Tayo

Wow,,,, now,,, WOW!!! OMG!!! I simply don't know how to respond to this. I'm shaking!!! What is going on with the VA hospital's?!?!?! Who do we trust if they are all we have??? We did our part now,,, why can't they do theirs??? Who protects the veterans?!?! We have to bring noise to this!!! By no means do I mean violence,,, however,,, something needs to be done. I volunteer my medical records,,, I volunteer being interviewed,,, I volunteer,,, as scarred as I am,,, I volunteer. Something must be done,,, but what??? How do we get heard and taken serious?

Ms. Berta,,, yes we did ask for a lot,,, millions. They went through every single appointment I had from January 2005 to present. Well,,, each appointment had something wrong. What got me was finding out lab results that were reported as normal. I mean,,, how? It just fit my comprehension of medicine,,, what I was taught,,, every part of this is so,,, weird. Then,,, to see the anger from my current providers. I agree with you,,, I now believe that EVERYONE needs to get a copy of their medical records,,, AFTER EACH VISIT. It is difficult to associate labs,,, but if a lab (for instance,,, Vitamin B12,,, if labs like that is closer to the low or high [though normal],,, question the results). In my case,,, I couldn't do to my illness. My caregivers didn't know what to look for. We trusted my caregiver's. Now,,, I have "pan-hypopituitarism." Though rare,,, the main components of the dysfunction is the same as the regular. Meaning,,, symptoms are the same. In all cases,,, my providers where looking for primary conditions. My symptoms showed the condition but the test,,, example the TSH,,, showed normal. However,,, the normal was a bit low,,, referred to as "low bioactivity." Which means a follow-up is needed,,, T4. But,,, in my case,,, the T4 and Free T4 was a written order but never actually placed. That goes for the other ailments associated with "pan-hypopituitarism." With me,,, these are the dysfunctional hormaones: Testosterone, LH, FSH, TSH, Cortisol,,, ACTH. My anterior pituitary hormones are dysfunctional. My posterior pituitary hormones are now border-line. The nutritional side,,, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D,,, is dysfunctional. The importance of these hormones and vitamins is so great. However,,, again,,, a dysfunction in them needs to be found once cognitive association has started. If not,,, you get what happens to me. know have left temporal seizures,, short-term memory loss, aphasia (word-finding, etc), among other things. I cry trying to understand how values of low bioactive TSH, low T4, low Free T4 cane be reported as abnormal,,, multiple times. I cry trying to understand how values of inappropriately B12 values, high homocysteine levels, low RBC, Low HBG, high T. Bili can be interpreted as normal. I cry trying to understand how consistent LDL high LDL values is reported as normal. How high creatinine, high Lipoprotiene A,,, URGHHHHH!!! I simply cry,,, why was that reported as normal. How does one report low Cortisol, low ACTH,,, as normal? How does one diagnoses dementia without working up a cause for dementia? Why discharge me without investigating abnormal results? Why give me medication I am allergic to? Why give me medication that's documented as a "do not give?" With that,,, why give me a prescribed medication because I asked for it,,, and then state that you give it to me because I asked for it and then right,,, "I don't think he has hypothyroid dysfunction but since he asked for synthroid, I will give it to him.? WHAT???? You know,,, I was failed. I was failed tremendously by the VA. They could have killed me,,, especially when I went through the Addisonian Crisis. The first two time,,, the VA said I was dehydrated. The third time I experienced an Addisonian Crisis,,, a private hospital diagnosed it and everything else,,, the VA confirmed it,,, then retracted it,,,, then I another Addisonian Crisis was beginning. It was caught. I literally scarred of