john6012

I have a deviated septum and have tried sprays of all kinds to no avail. I'm really at a loss as what to do, my ENT MD said he may send me to a specialist who deals in this type of thing but after researching the internet and reading books on the subject the problem ahs to tresolve itself I guess.

This problem is not SC but I hav ehad a clogged Eustachian tube since Oct of 2010 and have taken al knds of anthihistimimes such as Benedryl, Sudafed, etc. Tried a Nettie Pot, Valsalva Manuever-still won't pop, even tried Physical Therapy. Gone to an ENT Doc who ordered an MRI which was normal. And now I'm stumped, I can't fly in an aircraft for fear of blowing my eardrum out (But I have heard that sometimes this alleviates the dysfunction). Do any of you kind folks have this Eustachian Tube dysfunction and if so, what are oyu doing for it an did it ever resolve on it's own? Acpuncture? Chiropractor? Thanks and hurry before I go nuttier!

I was so dog tired that I sought help fromt eh VA and they sent me to two different Sleep Studies, both of them inconclusive. Then I had one more after I went tot he Sleep Clinic and the end diagnosis was Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea-and this diagnosis was for a civilian MD who said I didn't "qualify" for this particular sleep study. Once I had the diagnosis I was anxious to get the CPAP Machine so I could get some blessed sleep and feel good and alert during the day. The day finally came that I receive d the CPAP Machine from the VA, the technician gave me the instructiosns while her back was turned to me and asked if I had any questions. I was irritated at her explanation of the machine with her back turned toward me, I think she was mad becaue I came in for the machine as a walk-in vs and appointment. Regardless, I was excited to go to sleep that night. Now two years later I'm no better off, I have not been rested before or after the CPAP Machine and don;t know where to turn. The reason I'm posting this is because one must know the CPAP Machine is not a miracle, it is a crutch - if it works. aI speak to others in the VA waiting room and they for the most part have no improvement withe CPAP Machine. I have underlying SC meical problems such as hypertension, arthritis, tinnitus, hearing requiring aids but what the hey, I'm still alive and kicking. I think I'll go under Medicare and TFL and se if I cna't find some civilian help within the medicla community.

I retired for the military and worked at the local VA Hospital for eighteen years, during my tenure if i told a vet that I would call them and keep them posted on whatever their problem was I kept my word. If a vet was in a wheelchair and had no one to help them I'd push them outside to their car to make it easy for them-I could go on but you get the gist. Wehn I was on the clock I work for the veterans not the system. However, once I retired from the VA Hospital I joined the ranks of those seeking treatment and it is marginable at best. I go in once per year and the Dr mumbles to the point where I can't understand her and has her head buried in the computer. I have Sleep Apnea and the VA issued me a CPAP Machine nbut when I go in for checkups, the technicians or Respiratory Therapists (I think it's techincians) act like I'm imposing on their personal time and give me the idiot treatment and show me the door. They want me to come back in a year to see if I am compliant with the CPAP Machine and I doubt if I'll go back-all they do is monitor the chip within the machine and tell me "You're doing great." Personally, my time is more valuable to me and I don't like to be treated as a "Piece of paper." I've seen the VA make mistakes and I've seen the VA save lives and by far, the mistakes are fewer than the latter. But, I am at the point where I figure I may not return to the VA for medical treatment due to a "few hired hands" who think they created the VA Medical system and all who enter their doors are on private domain. I'm 100% IU and 70% SC but due to a few clowns feel I'll take my business elsewhere.

I have a CPAP machine for OSA and it doesn't work because I also have RLS medicated under control, HTN, insomnia, arthritis of both shoulders and tinnitus that keeps me awake or wakes me after I go to sleep. I keep the CPAP machine on all night and wake up exhausted. I had depression during my military service in 1984 but never sought treatment do to the stigma. I've been miserable for years, motivation is down and frankly I feel like I'm a mess. I'm on 100% IU and want to get the insomnia and inability to sleep SC but feel as though it'll be an uphill battle. Beside, anytime one opens their case there is the chance that one will be downgraded especially in today's eonomic climate. Who knows what the VA is going to do to cut expenses. Even if the aforementioned medical problems are considered to be SC I still won't be at 100% due to the fuzzy math. Cutrrently I'm 70% adn you add the 50% for Sleep Apnea and it totals a little over 802% if I'm not mistaken. The HTN is SC as is the arthritis and tinnutis but...

