Things I've been finding out

[Sailorsong]

I have started on another forum that has a section just for Vets with MS. As a result I have been finding out just how lousy the VA hospital I am going to is.

1) hearing loss and MS:  At other VA hospitals people are getting higher disability ratings for hearing loss when the have MS due to the effect that MS has on hearing.

2) WalkAide footdrop systems are being given to Vets with MS for foot drop. My VA says it is only for Vets with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

3) Vets  that are having falling issues are being given scooters. All they gave me was braces that are actually causing me more pain.

It sure seems like the VA should have standard level of care throughout the system.

Dennis

[Peg409]

HI Dennis, I'm not sure if you are asking your Neuro for the assisted devices, I. E. Cooling Vest, Scooters etc but at the Houston VA your PCP usually requesst such items. If one doctor says no to my husband I take him to the next until I get him a yes. His scooter was ordered by his PCP, my husband is also an amputee, at first they told him no, because he could use a wheelchair, until we pushed a little harder because of his MS with only having the one leg. The cooling vest was easy from the Neuro, they ordered it and it was mailed to us.  About the hearing there is an article on the internet written by VA doctors that states findings for the relationship between MS and hearing loss. (i printed it to turn in with my husbands claim for C&P) http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/10/477/lewis.html. Good luck to you.

[HVAC]

Dennis,
  I can't even get a standard level of care out of my Cancer Clinic and I am paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket for the care. Most people who go to my clinic see there Doctor every time I hardly see mine. I was told I would be hospitalized for chemo and I was not. Others I have talked to were all hospitalized for Chemo. I have basically been left to my own caring for myself. I think we all have to be our own advocates. It is hard especially for me now when I am so sick but this is just reality in our present medical system. I finally figured out my case is different because I am a lot sicker than others. I was taken on by the doctors quickly and they they for squeezed me in and I really do not have a team taking care of me. It is who ever is available and they do not communicate. For others who were not urgent they have the luxury of Doctors at there beck and call. I had to go beyond my cancer team who basically are oblivious to my pain and wasting away to another team of doctors to give me the care I need. I pay more but it is worth it to not be in constant pain.

Alex