the VA. I know where I am,,, they are truly helping me. But,,, my fear is there,,, really there. Just,,, whatever happens and however the case goes,,, I want other veterans,,, other people to be aware of their labs. I want people to know the illnesses aren't diagnosed from only one labs. Labs are used together. For instance,,, a low HGB can only be a low HGB. But, a low HGB, low RBC, high T.Bili,,, and consistent values of such,,, think anemia. I can go on and on. If anyone gets abnormal values,,, question it. IF DOCTORS TELL YOU THAT ALL LABS ARE NORMAL,,, ASK TO SEE THE LABS. BETTER YET,,, ASK THEM TO EXPLAIN THE LABS AND HOW THEY CORRELATE WITH YOU COMPLAINTS OR DIAGNOSIS. When we see a physician,,, that is our time. We pay their salary,,, through taxes or co-pay,,, whatever. I don't want other to turn out like me. Ms. Berta,,, honestly,,, I don;t want others to even go through what you went through. OMG,,, I can't imagine. I have notes,,, even notes written to respond to this email. I'm 36,,, and my sex drive is no better than a broke old man. Don't get me wrong,,, it works but,,, well,,, ya know. That's kind of personal. Anywho,,, It's hard (wrong time to say that). I mean,,, it's difficult living feeling like I need a "baby-sitter." My independence is gone. It's hard having trouble remembering,,, being tired,,, hard to grasp with your dominant hand,,, getting weak after walks. Then,,, it's hard knowing and understanding the specific's of what is going on with you. To know why it happened. To understand the labs and the signs and symptoms associated with those labs... and then I am lead back to the why's and how's? THEN,,, the thoughts are ever going. I ask myself,,, why can't I forget that? So,,, I have another why? The case goes on. I am still waiting for an answer. I asked,,, will the VA really settle with a payment compensating my career? If so,,, are they going to try to hush me? Just in case,,, this is why I am talking now. Yes,,,, there are good VAMC,,, I am at one now. Doesn't stop my distrust of the VAMC. I actually wonder if they used me as a test subject. Ms. Berta,,, as you saw the test used to diagnose my condition,,, sadly,,, they used only TSH and B12. They did not correlate the others. That goes along with all other ailments I have. Once more,,, 28 pills a day,,, if I pee on a plant,,, it'll disintegrate. ---> go ahead and laugh. In situations like this,,, we have to laugh. At the same time,,, we have to stand together and right the wrongs. So,,, this is where I am. Thanks all,,, Ms. Berta, Ms Carlie,,, thanks. I will keep you all posted. Please,,, get copies of each visit. Ask your provider to interpret the results. As your provider how those results associate with your ailment. Then,,, go home and look up the results yourself. If you have questions,,, write them down. Ask,,, Ask,,, Ask. I do not want what happened to me to happen to you. (((HUG))) Tayo

Hello Ms. Carlie,,, 3) But as Carlie asked -can you be more specific here as to what exact malpractice occurred and what resulting disability they gave you? ---> Sure. Failure to diagnose is the main. ** I don't know that this will be a winner as an 1151. ---> I agree,,, may not be a winner in that it will be covered under the case. The failure to diagnose,,, with that,,, there is a lot of stuff under that. Meaning,,, they not only failurd to diagnose the cause of the dementia,,, but many of it associations (hypothyroidism, Vit. B12 deficiency, Adrenal insufficiency). Further,,, other ailments where not diagnosed. When I mean,,, not diagnosed,,, I had signs, symptoms and diagnostic labs that are "diagnostic." The issues went untreated/undiagnosed,,, so,,, I got worse. The delay in diagnosis and treatment of specific ailments lead to the dementia. The work-up of the dementia was not appropriately done (standard medical care was not followed,,, multiple times). Not sure if I added I was discharged from a clinic without follow-up on abnormal labs and ordered labs. Another clinic cancelled me,,, twice,,, without follow-up. This clinic was to follow-up on my condition. More so,,, that repeated T4,,, they wrote the order for it but did not actually place the order. That was another theme throughout my treatment. This continued for 4 years. When they finally drew the lab,,, it was diagnostic for hypothyroidism. They drew it again,,, diagnostic, hypothyroidism. They reported in the notes and to us,,, all endocrine labs normal. Also,,, my testosterone levels where low AND my Vitamin B12/ Vitamin D. All low. In my 2 admissions with the VA,,, they noted the diagnostic labs but reported,,, "normal." ----------------------------- My care-givers and I were told,,, there is nothing they can do for us and they are unsure what is causing my dementia. **I would surely continue seeking answer on what is the cause of your dementia. The old VAMC told us this. However,,, the new VAMC told us what was wrong and why. The new VAMC then gave us the prognosis. They further named the specific physicians involved and stated why they were wrong. Yes,,, they even put this in my records. WOW. So,,, Once I came to my current VAMC, they too,,, reviewed my history showed that there were diagnosable ailments which went undiagnosed thus leading to " irreversible brain damage" (I don't like that word, but it is what it is). The name of my dementia is "Metabolic associated dementia." The specific cause of my dementia is untreated and undiagnosed Hypothyroidism and Vitamin B12 deficiency. What happened,,, they did not work-up metabolic/endocrine associations for my cognitive dysfunction. If they would have caught it,,, complete reversibility would be expected. However,,, they didn't. They never followed protocol,,, they did not interpret lab results correctly,,, etc., etc., etc. So,,, years later,,, my condition got worse,,, caused seizure activity,,, and Boom. What could have been reversible is now not. My base line is one where I need help with ADL's. That is why physicians at the new VAMC is so angry and helping me with this. They literally put in my record, "---VAMC negligence,,, delayed diagnosis,,, they then sighted all labs of when I should have been diagnosed,,, they did accurate work-ups and sighted "was not performed at ---VAMC." It was a mess. -------------------------------- I also now have PTSD caused by the treatment of the VAMC. ** You will need this statement to be in writing by a credentialed mental health professional supported with full medical rationale and it would be filed as an 1151 claim. As for my PTSD. My psychiatrist and psychologist have said it and is working with me. So,,, I have the diagnosis. Once more,,, it is part of my claim in total. I think, if settled or if we win the case at trial,,, I will not be able to be compensated through 1151 due to payment in the settlement or trial. Keep in mind,,, there is a lot more in the case. I am sure I left some things out. All in all,,, they didn't order labs,,, misread diagnostic labs,,, did not appropriately work-up conditions,,, did not follow up on abnormal lab results,,, ---> All of this lead to worsened conditions which caused irreversible brain damage. This damage made it impossible to practice as a physician,,, as I was trained. Hope this gave a bit more clarity. If not,,, please let me know. So,,, the purpose here isn't a 1151 claim,,, but of an FTCA claim. Ms. Carlie,,, get this,,, I was told that they will also try to come with me with an "Apology." What??? Is this so??? They will try to first by us off??? Is this what they do to other veterans??? URGHHHH If I can't work,,, I just want to help anyway I can. Veterans need some type of help with this medical care. It is just,,, URGHHHH,,, a physician saying a B/P of (for instance) 98/58 is hypertensive???? WHAT??? A blood glucose of (for example 25) is not hypogycemic (sp),,, WHAT??? This is what causes serious illness and even death. I would have been one of those who died. I was lucky,,, blessed. Now,,, I want to help others.