I have tried unsuccessfully to find the Veterans Administration table for rating disabilities and hope somone here can help. The table I want to find is one that indicates the percentages of various disabilities say, ankle=10% swelling, limitation of motion of ankle=20%, fusion of ankle=30% and so forth. I'm particularily interested in kidney impairment due to hypertension.

I've only had two wrecks and fell asleep once while driving at 70MPH. But, today I went to a medical supply joint and picked up a CPAP TODAY it really suirprised me to walk in and walk out with the unit. Didn't cost a dime either with Medicare and my medical insurance. I guess the VA will call someday and I'll have to discuss it with them. Don't know what I'll do with two CPAP machines. It was interestig to find that the CPAP machine and all the attachments cost the gov't close to $800 and I went to Amazon.com and found CPAP machines for far less. Thanks to all you folks that helped me out, I really appreciate you guys!

Sad thing is that I had the Sleep Study on 3 Feb 10 and after a month or so waiting for them to call me in, I gave up and went to the VA Records Section and they did not have the report in the system. Then I called the civilian sleep lab and asked them to mail me a copy and send a copy to the VA. I then hand-carried my copy to my PCP and clled the enxt day to verify they had the report and then they ordered a CPAP machine. I don't like to cause trouble, I worked at the VA for 20 years but I do know that I followed up with my patients and fully explained what they had to expect with my clinic.

After a couple of decades of sleep loss and four sleep studies, the VA finally determined that I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am not service connected for this but am rated as 70% - 100% Unemployable. My question is, how long typically does the VA take to issue a CPAP machine? I called today and spoke to an admin type and he said 6 months. This seems excessively long, is it the usual amount of time prior to issuance? What should I do to speed up the process? I'm miserable as all you CPAP users know too well.

I'm a Vietnam vet and here's my thoughts: Many RVN vets were insulted, called baby killers, spit on etc. Moreover, the american public never gave them a thought after they returned home. Business as usual. I feel bad about how we were treated but really don't have anyone to blame for it except the american public and media/hollywood who influenced them. However, many viet vets are rankled because of the attention the newer vets are receiving. I support the newer vets and my heart goes out to them however, I have NEVER seen a spouse (male or female) who is suffering from PTSD due to combat nor have I seen their legs blown off or any number of violent things subsesquesnt and directly related to war. That being said, I feel the wives/husbands do not equally share the load. The GI is living in far, far less than optimum conditions, getting shot at, living in virtual fear thattoday may be my last." The spouses back home sure, they hold the family, pay the bills (with $$ earned by the combat vet) watch cable TV, all the new movies, shop in the air conditioned malls and some call it equal? I could go on but my intent is not to ire anyone, just to make a comment. Contrary to the T-shirt slogan "An Army Wife Has the Hardest Job", they really don't-it's the poor slob on the front lines eating MRE's and seeing their buddies go home in bags. So, I'm in favor of supporting the veterans.

I'm a Vietnam vet and here's my thoughts: Many RVN vets were insulted, called baby killers, spit on etc. Moreover, the american public never gave them a thought after they returned home. Business as usual. I feel bad about how we were treated but really don't have anyone to blame for it except the american public and media/hollywood who influenced them. However, many viet vets are rankled because of the attention the newer vets are receiving. I support the newer vets and my heart goes out to them however, I have NEVER seen a spouse (male or female) who is suffering from PTSD due to combat nor have I seen their legs blown off or any number of violent things subsesquesnt and directly related to war. That being said, I feel the wives/husbands do not equally share the load. The GI is living in far, far less than optimum conditions, getting shot at, living in virtual fear thattoday may be my last." The spouses back home sure, they hold the family, pay the bills (with $$ earned by the combat vet) watch cable TV, all the new movies, shop in the air conditioned malls and some call it equal? I could go on but my intent is not to ire anyone, just to make a comment. Contrary to the T-shirt slogan "An Army Wife Has the Hardest Job", they really don't-it's the poor slob on the front lines eating MRE's and seeing their buddies go home in bags.

