Momto3

[Pointman]

Hi Mom thanks for your reply,  iam near St marys , and cabel in Huntington WV. and near Kins daughter in Ashland KY. I dont think the VA does angoplastics, they caths. and they dont have any thoraic e nor cardic surgens.What they do if you gey a cath and have ablocakes, they then send yuo seome where else and and if al you neded wa sa stint, it could al be doen at same time.I have dibeitc fromexposer to agent orange, sharpel wounds with sharpel sti in my neck  and knee, hearing loss grom wound, never damage from cobat in right side of face
wound to right arm and left knee , maliria  fungas  problems, eye damage, and PTSD other wise  iam i nfine shape, and aDR. that wont even send me to teh enrocoligist . i  Dont trust soem of the VA DR> where i  go. I guess i ahev wined enough  i feel it was a misakake to even post this,  iam sory for bothering any one.No one much cares any way.

[Pointman]

Momto3, thats  pretty good, made me smile LOL  Iand  yuo are right she wouldnt mind
going with me. I just hate to ask  her soeme times. And   iam sure your dad is proud of  you. as  i am of my kids.

Thanks for the info , and have a blessed  day.

[Momto3]

Good morning Pointman,

That's great that your wife and kids go with you!  Ask your daughter (the assertive one....lol) to go the next time.  Before you go, sit down with her and have her make a list of all of your symptoms, a list of your current medications and how you take them, a list of the things that worry you, and questions regarding the catherization.  Then, have her ask exactly how they will manage your care if you should need surgery or something they cannot handle.  She can take notes at the appointment and between the two of you (or 3, if your wife goes too), you will get more information.

I'm a daughter and I'll bet she won't see it as a bother at all!  It's our way of giving back to the people we drove crazy in our teens : )

[Pointman]

Thanks againe,and i will do my best  to keep you up dated. my wife take s me when she can and like yuo she ask questions. other tiems my sons take  me or my daughter, when thy can but they dont know what  to ask the DR. My Daughter would, seh is more aserative, but  ihate to bother her she works and goes to school. thanks to every one.

Pontman

[Momto3]

I can tell by your writing that you are a very caring and appreciative person.  Do not worry about getting worked up sometimes, we all do.  

I can see why so are frustrated.  I really think it would help for you to have someone go with you to your next appointment.  When my Dad went to the VA (he goes once a year), I went to the appointment and asked questions.  I had a number of questions, and I wasn't leaving without the answers : )   A patient advocate from the VA, or a friend of yours would be great.  Between the two of you, you will get more information. Plus, you will have support right with you.

Please follow up with the doctor (through an advocate) and please let us know what you decide and how you're doing.

[Pointman]

Momto3 you seem like acarein and nice person,has most on here are. I dont t know why i did. Yes  i do go to The Hunt. VA have no choice, my primary care DR. does seem  to care,at times. but i havea hearing problem has mentione dand he has a accent that makes it difficcult soem times, i wil lgive yuo aexample  iam a dibet i had labs the  saw my DR. he had for got to ored my glucoise , ihad fasted for thsi test wehn iask him about it it he says its probleuy ok any way. i usulay have to call the lab to see if je he has orded the right test and soeme tiems i have to call his nurse anf d get her to tell him to order my blood work that i need or are concerned about.So tjhis si what many Vets ahev to dela with. I ahd a abnormal EKG that laid o nhis desk i was never called when iwent for astrees test that wa sallready ordered, the DR took one look at the EKG that they do before they do the stress trst and told me he coildnt do it because it was abnormal.  I aske dhim what ishould do should i stil try to wlak whei can eh said  i dont know.ot very encourgaing.Once againe  iam sory  about making peopel here think they ddint care. i wasnt realy refering tp peoel here. But i hurt so bad i nside soem times,no one know how bad. I am thankful for whati  do have  and  what God had doen for me.
Thank  you againe
Pontman

[Momto3]

You are wrong, I care and so do a lot of other people around here.  Please don't worry about venting here, we understand.  We're on your side and will do what we can to help you through this roadblock.  I like the other poster's idea about checking with the patient advocate at the VA.  Do you have a family member, friend or neighbor that could go with you?  Two sets of ears are always better than one, especially when you're trying to get some questions answered.

I'm not very familiar with Huntington,WV.  I've traveled down I-77 many times through Charleston and into Virginia. BEAUTIFUL state!  One time I drove through there in October -- the colors were amazing!!

I'm so sorry you've had so much to deal with.  How does your primary physician feel about your symptoms?  Would you feel comfortable just having the cath done at the local VA?  You know, take the first step and go from there.  Would that be OK?

Like I said, you are wrong, there are a lot of people who care about you!  We are forever grateful for the sacrifices you have made for us and our country.  The least we can do is help you out.
Connie