Ms. Berta and everyone,,, get your napkin out because this is truly sad. I am reading from my notes. 1) Did you or your lawyers file the SF 95 in time to get into the Statute of Limits? --> Yes, we filed in plenty of time. I found out last September when I was rushed to a private hospital due to a "crisis." My blood pressure was around 50/30,,, blood sugar 35. Orthostatic hypotension, pain in abdomen, acute renal failure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling cold all the time. I was placed in the CICU for a week because my blood pressure,,, well, it was difficult to come off of dopamine. These were the same symptoms I presented with to the VA two times before within 1 1/2 months. Both of those times, I was admitted. Soooo, I was admitted 3 times in 1 1/2 months. The private hospital diagnosed me. There was absolutely no way I could have found out until Sept. 09. My new VAMC doctors noted that numerous times in my record (they are extremely upset with the prior VAMC). 2) Has the VA done a Peer Review yet of your clinical records and charges in the SF 95. ---> Not sure yet. Or, I haven't been told. I will ask my care-givers. 3) But as Carlie asked -can you be more specific here as to what exact malpractice occurred and what resulting disability they gave you? ---> Sure. Failure to diagnose is the main. The VAMC did not accurately workup my painful, new onset gynecomastia. They just did a mammogram. No testosterone, LH, FSH. This was the first sign of what was happening. I was simply told it sometimes happens to men. Well,,, I was about 31 at the time. Next,,, I was complaining of "pin's and needles" shooting down and up my legs, numbness in my hands, weakness in my grip and hands. The VAMC did a scan and said I had platelafemoral (sp). ---There's more--- ---> I presented with dypsnea,,, I was diagnosed with asthma. I presented with new onset hypertension,,, they gave me pills and said "Do not give Betablockers due to asthma, allergic to lisinopril. For the hypertensive work-up,,, the wrote and order for T4/TSH, Homocysteine, Lipoproteine A, Creatinine, Renin, Aldo. TSH, Homocyst, Lipo A, Creatinine, Renin and ALDO was drawn. All came back HIGH except ALDO. TSH came back normal with low bioactivity. Physician stated to get T4 drawn (guess as a self reminder because he did not actually place the order),,, T4 was never drawn. Further,,, my LDL was high. Guess what happened next? I was discharged from the clinic without the T4 AND without the high levels of the other specific test" investigated. I was told,,, "all labs were normal" and those labs were reported in my records." ---> I then had complaints of "pins and needles" shooting through my leg,,, leg giving out, numbness and tingling in my hands, tiredness. They sent me to have a scan of my leg and said I had platelofemoral syndrome. ---> I started complaining of depression, forgetfulness, constipation, tiredness, weakness, etc. etc., etc. They said I was stressed do to relationships and medical school. They ordered basic, everyday test. Those test revealed "anemia (keep in mind my high Homocysteine level). ---> Things got worse. They ordered a B12,,, it came back insufficient. B12 (insufficient), Homocysteine (High), HGB (low), RBC (Low), T. Bili (High). Guess what??? You guessed it,,, I was told "all labs 'WNL'" That means,,, "within normal limits." Everyone,,, in actuality,,, my labs along with my systems is diagnostic B12 deficiency. Sadly,,, no treatment was given. ---> That LDL,,, those continuous high levels were diagnostic for hyperlipidemia,,, no treatment or diagnosis. ---> Testosterone,,, finally done. My levels came back inappropriately low. Basically,,, I had the serum testosterone level of a 90 year old man. Ohhh,,, and my LH and FSH... inappropriately low. The kicker,,, my Total Testosterone was "LOW." My symptoms and lab test were diagnostic for Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. No treatment or diagnosis given. ---> Vitamin D,,, levels were insufficient,,, extremely,,, along with other test and symptoms,,, Vitamin D deficiency was not diagnosed or treated. Now,,, this is through 2005 - 2009. Keep in mind,,, all labs test throughout my medical records are reported as "normal." ---> 2007, I am diagnosed with Dementia. My work-up only included "screening" work-up. Differentials were not appropriately ruled out and test were inappropriately read. With lab test,,, you MUST put them together to come up with a diagnosis. For instance: YOU CANNOT LOOK