Additional C & P claim approved

[Scooter24]

Just got an email from PVA rep that additional claim was approved but he does not know for what % at the moment but said I should hear within 10-15 working days from VA.

[gomer]

CONGRATS.!

Scooter.......

Nice to see someone making progress.

Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

[Scooter24]

Thanks gomer actually it looks as though I am going to get 100% as he attached 2 forms to fill out and both are only for people getting 100% but I'm getting a feeling that they are back dating all the way to the original claim date but I will take what I can get and run. Week didn't start real well but it sure is ending better. Now they need to get thier butts in gear on yours.

[gomer]

Hi Scooter......

Easier said than done. Things here are getting tight, very tight. I do not have enough income to get a new car loan, by marshmallow is barely going from point a to point b, with the bad tranny. I am having to scrape up about $1,500 to get the tranny replaced w/used one (w/1yr warranty) just to keep going. So the next couple months will be tight and try to get everything caught back up.

The mortgage payment is going to be a little late this time, but. I NEED the car running so I can take my wife to work (she does not drive) so she can keep her meager job and income. She just went back after being laid off for the summer. Things were in reasonably good shape till my car got sabotaged. I have over 265k miles on it but it, well, was anyway in great running condition and looked fine as well. I was getting 33-35 MPG on the freeways with this FULL size Buick, better MPGs than I got with my sons smaller Century I took on a trip a years ago.

These newer cars have tiny trunks if any, and get only a little better if any better gas mileage. I would like a mini van (for my scooter) but they ride so high, that makes them harder for me to get in and out as well as load my scooter. Many years ago I considered a used Saturn sedan, could get in OK, but too hard to get out of, because it was so LOW.

The msot suitable thing I could find in the current market that is not way old is the Ford Flex. No trunk but plenty of room and I can get in and out of that vehicle better than most. The back bumper is a little higher (to lift broken- down scooter parts (28lb max) over) but not as bad as most minivans/suvs.

I am so lucky (being sarcastic) , next year is #13 so maybe it will be a better/good one for me?? This whole year has not been fun, starting with Jan Kidney scare, falling breaking ribs w/acute kidney failure (at least I recovered w/hospitalization) then more kidney issues. and on and on and on. For me when it rains in hurricanes! (not just pours)

Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

[Scooter24]

Know how it goes last 4-5 yrs not been great here either, first yr dx w/ MS, 2nd year DX with cancer, 3yr my dad passed away, 4th yr daughter got pregnant and fiance disappeared, this year Granddaughter was born with problems and spent first 3 weeks of her life in Neo intensive care , then (last week actually) wife of 29 yrs decides my illness is screwing up her life and takes off, so hopefuuly this news will get things turned around for a few years.

[Ga dancer]

Oooh you guys - wow. Our vets should not have to suffer financially so much when you get sick. Scooter - be a good granddad and be grateful that your heartless ex-wife is not longer in your life.

I recently got a PT Cruiser. I love how easy it is to get in and out of - the front wheel drive is somewhat stiff so my arms get a workout. I'm more global in dysfunction - head, arms, legs and those elimination parts in between. You guys have stronger arms than us girls so it should be easier than that. I got a great 2007 for $5 grand, tax and title - they have stopped making the Cruiser so they have dropped in value.

How in the world can you get a heavy scooter up into a car without some kind of winch?

This would make a great thread - how do people get around, in and out of cars, carry their motorized wheelchairs, etc. I used to have a Corvette and had to sell it, and it still breaks my heart every time I see one on the road. I got a Cadillac SRX, a car based SUV, but I could no longer get in or out - too high and the door sill was too wide to get my leg across. I gave it to my son - has 4 children and they fill it up.

The back seats come out of the Cruiser which leaves a large hatchback space. Wouldn't it be best to attach some kind of a carrier for the scooter to carry it outside the car? I think I've seen them at the mall.

I hope your veterans awards come in time to help you - soon! You deserve better.

[gomer]

Ga.........

My scooter is NOT a VA issue, It's one I got on my own by selling a fav classic camera to a collector in Switzerland. It's light weight and comes apart easily. Heaviest part is 28lbs (they claim). I remove the seat and battery, the separate the base into front and back and lift them one at a time, re-assembling the front and back in the trunk. NO tools needed and really easy to do. No way could I do a std BIG VA issue scooter like that by hand.

It's a GoGo, same brand as the power-chair (medicare w/sup covered that 100%) my local NON-VA doc Rx'd me. The VA has not done anything in mobility P/T or aids of any kind, not now, not when Dx'd Jan 2010, not even when a VA doc advised me to begin using a cane back in 1987. (they have made me use one of their w/c in the past when there due to my walking, but never offer anything otherwise.) Even my AFOs are Rx'd by local non-VA docs, the VA here is a very big modern facility but not very patient pro active. Strange as it sounds they are connected with the Big prestigious U OF M medical center.

