very well. My wife has a doctor that's awesome at it and he basically just says "look. I don't know what's wrong. Everyone's a little different, BUT I think it could be x, y or z. We are going to have to try different things in a certain order to identify what's going on without confusing it all with too many results." He actually over-communicates, which is awesome.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Nov 23 at 2015 3:14 PM

SFC Wade W. — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:14:55 -0500

Not identical to your experience but somewhat similar. Then I had a fall, ended up in the VA ER and was transported to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson's and am finally, thought slowly, receiving the right treatment. I still have to deal with the damned Choice Program for Home OT and follow-up visits to the doctor at Barrow but at least now I know what's going on. BTW, I'm only 50 and shouldn't have Parkinson's but it is what it is.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 23 at 2015 3:16 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:16:25 -0500

Hate to say it but yes, I ended up going through a civilian doctor, If I want to be compensated however I now need to take the x-ray's and medical history to try and get compensated for my surgery I had to have.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 23 at 2015 3:19 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:19:59 -0500

My only advise to you is go get a 2nd opinion from another source outside the VA. I ended up finding out I had a pinched nerve in my neck, had I fell the wrong way I could have become paralyzed.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 23 at 2015 3:23 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:23:14 -0500

I have been dealing with the VA for the past 3 years about my migraines and lower back problem. I had been bounced around the VA from General Practitioner, Physical Therapy, Psychologist, TBI Clinic and Neurology. Sometimes they would get lucky and find a med or treatment that would help a little, but after a while would stop working. I am now being sent to see a Neurologist that specializes in headaches and to the pain management clinic for my back. The 3rd Neurologist is the one who finally is sending me to these specialists. He says my back is messed up, but it is not to the point where surgery will help it right now, probable a few years down the road they will have to cut into my back. So, hopefully these two yahoos can figure out a treatment plan that will help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort I have.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Nov 23 at 2015 3:29 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:29:55 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Sorry that you got Doogie's retarded cousin for a doc. I have not yet been to a VA medical facility, so I have not had that type of treatment. Sometimes I wonder if these "Doctor's" Found their MD printed on the back of a cereal box. I hope that you find a good specialist who is both willing and able to help you get this resolved. Managing symptoms only works for so long. Good Luck Young Lady!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 3:42 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:42:44 -0500

I wish I could say that I am surprised. Your story makes me glad I didn't engage the VA when I came home to your area after my last OEF tour. Unfortunately, I will also have to see a Neurologist at some point. Don't forget there is supposed to be a patient advocate there to assist with experiences such as yours. I know it's supremely frustrating, but try not to leave the facility before you lodge your complaint/express your concerns to the P/A.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Nov 23 at 2015 4:21 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:21:27 -0500

the nurse practitioner said to me "MRI's are expensive.".

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Nov 23 at 2015 4:24 PM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:24:37 -0500

Yours is a story many patients, including veterans have expressed for many years. When our eldest son was just a wee bit, he kept getting diagnosed with "bronchitis." This went on for about 3 years and about 3 or 4 different docs all felt the same. We move and my new health insurance was a John Hopkins HMO. The first time we saw the MD, she suspected allergy related asthma. Ordered some test and low and behold, her diagnosis provided the best treatment in all those years.

It unfortunate that Doogie didn't order some tests? Shouldn't the MRI, CAT or X-ray tests already be in your chart? Shouldn't many of the other tests already be there as well? Interesting that the neurologist didn't order an EMG for the numbness either. Not sure the patient advocate can do much for you. My thought is to ask to speak with the Chief of Medical Service and ask your questions. If you can't get to the Chief of Medicine, then ask your Congressman/woman to inquire on your behalf. I would cc a copy of the letter to the Medical Center Director. When we ran into a problem with a Healthnet provider, our Congresswoman's rep sent the typical letter, however, it was the cc letter to the Director that had her calling us on a Saturday night at 20:00 before the Congresswoman's rep did a thing.

And if you are really pissed at Doogie, then send a complaint to the state medical board citing his failure. Of course he won't like it, neither will VA, but then again, do you want failures like this collecting your tax dollars and doing nothing for the next veteran?