AT A B12 AND SEE 295 NORMAL. First,,, that is an insufficient level,,, Second,,, That value along with a high homocysteine, low HGB, Low RBC, High T. Bili,,,, and signs and symptoms associated with Vit. B12,,, you get Vitamin B12 deficiency. So please, everyone,,, check what labs are being reported as normal,,, see where normal is,,, and check what other labs should be associated with that particular lab. (Yes,,, it is a lot and well,,, I do not know what to say. I didn't do it,,, I was diagnosed with dementia. And my care-givers,,, who would expect them to know?) ---> I started getting tired and "crashing" throughout the day. With a diagnosed dementia and no work-up or differential work-up,,, and multiople physicians and specialist saying everything was normal,,, we (as a family) were told to prepare for my "exit." ---> Back to the TSH/T4. Throughout my work-up,,, multiple orders where placed in the Physicians Notes section,,, however,,, the T4 was never actually ordered. Only the TSH which came back,,, inappropriately low. So now,,, I have signs, symptoms and diagnostic labs for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Hyperlipidemia, Vitamin D deficiency,,, all of which is not diagnosed or treated. --->In 2009,,, my T4 was finally drawn. Everyone,,, my TSH was again,,, inappropriately low,,, My T4 was Low. A month later,,, another TSH, T4 and now a free T4 was drawn. Those results,,, TSH was inappropriately low, T4 low, Free T4 low. ---> Along with signs, symptoms and lab test,,, I should have been treated diagnosed with Central hypothyroidism. However,,, no diagnosis and no treatment. That was February and March of '09. In April of '09,,, It is reported in my records as "all endocrine work-up normal." My care-givers and I were told,,, there is nothing they can do for us and they are unsure what is causing my dementia. ---> Come June,,, my blood pressure is now runs about 120-130/80's. I am prescribed and told to take: HCTZ, HCTZ/Lisinopril, HCTZ/Losatran, Losartan. First,,, remember,,, I am allergic to Lisinopril. Second,,, I am now overdosed with hypertensive medications. ---> Come end of July,,, I have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, syncope. I am admitted twice by the VAMC. They diagnosed with Acute renal failure due to dehydration. They release me with the same meds,,, test confirming Central hypothyroidism, hypogonadotropic, hypogonadism, Vit. B12 deficiency, Bit D deficiency, Hyperlipidemia,,, URGHHHH,,, and no diagnosis and treatment still for those ailments. ---> A couple weeks later,,, I pass out again,,, same symptoms as before,,, same symptoms from the prior few years. They question,,, they do the appropriate work-up for said symptoms,,, find out I have "secondary adrenal insufficiency." Since that is the last "pituitary hormone usually to go,,, they check my thyroid. Guess what? My TSH came back inappropriately low,,, my T4 came back Low,,, my free T4 came back Low. The diagnose Central hypothyroidism. They check my Testosterone. You guessed it,,, my Free Testosterone was low (2) ,,, my Serum testosterone was inappropriately low (250) ,,, my LH was inappropriately low (1.2), my FSH was inappropriately low (4). Diagnosis hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. They then check my B12 and the other labs associated with it,,, Ya guessed it,,, Vitamin B12 deficiency. Don't forget the hyperlipidemia,,, diagnosed. Vitamin D,,, diagnosed. However,,, the most important at the time was the adrenal insufficiency. They treat it and tell me to follow up with the VAMC. The VAMC confirmed the Secondary adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism. They noted hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. I was then given Synthroid. Guess what,,, a little memory came back. While at the private hospital,,, I am told that these conditions dont just start,,, did they check my TFT's, B12 for a cause of my dementia. Of course,,,, we say,,, "we were told everything was normal." We call on our doctor friends,,, they review my charts. I should have been diagnosed with Vit B12 deficiency in early 2007,,, Central hypothyroidism as early as 2006,,, Hypogonadism as early as 2005,,, hyperlipidemia in 2006. Sadly,,, with hypothyroid and Vit B12,,, these are considered "reversible dementia's IF CAUGHT EARLY. Granted,,, some improvement was made but,,, no where need to be. If caught early,,, well,,, if I am older than 50,,, and if caught before 2 years of cognitive dysfunction,,, reversibility