When I landed hospitalized after falling a busting 5 ribs & acute kidney failure back in Jan, They sent me home with a shinny new rollator.

Come to think of it, I rarely see anyone else at the VA MS clinic using a scooter, but I have seen just 2 or 3 in 2 1/2+ years. Even the MS clinic waiting room area is not very scooter or w/c friendly.

Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

[Ga dancer]

Gomer,

Since I used to be a healthcare provider maybe I have been better at getting my needs met but the system was hard for me to navigate even though I used to be an Army nurse. Military hospitals and the VA do not even relate.

What I have discovered is that the PCP at my outpatient clinic near my home is the key to VA treatment. She is the one who referred me for my renal ultrasound recently because I asked her to because my PCP who is also my endocrinologist requested it and I faxed it to her. She then put in a request per our email in that secure messaging on My HealtheVet website. Faxing and emailing are the answer because it is in writing. I found calling is a waste of time.

The next time I went to the VA, I took a printed copy of her email to the radiology department and scheduled the test. When my blood pressure or thyroid meds change, I just fax the prescription to her and voila, they arrive in the mail.

A lot of the problems with VA delay in treatment are the civilian, union protected employees who man the desk duties. They seem to enjoy mucking the system. When I never received the eye exam requested by the doctors treating my rosacea because it is in my eyes, I just walked up and to their offices and found 3 employees clowning around. I politely asked them about my appointment, and they gave me one which was soon after my visit.

I put in a complaint once because the MS doctor wanted the radiologist to compare my last MRI, done at an outpatient private facility, to the one he ordered. I brought that MRI with me and the techs just said that they don't do that. I asked them why they waited until I showed up with my old MRI CD to tell ME instead of the neuro who ordered the test a month prior that they don't do that. After the complaint, a tech called me at home to say that my neurologist was supposed to do a referral to the radiologist, not just put it in an order. So I asked him WHY he didn't email the neurologist since he had that ability and I don't, instead of calling me at home. They have no initiative, don't take their jobs seriously and it just galls me as a former nurse. My MS doc said they are working on the problems for years now and the radiologist did compare the two MRIs because I got my records. Essentially the same with some new activity per MRI.

I have given up trying to call the MS doc because the phone people just raise my blood pressure. I always get a voice mail and leave a detailed message only to get the reply if I can't get to the phone - call me back. So now I just visit them in person. My message is clear. Whenever I go to the VA, I always make it a point to visit any other department including medical records. There are things that have been written about checking out other things that are not followed through.

You need a better VA PCP whom you can contact and see and get the proper referrals. Get a referral to the PT department and maybe contact PVA or another organization to help with your automobile problems? The VA should provide you transportation if you haven't had your vehicle repaired yet. All my specialists at the VA have been surprisingly outstanding, most are from Emory Medical School, some are VA employees like the MS doc and the pain management doc - who has done an outstanding job. A little too much meds for my liking now but I am slowly cutting down, but that constant abrasion pain in 3 toes on my right foot which kept me from sleeping is finally gone.

If your scooter comes apart and you are able to lift it into a vehicle, the PT Cruiser has a hatchback and the back seats come out if you need additional carry room. I would think the Cruiser would fit without removing the seats. Mine was in perfect condition, operational and exterior, and the price was low. I have thigh weakness, so the car is perfect for me to get in and out. I go to water aerobics 3 times per week at our county pool and it is only $2 per visit. When I come out though I am spent and could get into my SUV.

We are coming up on the anniversary of 9/11 and I am sad that we have disabled vets who are suffering and are not doing our best for them. I will pray that you are taken care of soon and hope you can find a way around the morass you have at your VA.

[Scooter24]

That is what is nice about my VA hospital, If I need anything one call to my TY infusion nurse and it is taken care of. doesn't matter who I need to see or what I need she makes a phone call and it is done, she won't take anything from anybody and I think they are afraid of her also.

Gomer that is so strange about the scooters as my facility could have a parade of them on any given day. Will your nuero not give you a referral to orthodics to get you set up with one? Like I said before I did not ask for one they told me I was getting one due to referral from nuero that I was a fall risk.

[gomer]

Scooter.......

I called and a good used tranny is on order. One of my kids is arranging to take my wife to work next week, at least its a short one. It's costing me hundreds more than my monthly income, but I really have no choice.

Keep in mind I have been on disability (SocSec) since 1985 due to my neuro issues, that had previously been blamed on my diabetes. It only took them 25 years figure out that my complaints of something 'else" was wrong was correct, thanks to my current VA PCP. She did the referrals to renal and urology, both were a waste of time and my money ($50 ea), not her fault.

I recently rec'd some VA med records I requested. IN there I learned WHY my diabetes care went sour. Someone in admin did a change to my record, not a Dr or even a clinic, changed my classification from type-1 to type-2 or "other", back in 2000. Guess when ya hit 55 type-2 is more common/the norm? At my local diabetes center, the endo there treats me as a type-1, and my diabetes care has been far better since I started there. In fact better than I was in my 30s!