I have been on Celexa for depression and Teazapam (sp) at bedtiem for insomnia and I cannot think clearly during the day and am sleepy/groggy. Tried Lunesta and Ambien CR w/o success. Psychiatrist told me to dc Teazapam (Restirol) for two week and come back to see him. I did this and slept better but still not rested. He said to continue this regimen w/o medication. I am better w/o the Restirol and do not want to return to this drug. At least now I can function through the day even though I am sleepy. Probably shouldn't drive but they did not tell me not to....

It's such a pain to call the VA and leave a message and then wait for the MD to call. But that's the way it works. Sad thing is that one sometimes has to ferret out the various medications and treatments and request same but that's another reason for this board.

Thanks Berta for the reply. I know the VA has a lot of treatments that the average person doesn't know about. When I go back to the VA I'll ask for the treatment you recommended. I wonder why they didn't mention it in the first place???? Hope your husband is doing well with his sleep andglad it benefited you as well.

I have insomnia and depression (which comes first I don't know). But, has anyone underwent successful treatment via a hypnotherapist? I'm tired of problems sleeping and the meds don't help that much.

Maybe I was too quick to "jump" on the self-diagnosis. As aforementioned, I haven't rec'd the VA percentage evaluations so maybe they didn't rate me on PTSD, maybe it was depression or insomnia. I rec'd the QTC summary today from RO and it was entirely in my favor but they didn't eval the "mind". I'll post the final data when I receive it from the VA on this topic (I hope I can find the topic).

I rec'd word the other day that I am increased service connected to 100% based on "PTSD" and previous service connected items. I do not know the exact evaluation as of yet because I haven't rec'd the individual listings. All I rec'd was the letter signed by two individuals. I feel guilty because there are others worse off but yet they evaluated ME. I guess I am worse off than I thought, I shudder to think of receiving the "itemization" of defects. Now I don't have to pay property taxes, have a tax exemption card and can leave something to my wife if something happens to me. (It will, it happens to everyone.) Thanks for all your inputs, some were vaguely negative and some were positive but all were taken into account for the final talley. I'm nuttier than I thought and tomorrow go to see a PTSD counsellor for my initial meeting. I wish I were "normal" but exactly what is normal? God bless!

Thank you all for your replies. I'll just sit tight and try not to worry and go my way. God bless, John

I have "two" claims pending. I opened up my file for a depresison/PTSD clam and the RO decided to evaulate all my sc conditions which I cam currently being paid. I already had the C&P for current conditions and I guess they've gone to RO for their finalization. Meantime, I am waiting to see what they are going to do with the depression/PTSD claim. Will they advise me of what they decided on the already sc conditions and then evaluate me for the dep/PTSD at a later date? I think they are behind the power curve on psychiatric evals due to all the troops coming back with problems so it may be a long while. The reason I'm asking this is of course I want to know and then I would like to leave town for about 2 weeks just to get away. Think i should call RO and tell them I'm leaving so they won't schedule an eval while I'm gone? Thanks

The VA calls me every once in a while to verify information, they tell me where I live and already know my phone number, I just agree that the info is correct and don't give them any info at all. Yes, 50% or greater the VA treats you for any medical condition but the law requires them to bill your private insurance company. You have no deductible and usually never hear if your insurance paid or not. Doubt it's the RO calling, it's just your local VA where you receive treatment.

The VA calls me every once in a while to verify information, they tell me where I live and already know my phone number, I just agree that the info is correct and don't give them any info at all. Yes, 50% or greater the VA treats you for any medical condition but the law requires them to bill your private insurance company. You have no deductible and usually never hear if your insurance paid or not. Doubt it's the RO calling, it's just your local VA where you receive treatment.