https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I received my first hernia Aug 27 2024 and was told by the Michael E. DeBakey VA surgeons that they MIGHT get to me late Jan - Feb 2025. Why was I pushed back roughly half a year? also told if I go elsewhere they will not cover it. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:01:10 -0500 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I received my first hernia Aug 27 2024 and was told by the Michael E. DeBakey VA surgeons that they MIGHT get to me late Jan - Feb 2025. Why was I pushed back roughly half a year? also told if I go elsewhere they will not cover it. CPL Michael E. R. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:01:10 -0500 2024-11-19T09:01:10-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8907078&urlhash=8907078 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Did they tell you they&#39;d likely get to you during Jan/Feb back in August, or did they just tell you that (which means they will get to you in 2-3 months)? Could be many reasons. They want you to have adequate recovery time from your first surgery. It could be that they have a backlog that is causing delays. It could be that they are short surgeons and/or OR staff. Without being an insider within the surgery department, and/or knowing your medical history, nobody here can definitively answer your question. LTC Kevin B. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:24:27 -0500 2024-11-19T09:24:27-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8907116&urlhash=8907116 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There is no way we can decipher why they delayed it or why its pushed back so far. That&#39;s a question for your provider, for the surgical team and also patient advocacy. You should also speak to the coordinator for community care to see why they told you they wouldn&#39;t cover it. SSgt Christophe Murphy Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:04:20 -0500 2024-11-19T11:04:20-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8907187&urlhash=8907187 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;ve had a similar surgery pushed within the VA as well, based on the fact it is still considered an elective surgery (regardless of whether it is highly recommended). Unless the hernia is causing significant critical medical issues, they will not prioritize it over other surgeries already scheduled or those with a higher need. Bottom line, they likely have a backlog, only so many resources to perform the surgery, and your issue is not as critical as those taking priority. Ultimately, I got the surgery, and I found it almost humorous that they took their time to release me from post-surgery care. I will say they took very good care of me. Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:32:15 -0500 2024-11-19T13:32:15-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8907241&urlhash=8907241 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Maybe, and i am just guessing, another vet that is more critical came in. SSG Roger Ayscue Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:42:16 -0500 2024-11-19T15:42:16-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8907299&urlhash=8907299 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With regards to them not &quot;covering it&quot;, VA Healthcare is NOT insurance. Unless and until they set you up with community care for your surgery, they have no obligation to cover it. SP5 Peter Keane Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:20:52 -0500 2024-11-19T17:20:52-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8907308&urlhash=8907308 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You should be authorized to get a referral out to the civilian network, but you probably have to ask VA to approve it. SGM Private RallyPoint Member Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:36:06 -0500 2024-11-19T17:36:06-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8907494&urlhash=8907494 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>From a medical standpoint, the time you should wait between hernia surgeries depends on the severity of the initial hernia, the type of surgery performed, and your overall health. Nonetheless, most doctors recommend waiting at least a few months to a year before considering another hernia repair, allowing the initial one to heal fully and the mesh to integrate properly with the tissue.<br />Some things to consider in your case are:<br />How severe was your medical situation to begin with? If your initial hernia was small and asymptomatic, you could wait longer between surgeries than a large or symptomatic hernia. <br />The type of surgery performed on you, laparoscopic surgeries often have shorter recovery times than open surgeries, potentially allowing for a shorter interval between procedures. <br />Did you have any complications from the previous surgery? If you experience complications like infection or excessive bleeding after the first surgery, then the doctor might decide to wait longer before considering the next operation.