The VA renal doc was not amused my local endo even suggested that my renal decline may be due to something other than my diabetes (and had a lab based reason). In fact the VA renal doc told me he would set my endo straight and that he was NOT about to check for any other possible cause.

My VA PCP is e-mailable on secure mess, all I get back is a staff note my email was rec'd and would be brought to her attention, no actual replies.

Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

[Ga dancer]

It might be a good time to secure message your PCP and inform him/her that at other VA clinics the message is actually secure, and is answered directly by your physician.

My physician at the clinic is not particularly endearing except that she has become the workhorse for my ability to see other specialists. When I went to her with this red rash on my face and she referred me to dermatology, I thought what a waste, it appears to be Lupus. However, she did draw a sed rate. It turns out to be rosacea, an autoimmune disease, and I have to take Docycline for life and it is in my eyes so now I have the ophthalmologists who are excellent working on my behalf.

My PCP usually asks me what she can do for me, even when she requested that I return NPO for blood tests, then she wanted to know what I wanted out of the visit. Well, you asked me to come in and really that is the only reason I'm here. She is growing on me because our visits really become interactive. There is also quick response when I fax requests for medications. I asked her to order, by fax, Provigil because I was so tired and she did.

You need to find someone on your team that you can contact, request, either by email or fax or even phone, who will start the referral process. Try an inpatient visit to your PCP and explain that you need to rely on him/her for your referral needs and what is the best way to request them. And, start with physical therapy and rehab. I went to the dermatologist and wound up at the ophthalmologist - where I needed to be but didn't know it.

[Scooter24]

You also need to be proactive, ie have you asked for a scooter from the VA? or a cane? your place may not be as forthcoming as mine and you need to lean on them someone to get what you want. Next nuero appt ask him what you need to do to get a scooter.

[gomer]

GA.............
It might be a good time to secure message your PCP and inform him/her that at other VA clinics the message is actually secure, and is answered directly by your physician.

I actually like my VA PCP, she has been great at referring me to specialty clinics etc. I will ask about what the secure messaging policy is here at my VA, policy might vary. The problem has not bee in getting referrals, its been with the specialty clinics.

Michigan in general, is better at lip service than actual doing. I think its the nature of the beast. U of M medical care is good and far better than Mi State which is horrible, just as bad as the worst at the VA, maybe if you are a farm animal or pet its OK. The best thing M-state does is their TV station, not shabby at all both are good at football...ha ha.

Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

[gomer]

Scooter.....
I agree with what you posted, but my experience here at THIS VA, is as follows.

Back in '87 the doc told ME to get a cane on my own, and she was on of the better docs of the time.

I did have a referral to P/T back in 2007, but they called me back and canceled it, so I gave up due to bad local VA clinic ****** back then. Asking for too many things can buy you a ticket to the shrinks, been there done that.

I try ask ask for what is most important at the time.

I did get a referral to hearing back in 2007. That was terrible, but then when I had an appointment at the same clinic for C&P, it was far different, got great care and hearing aids. What changed, the ONLY change was the service connection. I suspect it make a bigger diff. in how we are treated at the VA here than anything else. I think what I need to push for, and am pushing for is the service connection for my MS FIRST.

I have a good power chair (local, non VA) and can still walk some (it varies) but I can not get out any of the doors. I have installed (with my #1 sons help) offset hinges on our bedroom & bathroom door & hope to change one more when I can. Those are practical & inexpensive things I can get done w//o the VA.

As for being a fall risk, My VA docs are all fully aware I have had two falls requiring surgeries a few years ago, and my last one back in Jan this year landed me in the hospital with 5 broken ribs and acute kidney failure. Again currently none of these are service connected issues at this point. So getting SC status is my current PRIORITY!

Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

[Sailors Song]

Gomer,

I suspect that not having s/c determines the care everywhere within the VA. It sure seems to at my VA as well. My experience in Audiology department was just like yours until I got SC for my hearing.

I had lost one of my hearing aids last week and had an appointment with my PCP so I stopped by there just to find out how to get a new one. They only accept walk-in on Tuesdays and this was Wendsday but within 2 minutes they had me back seeing a doctor in order to get a new hearing aid ordered dispite there being 1/2 dozen other people waiting.

Also when sending securemessage to my PCP I'm lucky if they even read them within a week and then they are replied to by my PCP's nurse. The last time was after I had gotten stung by a wasp and spent 1 day in the hospital for observation (Have almost died twice before from stings). My Potassium was low while in the hospital so I emailed my PCP asking if she should check it again at my next appointment. It took 8 days before the mesage was even read and then the nurse emailed back that my doctor will discuss it at my next appointment. At the appointment I brought it up and my doctor got mad at me for doing that. I suspect my PCP didn't even know that I had asked about this in the email.