Delay-Deny-DISHONOR the VAHC Way

[Espalda]

I am one of many  Veterans with Multiple "Chronic Pain Issues," I am 100% SC disabled, was treated and functioning well with Opioids on daily basis for over 7 years issued by my Primary Dr. I served my Country for 9 years in 4 Branches of the Military and worked as a Civilian at the Military Entrance Processing Station in San Jose, CA.

 When the New Pain Medication Policy started to unravel in 2014 I was mandated to detox or go to Chronic Pain Clinic-It took over 9 months to be seen at a Women’s Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic (significant funding); a 2 1/2 hr. road trip (5 hr roundtrip); no follow up; and a denial of medication for my pain. I was told later, by primary care Dr. that had I wanted Opioids I needed to go to a different Pain Clinic, which required another referral, which entailed another 2 months to be seen and yet another month of waiting as a consensus was gathered from the aforementioned specialists - which ultimately resulted in the same treatment plan-no Opioids for my pain.  Yes, I have written a letter to the Director of the Hospital and now feel stigmatized and actually have been told, I should purchase a Health Care Plan outside of the VA System, by Mental Health Director, Primary Care Doctor, and a Patient Advocate. I firmly believe my treatment is a direct result of retaliation to my letter written to the Director of the VA Palo Alto, as my 2nd Chronic Pain Appointment was willing to treat on 12/30/15 and suddenly a letter of my Non-compliance appeared in my chart on 01/07/2016; which thus resulted in an about face and hands off approach and "unload mentality."

This is such a sad situation, the system does not care about our pain. The suicide rates will increase as those Vets denied their civil rights will turn to other ways to control their pain and ultimately Less tax dollars in health benefits, medications, and Services will be spent. Well, this Veteran will not stop fighting, We need to find a stronger voice, We need to unite our voices across the Media until our Civil Rights  to be treated as patients in pain is heard across this Nation - not as “drug seekers, as we are being labeled” our battlefield is at the VA Health Care. They have taken billions of dollars for "Chronic Pain Management" to just say NO.

Here is a link to sign a petition that will get passed up the chain in California. It’s one step. And if anyone has any tips for me, I’m all ears. I’m ready to hire a legal eagle for failure to treat Legitimate pain.

https://www.change.org/p/veteran-s-administration-stop-denying-pain-medication-to-our-veterans?recruiter=477234458&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition