babycatcher

To All: I just wanted to say thanks for the thoughts, ideas and info; all mostly what I know in my heart to be true. Cause I'm just like you all, struggling day to day to get through, and for sure I don't want to be seen as a 'user' of the system. God knows I fought these symptoms long enough with our old friend denial, and I'm a truthful person, which is why I'm having such a hard time with the damn form! Wings, your idea is about the same thing my VA clinic NP said; she was afraid if I gave up my few births I'd sink deep into the pit we know PTSD can be. So I guess I'll ask for that in writing, put it down on paper AND cut way down on everything, and start saying no. Fortunately my kids are grown, the oldest is over on Okinawa right now. Thanks-Babycatcher

OK, Thanks Magoo, More on the births. I'm in the northern part of a western state with a large summer based cash crop, if you get my drift, so most of my clients do not use insurance. Or I should say I don't take insurance, and most have the cash available to pay, $2500 for the total package. The form I have to fill out wants info on the last 12 months, and my lousy memory keeps me from being able to freely recall how many births in that time, my fearful procrastination keeps me from looking up the charts. The thing is, this is work of my hearts desire. I guess I could be a free midwife, so as not to lose my calling, because sometimes the idea that I will be present for a new life in the next month or two is all that keeps me hanging on. Someone asked my ratings: can't remember the breakdown, but PTSD, migraines, IBS. And these things continue. I can pretty much count on a migraine after a birth if I've been up all night, but that's OK a few times a year, for the joy. My PTSD is only worse with the state of the world, and now this. About the award: I got the 80% in '99, and this great VSO (wish he was still around) really encouraged me to file for the IU. I had a high paying, busy job as a nurse midwife where I was burning out, headache problems, and struggling with the docs-can u say authority problem?-I guess he saw the writing on the wall. I got laid off, and he left for a counselling job, and I forgot about the IU. I worked here and there, and then took this clinic job that was only 2 days a week when the award came in Nov 02. I kept that job til the headaches, (and another bastard MD) KO'ed me in Mar 03. I was in a new county, and the VSO helper was like "well, let's see what happens" Now here in 06 they want me to tell about 03, so it's like everything is coming down. The reality is, though, I'm not working every day, or every week or month. Theres no way. I don't advertise, but my name is on the door where I've shared that office for 4 years; that should go, you guys are telling me it should all go. :) Last question: I got the letter saying to expect a C&P, but no appt. I sure don't want to miss it, who to call to find out the date?

Hello again, I couldn't find this thread! So far, this has been a tough site to navigate; I only got here when I noticed the link in an email after searching around the page for a couple hours. I figured there had to be some responses...Hi Wings! If there are tips for the site, I'd appreciate it. OK, questions: the hospital job is a few times a year, usually, at $300 each time, but it's been more than a year since they used me. The babycatching is also 3-5 a year, do the prenatal care in an office I rent one day a week and mostly don't use, and then attend the women at their home. I am nervous as I type, am I safe here sharing my info? I would like Magoo, Vike to have all the info, I know Wings has lots of knowledge in these areas, but I have my fears (surprise, surprise). Are there known snipers here? There is more to this around the onset of the award...let me know if it's OK....

Hello, I'm new here and hoping for some advice. Receiving TDIU and working very occasionally (a few times a year) for a hospital, as well as a bit of self employment doing homebirths. I recently got a call from the VSO that they need me to fill out an employment form for VA, or my benefits will be cut, then got the same form from the rep agency in Oakland. First question for you all; how do I report my self earnings, or, how do I account for my expenses that I put down on the schedule C at tax time? The form asks for gross income, and I feel this is just a way to take away my IU. There is no way I am, or could, work again full time. Next, I got a letter from Oakland saying I needed another exam to confirm my conditions, or something like that! As far as I know, I've got P & T status, got an ID and base privileges, etc. Whats up? Anybody else being messed with like this????? Please help, as I've got to respond ASAP, or forgo the groceries... :)