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Nov 23 at 2015 4:45 PM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:45:45 -0500

Been there an done that; no pride in saying that!! I'm a Vietnam vet an every time I bring up my "agent orange" problems (which I'm still fighting) my doctor just clams-up! No matter how many different doctors I've had, they all button their lips on the AO word! So I sit alone, with this, "keep it to yourself syndrome"! Understand your feelings Veronica.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 23 at 2015 5:24 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 17:24:26 -0500

If you can, seek a second opinion. It sounds to me like you have something more serious than bone spurs

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 23 at 2015 7:12 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:12:18 -0500

It is good to see you back! Sorry about your treatment at the VA, seems NOBODY (except us) cares about the treatment of our countries Veterans. Sad. Doesn't give me any warm and fuzzies, since I am going to my first VA doctor appointment Wednesday (for labs) and Friday. I had to make an appointment in order to get my meds refilled even though I am out or I could of driven 2 hours away to go the the VA ER...

Response by PO2 Kayla Modschiedler made Nov 23 at 2015 7:29 PM

PO2 Kayla Modschiedler — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:29:26 -0500

Yes! I went in once for my back which is pretty bad, and asked to see the chiropractor. My primary care physician told me "I don't see how it will do you any good" umm actually he's done great for me thanks doc!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 23 at 2015 7:32 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:32:09 -0500

Veronica, you need an MRI and an EMG/NCV to find out for sure what's going on. Please contact me off line for more info...

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 23 at 2015 7:38 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:38:42 -0500

"Doogy Houser. (people my age should know what I am talking about.)"...not asking your age, but you must've been watching him on Netflicks youngster? :-)
As far as your question yes. VA has been in some places a "training ground" for future doctors and while that's fine to a point, and even needed, the oversight needs to be there and less of the "I went to school for this and you don't know shit" mentality when we check them on their assessment or lack there of. I'm like you, I've been to some crappy VA docs, but my primary care doc is the f*ckin BOMB and I'd take her against some civilian docs anytime.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 23 at 2015 8:12 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 20:12:50 -0500

Wow...

Response by Sgt Christopher Collins made Nov 23 at 2015 8:55 PM

Sgt Christopher Collins — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 20:55:43 -0500

Don't get me started about the VA... my doctor is useless.

Response by SSG Fred Campbell made Nov 23 at 2015 9:10 PM

SSG Fred Campbell — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 21:10:00 -0500

After I got hurt, they started me out on morphine and loracets, 8 years later I was a full blown Oxy addict. Many times I begged them to help me get off of them, believing that the body heals in time, but I didn't know if it was the pills, or was I still hurt, their answer was they kept bumping up my dosage. Finally May of this year, I had a moment of clarity, realizing my body was falling apart(my ankles were swollen, my eyes and skin were yellow) I am no spring chicken, but I am by no means over the hill (48), if I went on with e, I would be dead before I was 50, and I knew it. Luck had it I had an appointment with my Primary care provider. I told her I was wanting off the pills, she told me more were fixing to be shipped to me, I told her to cancel them, she did, gave me a few things for withdrawal, after about 30 days of going thru hell, I was clean, haven't been back that way. Anything hurts, it's Motrin and water for me, the downside, I will always be an addict. My advice to you is to get second opinions, and not to take the word of just one VA doc, there are some good ones, but there are some who it seems just want to keep you high to save from hearing any complaints....

Response by PFC Joseph Levi made Nov 23 at 2015 10:05 PM

PFC Joseph Levi — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 22:05:37 -0500

I used to live Doogie Houser! Wow and it's not even a throw back Thursday!

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Nov 23 at 2015 10:06 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 22:06:36 -0500

I have to admit that with only a few exceptions I've had positive experiences at the Detroit VAMC. I have a good Primary Care Physician who listens to my problems, and concerns. She is open to opening consults for VA Acupuncture (which has been very helpful with my lower back pain), and also with outside VA Chiropractic care. I am fortunate to have my own insurance, and also have a private Primary care doctor, as well as a Electrophysiologist, to manage my Atrial Fibrillation episodes. Seeing an Electrophysiologist at the VA ALSO, though allows me to obtain my medications at the VA. If such an avenue is open to you, I would encourage you to seek diagnosis elsewhere to give the VA a place to start, without talking to Doogie Hauser look-a-likes who don't have Doogie's brains.

I would also add that when I advised my VA Primary care physician to cut my back pain medications in half because I wasn't taking that many of them, she was very encouraged.

I hope your experiences and your care improve, and I hope you have other avenues of care open to you to help you with your diagnosis rather than relying on a system that is more geared toward managing problems, than toward correctly diagnosing, or curing them.

Best Wishes.

Response by PFC Joseph Levi made Nov 23 at 2015 10:08 PM

PFC Joseph Levi — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 22:08:17 -0500

If your driving a hour and half, you would be eligible for the Veterans Choice Program.