favors me. Well,,, I am now 36, and my symptoms have been going on for 4 years. Damage,,, I also now have seizures. Undiagnosed for 4 years and no treatment caused my seizures. Ohhh, did I mention my family complained of this and a request was given for an EEG (written in the report to possibly do an EEG) but was never done? Sadly,,, I'm not finished. The VAMC confirmed my diagnosis in Oct of 2009. I am put on Synthroid and hydrocortisone. In mid November,,, my blood test was taken again WHILE ON MEDICATION). The physician takes me off my medication and states, "no other signs of hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency." He further states my bloodpressure readings from my all summer hospital admission were of hypertensive NOT hypotensive. He further states I did not have ARF and that he refutes all past lab test from VAMC and the private hospital. Yes,,, THIS IS IN MY RECORDS!!! Now,,, this is the same endocrinologist who did not draw my T4 in 2006 and did not draw my T4 after his re-request,,, the same endocrinologist who did not investigate his "specific lab test" that came back "High." Once again,,, this is all in my records. I complain to my other doctors at the VAMC,,, they tell me he is an endocrinologist and do nothing. Again,,, in my records. Ya know what happened next,,, I get sick. I begin yet another "Adisonian crisis." They immediately take my labs,,, my cortisol is extremely low,,, ACTH extremely low,,, TSH inappropriately low, T4 low, Free T4 low. They give me hydrocortisone and do not diagnose, central hypothyroidism. February comes around. TFT's are drawn,,, yes,,, diagnostic central hypothyroidism. We beg to get put on synthroid. They doctor gives the synthroid but said he is not going to diagnosis (illegal within itself). HE ALSO GIVES ME A BETA-BLOCKER!!!!! OMG,,, Remember,,, no Beta-blocker for me,,, everywhere in my record!!! My care-givers don't know what a betablocker is,,, he just says,,, take this. I take it. I start complaining that I can't breathe. Call my doctor friend,,, he immediately tells me to STOP taking it!!! We now run like crazy,,, move out of state,,, and go to a new VAMC. In time,,, they confirm all my diagnosis,,, treat me,,, my condition is Metabolic associated dementia due to untreated and undiagnosed Hypothyroid dysfunction, Vitamin B12 deficiency and to a lesser extent adrenal insufficiency. I am put on Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, meds for hyperlipedemia and testosterone patch. I take about 28 meds a day. I take meds at 6AM, 8AM, 10:30AM, 12PM, 2:30PM, 5PM, 8PM, and 10PM My doctors state my prognosis as continued need for my ADL's, not expected to ever work,,, URGHHHH,,,, to try and find other activities to stay active. Ohhh,,,, as for that seizure,,, EEG found the seizure activity. All in all,,, my dementia workup NEVER INCLUDED METABOLIC ASSOCIATIONS. No thyroid work-up, no accurate reading of B12. Sadly,,, after 4 years of cognitive dysfunction and no treatment,,, I am left with permanent damage. PTSD,,, as crazy as it sounds,,, I also now have PTSD caused by the treatment of the VAMC. URGHHHH!!!! So,,, for all of you who suffer from PTSD,,, for all of you who dream about the time you was faced with life and death to to war,,, to all of you who wake up with nightmare,,, fear certain things,,, everything,,, I sadly understand. The worse part of this,,, once again,,, PTSD,,, PTSD with VAMC. Still,,, I believe they tried to kill me. Multiple times. So,,, said state allows me to sue for things including "lost opportunity." They took away the cap of $350,000. In all,,, we are going for multiple millions (to cover my career as a physician). I did everything I was suppose to. Put myself through college,,, taught catholic school 4th graders,,, put myself through medical school,,, only to be robbed. I thought malpractice involved leaving something in somebody (which is bad),,, not performing a test,,, stuff like that. But when MULTIPLE PHYSICIANS,,, MULTIPLE PHYSICIANS MISREAD TEST, NOT ORDER TEST, NOT INVESTIGATE ABNORMAL TEST RESULTS, RETRACT DIAGNOSTIC TEST, GIVE MEDICATION IN WHICH A PATIENT IS ALLERGIC TO, GIVE MEDICATION IN WHICH IS CONTRAINDICATIVE TO PATIENTS A PATIENTS AILMENTS,,, URGHHHH,,, This is just crazy. AND,,, all of this is in my records. The current VAMC has been helpful but,,, I am so fearful. Scared to get my blood draw (thinking they gonna do something),,, scarred something is going to happen. I see other veterans and I'm scarred, "are they