Gerd, IBS, and Urinary Incontinence secondary to NSAIDS

[flores97]

I am getting ready to file an FDC claim for IBS-C, Gerd, and Incontinence secondary to NSAIDS and wanted to see if anyone has any opinions or suggestions, if i might have missed anything. So here goes. I have been on a high daily dose of NSAIDS to treat my sc systemic lupus for well over seven years. About two years ago, i began having moderate gastro problems, that has worsened to the point that these conditions are almost as bad as the lupus, which leaves me bedridden about a week a month. Every time i go to urgent care for the lupus, i complained of the constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and at times, vomiting. After about a year of these symptoms worsening, i was diagnosed with gerd(i thought i was having a heart attack twice, was admitted for severe chest pain, began vomiting/diarhea both times shortly after), and of course, IBS with constipation predominant. Around the same time frame-2 years ago, i began leaking urine frequently when sneezing, coughing, bending, etc, now i leak continuously and must wear pads. I was told by several VA Docs that the NSAIDS were more than likely responsible for the ibs and gerd. Then i was told that constipation also causes urinary incontinence. I am getting an IMO for all three conditions, from my triple board certified gastroenterologist, as well as submitting all relevant treatment records for past three years, medications side effects lists on the meds i take, some medical articles discussing how NSAIDS can cause/aggravate ibs and gerd, and more articles on how constipation can cause incontinence. I am also submitting the IMO(I will upload copy as soon as its complete), and the doctors resume/certifications. I do wear pads due to incontinence, usually go through three a day unless im bedridden, then its more like five a day. If anyone has suggestions/opinions i would really appreciate the input. I wouldnt have filed fir these conditions, but its to the point i only leave the house for med appts. I have daily abdomial pain, nausea, have trouble swallowing(especially meats), and i vomit if i eat more than small portions of food. The cramping feels like food poisoning, this is with taking omeprazole, pantoprazole?, ondasetron, and ranitidine. Thanks again

[Buck52]

sorry this happen to you, you sound like you have my kind of luck,

If Dr Ellis is a good option for you maybe that's the way to do but do check on all Docs around close to you first & explain to them what you need

Remember if the VA can't get you an appointment within 30 days to see a  Gastro VA Specialist  about your issues then they are supposed to find an outside source  that can, if you think it would help you might check with the Hospital Director  or a veteran advocate .

They could not get me in a sleep study within 30 days b/c they were all booked up so the sleep clinic lady called me and told me this and gave me a list  of out side  source to check with  and I did and got in  within 7 days.

Some VAMC don't have all the specialty clinics available , here in Dallas  they have most all specialty clinics  but there usually over booked  and that opens up the choice program...some times you have to demand that you see specialist  about your issues.

you been having these problems for a long time now and nothing so for as helped.

As for as claims, if in case you do mention them to your VA Dr?

I learned a long time ago not to mention my claim to the VA Doc's   just go on and do what they say  because all of it is documented  and you can get copies from the Records & Information desk, or from your Myhealthvet Notes & of course ask for all copies from your private Dr too...Like the Nexus, ect,,,ect,,

But do try your best to get in and see a specialist for your Gastro issues.

Take Care my Friend

................Buck

[ArNG11]

I concur.  I've had a similar situation happen to me when I asked my gastro doc for the same.  He was a private MD, who did part of his residency at a VA teaching hospital a long time ago.  Sometimes they'll take the time and others they won't.  It sucks.

Ellis is an option, however, he is picky with the organization of the records so keep that in mind.  If you organize them yourself stick to his example sheet.  

If you use that records review place, get copies of your records before you send them.  They don't keep your records on file and will destroy what is not used.  

They are good at what they do, but those are the drawbacks I ran into.

[flores97]

Buck, ArNG11, thank you for responding. Buck, I am getting referred to the gastro clinic, got the secure message about an hour ago, so thats good news. Also i have definitely nit mentioned new claims, i agree with you, i didnt want to bring that up with PCP. ArNG11, i will be using the Ellis Clinic, ill just have to do the best i can on the flight, and i had my records coincidentally enough, organized almost exactly like it stated on his protocol, so here goes. Im keeping my fingers crossed and mailing the packet within the hour. My major concern is, they seem to want your strs, then state at the same time to send only pertinent recs. Since these are secondary conditions, there are no recs of these symptoms in my strs. I mentioned that in a note on the "Summary list of records" that i typed up.

[flores97]

I did send the Ellis form, then the BVA decision 8/14/2015 granting connection for Lupus and Acquired Psychiatric condition to Account for Memory Loss, DD214, Summary List, the VA medical records 2/2016-2/2015, Lab results same period, and so on, then I printed out current ratings on ebenefits and included that, full VA medication history from 2016-2010, and medical journal articles.

[flores97]

Navy, thank you as well, just saw your response. This gastro doc was actually my mothers doc, and come to find out he apparently does procedures at the VA hospital once a week, so more than likely that is where the reluctance is coming from.

[Buck52]

flores97

a word of caution, None of us here are Dr's  so be a good Ideal you call your Dr  before you take anything on trial or error, you sure don't want to compound your health problem or make things worse.

Yes on the IU

if you can't  work b/c of your SC disability  yes file a fast letter for TDIU...You need your SS Records to show you have not work in a year and a Dr statement why you can't work b/c of your s/c disability.

Do this sure  but do try to find a good Dr to help you with your problem and the Bad Pain you have to go through.

jmo..............Buck

Edited February 23, 2016 by Buck52