Response by SFC James Pritchert made Nov 23 at 2015 10:42 PM

SFC James Pritchert — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 22:42:00 -0500

Share your thoughts here with the VISN Director. They need to know who their underperforming doctors are. I used to work for VHA and there are a lot of good people out there. There may be some problem employees but they have over 300,000 people and that's a bunch of folks. Looking back on my Army career, there were only 12,000 people in an airborne division and I remember all of the people problems we had there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 12:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 00:41:36 -0500

So much for care and treatment of veterans.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 24 at 2015 7:10 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:10:29 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member My experience has been similar. It seems its easier to treat symptoms than it is to diagnose and cure the illness. I would speculate on why this is, but it would be a guess more than a factual statement. Like you, my primary care seems to be a good medical practitioner who cares.

Response by SMSgt Gary Calhoun made Nov 24 at 2015 7:51 AM

SMSgt Gary Calhoun — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:51:10 -0500

The first issue is the "rookies". The 2 VAMCs I have been to are teaching hospitals for nearby universities (Northport, NY = SUNY Stony Brook & Mountain Home, TN = ETSU). The residents have an attending, but they seem to have different levels of interest when it comes to reviewing care.

Second, common sense is still not common. I finally found an orthopedist who finally told be they can't do anything with my shoulder, other than PT and NSAIDs. He showed me the x-rays and MRIs, spoke to me like an adult and explained why surgery wasn't an option currently. His honesty had me off balance.

I had one doc that wanted to keep me off narcotics, so they prescribed acupuncture. I was surprised, but it did offer some relief (until they cut it off at the new FY, reauthorization is still pending - go figure).

Finally, the meds are an easy way to "move along, nothing to see here". It helps move the patient load and the VA buys in bulk so they get great deals. Sometimes it works, often not. My rheumatologist used meds to reach a differential diagnosis (it worked). It took them ~3 years to get some other meds correct and at the right dosage. With the delays in getting an appointment at time - it can too long to reach a good conclusion.

Keep holding the doctors accountable - they are there to help you get to "maximum medical improvement". Remember that they need to help you and that you are worth the effort!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 7:59 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:59:20 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member welcome back Sister!! I've been fortunate here. I have a great primary care doc, and cardiologist at the VA here in DC. I'm not frankly impressed with the ortho doc and am seeing my civilian one. I wish you well and hope they figure everything out.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Nov 24 at 2015 8:17 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 08:17:22 -0500

Scary shite. Luckily I haven't experienced that short of horror story with the VA yet.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 24 at 2015 10:19 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 10:19:17 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Good to see you back on RP - it seems like it has been a while. Unbelievable VA! Anyway, if you need help with the VA from a different perspective reach out to me - we have an awesome contact that can really get through the system. Only if your interested.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Nov 24 at 2015 10:52 AM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 10:52:16 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Persistence is omnipotent.
Use the VA Choice program and go to a Neurologist outside the VA. Sounds like solid advice from other folks in our community. Blessings to you, keep at it, you are your best advocate.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Nov 24 at 2015 11:07 AM

MAJ Jim Woods — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 11:07:16 -0500

I can't even get them to change some of my meds......

Response by SSG John Caples made Nov 24 at 2015 11:28 AM

SSG John Caples — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 11:28:53 -0500

My Dr. Prescribes me meds for water retention , and instead of my left arm its my whole left side that goes numb, I have nights I get up can't breathe, if I ride for long periods of time It's hard for me to get out of my vehicle, I have nausea, lower back constant severe pain , nothing works and no one can tell me nothing just like you

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Nov 24 at 2015 2:27 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 14:27:40 -0500

I know that there are some great VA doctors, nurses and other VA personnel out there but they are far outweighed by the substandard ones.
I am beginning to think that some of those doctors just work for the VA because its impossible to get in trouble even if someone dies.
We can only hope that the VA and our politicians think about all the people who are serving and getting messed up in the process and decide to actually do something instead of giving the appropriate frowns and "we need to do something better for our veterans".
Maybe if veterans claimed refugee status we could get better treatment.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 4:06 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:06:30 -0500

Typically, they will treat you for conditions that are service-connected. i.e. Conditions that you had while on active duty, you saw a mental provider to get it documented/treated, and the condition prevents you from continuing your military service.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 6:39 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 18:39:36 -0500

Your right , and sometime's they just do nothing. Forget the med's and changing the MED's. Sometimes nothing happens at the V.A. after i talk with my Doctor. And thank you , because i never really looked at the matter in that way. Thanks

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 24 at 2015 8:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 20:40:02 -0500

This is not following the topic, but I would like find the person who invented the VA % scale so I can kick his ass.