<br />It&#39;s important to note that your doctor makes the final decision regarding the timing of your next surgery. I advise you to inquire with him about the rationale behind the six-month gap between surgeries. <br />The reasons I&#39;ve outlined are merely to provide you with a general framework for understanding how to approach your situation. Cristina Johnson Wed, 20 Nov 2024 04:04:25 -0500 2024-11-20T04:04:25-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8908010&urlhash=8908010 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was told last week by ortho that I will not have my second hip replaced in 2025 because they have cut back on operating room nurses. I had my other hip replaced lSeptember 2023 and need my bilateral hip replacement completed.. I’m going to check and see if I can get a community care referral to the hospital across the street from the VA. I was also told that if I fell and broke my hip, I’d get my surgery sooner. Needless to say, I will wait patiently. I have no desire to have a broken hip. But they are triaging cases and taking the absolute worst cases first and hip surgery surprisingly is an elective surgery.. PFC Elaine Knowles Thu, 21 Nov 2024 01:12:40 -0500 2024-11-21T01:12:40-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8910216&urlhash=8910216 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A lot of surgeries had to be rescheduled because of IV saline solution shortage after the Baxter plant was damaged by the hurricane in NC. CPO Ken Ballard Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:24:10 -0500 2024-11-25T08:24:10-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8910406&urlhash=8910406 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Their delay is BS. Do yourself a favor &amp; contact my Congressman Mike Bost who, since 1-1-21, is Chairman on House Vets Affairs Comm. I suggest calling him at his home town Illinois office in Murphysboro at [login to see] . Mike is a former active duty Jarhead and gets the job done. LCpl George Gocheff Mon, 25 Nov 2024 13:42:17 -0500 2024-11-25T13:42:17-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8910474&urlhash=8910474 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;m so sorry to hear you&#39;re having this issue with the VA, I was supposed to be scheduled for Liver transplant but because of Staff shortages and other silly reasons its been put on hold indefinitely, I do have Medicare and we&#39;re looking into how much if any that they will cover. My suggestion to you is get hold of the Patient Rep at your VA location, or the American Legion Representative at the VA and ask them to submit the paperwork to have the VA cover the medical charges from an outside facility, I was the Tripler American Legion Rep for 3 yrs. and I remember there is a way to have that happen.<br />Good luck on getting back to good health to continue on with your life. Do not accept any of the excuses that you&#39;re being fed.<br />Remember - You served this Country and wore the uniform proudly its the least the Country could go is do what&#39;s right for you. SSG Robert Vernon Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:17:45 -0500 2024-11-25T15:17:45-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8910723&urlhash=8910723 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Bottom line you’ll get your surgery when you’re so incapacitated you can’t even walk talk in most cases a hernia is low profile the only thing that you can do is ask patient advocate, but be careful if you piss someone off your out.plane and simple. SGT Lorenzo Nieto Tue, 26 Nov 2024 07:23:57 -0500 2024-11-26T07:23:57-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8911655&urlhash=8911655 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>THey may not have the staff or medical equipment to perform surgery. They could have sanitary issues. Contact Community care to send you out in town. If they deny you, contact patient advocate. If that doesn&#39;t work, contact WH Hotline. Good Luck AN Catherine Wray-Tully Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:44:26 -0500 2024-11-28T05:44:26-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8911686&urlhash=8911686 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I had cancerous tumor removed from my nose in October of 2023, however, I&#39;m going to say this about the VA, it just depends on the actual urgency of and the type of surgery that needs to be done, mine took about a month and a half before my surgery was done, and the doctor&#39;s availability, yeah, they do get back logged, but I had 2 surgeries back to back, so, suffice to say, it all depends on Dr availability and the severity or urgency of your issue, sorry, but that&#39;s how the VA works on that type of issue, am I happy with it, no, but in the long run, it&#39;s worth it SGT Donald Burghardt Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:33:33 -0500 2024-11-28T07:33:33-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8912194&urlhash=8912194 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>because they don&#39;t want to pay, Semper Fi Cpl George Matousek Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:19:49 -0500 2024-11-29T16:19:49-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-received-my-first-hernia-aug-27-2024-and-was-told-by-michael-e-debakey-va-surgeons-that-they-might-get-to-me-late-jan-feb-2025-why?n=8915221&urlhash=8915221 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Understanding the VA is complicated sometimes I think they don’t even know what they are doing SFC Jo Ann Klawitter Sat, 07 Dec 2024 16:23:42 -0500 2024-12-07T16:23:42-05:00 2024-11-19T09:01:10-05:00