Response by Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce made Nov 24 at 2015 10:02 PM

Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:02:21 -0500

I live about 120 miles from the nearest VA hospital (we only have a small clinic in my town). Every time we see specialists like Oncology, Optomology, Orthopedics, Urology...etc we must make the drive. Patients that can't get an appointment in over 30 days can use Patients Choice.
I have some issues that will need to be checked out by specialists so I'll wait until I qualify for Medicare next month. I qualify because of a disability not service connected. I used VA medical records to get my social security disability, so I'll use my medicare to help pay for the specialist to get a diagnosis. They say Veterans must advocate for ourselves.

Keep the VA director's email addresses handy though.

Response by PO3 Larry McTernan made Nov 25 at 2015 1:33 PM

PO3 Larry McTernan — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:33:35 -0500

The VA is the model for broad-based centralized medical care. If you understand the role of doctors at the VA, then it becomes rasier to work the system to your own benefit. The number of patients at the VA has sky-rocketed and mandates make it easier to be seen more quickly; however, the VA is designed to treat the "symptoms" if disease and thus, they prescribe medications for you on top of all previous meds. For example, as I moved through the VA's healthcare system, I learned after several years, that one has to be pro-active. I KNEW I had PTSD, but went without a viable diagnosis for 12 years yet the VA gave me at one time 18 different medications to take thrice daily. Finally found a doc in the private sector who did a good med review & cut me down to seven, whereas yoday, I take three meds BID.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 25 at 2015 2:13 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:13:06 -0500

I cringe when the VA corresponds with me. I feels like they just want to take things from me.

Response by LCpl Stanley Frieze made Nov 25 at 2015 11:24 PM

LCpl Stanley Frieze — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 23:24:49 -0500

I can tell you I stopped going to the VA for just that very reason. It took forever to get in to be seen. When you do get in you never have the same doctor. Each one tries to change your meds and none want to treat the cause only the symptoms. I live just 10 miles from the VA center and I go there for nothing. That's my choice though. If someone needs them they are better than nothing, I guess.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Nov 26 at 2015 2:25 AM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 02:25:09 -0500

You are citing a 2010 article. Things have changed greatly since then. And you are pushing this fiction that narcotics are being over prescribed which is bad.

Currently a vet can only get 1 month of pain meds and cannot have refills on file. Plus there atre so many hoops to jump through it is a diificult process to even get refills at the VA. All this talk of junkies overdosing from pain meds is restricting people who need them from getting them. People who want to restrict pain meds further , are just torturing people who really need them. Junkies are going to find a fix and die no matter what.
I have been without pain meds several times the past year because of the new prescription drug laws combined with the VA not adapting to them and of course the VA's typical bureaucracy.

Anyone who wants to further restrict pain meds and anyone who has pushed these laws like the politicians doctors and self-righteous assholes in that "lobby" , need a good dose of chronic pain for the rest of their lives, or/and maybe close family members need some "good" long term pain..They will find out what hell is before they die and end up there and will find out how hurtful this legislation is to people in severe pain. I am one of those people, and I talk for many. Search the net , there are alot of people hurting worse because of these new laws and mad about it.
.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2015 11:23 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 11:23:00 -0500

It's not just VA. I am on Medicare and Tricare-for-Life and Express Scripts has tried to change my blood pressure medicine before. I knew as soon as they normally started changing the medicines it would probably throw off my BP which I have had under control for 25+ years. I had to go all the way up to the CEO and Chairman to get them to prescribe what my doctor prescribed.

Response by Cpl Franz Buhlmann made Nov 26 at 2015 7:17 PM

Cpl Franz Buhlmann — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 19:17:39 -0500

I was diagnosed back in late 1979 with a condition, without testing, that should have given me a non-wavetable medical discharge, yet I continued severing for years after that date. I wasn't until just a few years ago that I finally started receiving medication for it and still I had to fight for it.

I have had a rating on that condition without ever receiving the proper testing that the ratings officer said that I need. Since then, I even had a ratings increase without the proper and required testing.

The medication that I receive for this condition qualifies me for 100% and I even receive multiple prescriptions of additional medications for the side effects that support my qualification for the 100%, yet again, I have not received the proper testing for that as well as for the testing for the first condition.

Then about six months ago or so, I have received information that the original diagnosis may have been an error, or at least that another condition, even more fatal, in addition to the first condition.

All the while, they fail to provide me with proper testing so that I can receive the proper medical care and equipment to keep me alive.

Right now, I pretty much do not do anything in order to avoid complications awaiting tests and monitoring devices to keep me safe. So far, I have only receive either a deaf ear or inaction by those that can help me, inspire of the fact that others at the VA have been trying to help look into this matter. And I am still waiting, 36 years and counting!

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Nov 26 at 2015 8:01 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 20:01:10 -0500

Some VAs are like night & day. My local one has some good people there & some not so good. They are great at just throwing pills at you. Have a side effect, we got a pill for that. Ask for more advanced treatment, change your pills around. I went to a top-notch VA, took me off many of the meds, gave me all kinds of therapies for my PTSD instead. I got more help in 2 months at the great VA than 6 years at the sub-standard one. Yes, I say that since I even had the director at my local VA refer to it as sub-standard. I worked for the VA too. It's amazing how one VA will nearly kill you, never refer you out, but when you do go to a good VA, how much different you be treated, listened to, tested, & taken care of.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Nov 27 at 2015 5:14 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 05:14:15 -0500

I got put on a very small dose of Xanax for the freight train anxiety going through my chest and for chronic insomnia. Come to find out, Xanax is not the best choice for thyroid cancer. Took them at least 3 years to figure that out. Thyroidectomy : freight train left the station.

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Nov 27 at 2015 5:33 AM

CPL Richard Flagg — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 05:33:09 -0500

When I lived out in Colorado my VA Neuro Doctor tried to take me off my anti seizure medicine cold turkey; well that had bad consequences for me in that one day riding home on my mountain bike a lost my balance and planted my face into to sidewalk where I was riding at. I shook myself off and continued riding home; when home I was instructed to go to the VA ER and get a CAT Scan. All I know is that is I wasn't wearing a bike helmet; I would've cracked my skull open like an egg. So folks let me get on my soapbox and tell everyone to wear bicycle helmets no matter the distance; because they can be real life preservers for you head.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Nov 27 at 2015 9:03 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 09:03:43 -0500

I'm not sure what your current employment status or disability is, but my first piece of advice to people asking about the VA is this: DO NOT USE THE VA ALONE IF YOU CAN HELP IT!!!. If you have other healkth care options ( I have medicare) use it!! I started using my medicare about three months ago to address physical therapy and pain management and my providers are MUCH better than the VA.
If a VA provider screws up they don't lose you as a patient, they just shuffle papers and you end up with a different VA Doctor. If you see a doctor under other insurance and he doesnt meet your needs he loses business.

Response by PO1 Richard Schneider made Nov 27 at 2015 1:13 PM

PO1 Richard Schneider — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 13:13:05 -0500

My experiences with the VA involved overmedication.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Nov 27 at 2015 10:42 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 22:42:15 -0500

I've never used the VA, I've always had access to private healthcare, and usually been healthy... My daughter however spent two years in and out of the hospital before she was 13 years old. It was insanely expensive, but thankfully covered by health insurance.

I see the VA system as an indication of what socialized medicine in America might look like. In some ways the VA does better than the public sector, it certainly costs less per patient than private healthcare since we seem hell bent on going to socialized healthcare.

Stories like yours scare the hell out of me... And I hope we don't end up with a universal government run healthcare system.

I sincerely hope you find the help you need.

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 6 at 2015 8:40 AM

PO3 Brad Phlipot — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 08:40:23 -0500

Water Pills=? Furosemide with Potassium Chloride? Several Questions: Are you a diabetic? Do you have any Renal gland disorders? Have you ever been diagnosed with CHF Congestive Heart Failure? Lastly you can answer this one to yourself are you extremely overweight? If no to all the above PLEASE research the side effects of all your medications. If you have a fluid retaining problem this is NOT from bone spurs. If I didn't care I wouldn't have responded. Text me if I can be of any help or assistance in figuring this out........I have a bit of medical training from my time in service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 4:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 16:55:46 -0500

My biggest complaint is that I will go to the VA clinic and see my doctor and she will say " I know what is wrong, I will do this and this and send you to this specialist" I say " thank you" and walk out the door. I wait to get these test, see the specialist, and get called backed to my doctor. Well, I keep waiting but NEVER hear from them again...No Call, No Message, No Appointment . I call and Make Another Appointment. Guess what, the cycle starts over. Thanks VA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 4:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 16:57:53 -0500

The Veterans Administration really does give Soldiers a Second Chance to give their lives for their country.