being treated okay. Do they have a support system helping them? My current VAMC tells me to leave the past VAMC in the past and try to move forward. They mean well but,,, I almost died,,, multiple times. And everything that went on there was just crazy. Yes,,, this VAMC is helping me and state so much in my record AND literally put "delay in diagnosis from --- VAMC." They also put dates, etc. Needless to say,,, THEY ARE PISSED AND HELPING AND SUPPORT ME IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE. Still,,, I am so scarred. Just scarred. URGHHHH,,, Funny,,, to look at my notes,,, they are scattered everywhere now. I may not be able to work as a physicians,,, I may not be able to work at all,,, but maybe I can bring a voice to us veterans and the care we are getting. Maybe I need to wait to see what happens with the case. If it settles,,, will they hush me? Honestly,,, that is why I want to speak up now. Money is one thing,,, but,,, I can't even walk to the store because I forget to look both ways before crossing the street. If two or more people talk,,, I can't understand them. Yes,,, I can handle my money alone. Do well with that. I can cook,,, I'm a great cook. But,,, I will forget to turn of the stove. I will pay my bills but forget to close out my account or leave all my info up in for all to see (thank goodness I have trusting friends). My bills are so tight,,, I check and recheck and recheck to make sure all is well. I have a different type of dementia where it is not degenerative. I have short-term memory loss, aphasia,,, problems with grasping. So,,, I can do things. I have help with my meds, have someone walk with me and people understand to not rush me when talking and to talk one at a time (Great support group). So now,,, I am left,,, what about the veterans,,, what about the veterans,,, what about the veterans. Tayo P.S. This was really a really long note Must stay positive,,, I am, after all,,, alive.

Yes,,, extremely strong IMO,,, multiple. Attorney's,,, do I ever. Basically, for the past five years,,, the VA 1) requested test to be ordered and never ordered them, 2) ordered specific test,,, those test came back abnormal (either HIGH or LOW) and and was reported as normal, 3) neglected to provide and work-up differential diagnosis 5) diagnosed incorrectly without standard work-up 6) prescribed medication in which I have documented allergy 7) over-dosed me with HTN medication 8) gave meds counter-indicative to an already diagnosed condition and written note "do not give such and such medication, 9) neglected to diagnose ailment when test and symptoms associated with test proved what it was (4 times): was reported as "...normal," 10) confirmed private hospital diagnosis then retracted said diagnosis and stopped my meds for it 10) gave prescribed meds without a diagnosis... ... URGHHH, need I continue? Put it this way,,, the doctors at the last VAMC stated that a blood pressure of 98/56 was HYPERTENSIVE and an ordered test confirmed to have "not happened." Simply,,, everything was messy and it caused me my career as a physician. Now, I have a condition that has stopped me from practicing medicine,,, need help with my ADL's,,, just a lot. All could have been avoided. Stupid, stupid, stupid mistakes. I mean,,, REAL STUPID. So stupid that my current VAMC physicians are angered. I was taught about malpractice but,,, not like this. My VAMC doctors at my current location tells me to stay strong and is supporting me all the way. They actually wrote the date when I could have found out AND the mistakes made. I mean,,, a lot. Damages,,, put it this way,,, I am a graduate of medical school,,, who is not expected to fully recover. So,,, I'm scarred. Scarred of what is going to happen to me. Scarred of what is going to happen to those the doctors that did what they did (of course there is much, much more). Part of me wants to talk about this and bring attention to it,,, part of me wants to sit and be quite. But what about the other veterans? How are they being treated. Are their labs being misread multiple times for a diagnostic condition? Are they given medication in which they have a documented allergy to or documented statement of "do not give this patient this medication? Are they being work-up appropriately? I'm sitting here with dementia. Not a progressive type but one that has somewhat reversed and now got me to a new base-line,,, far from where I was. Far from a point where I can practice medicine,,, or even shovel snow. I feel as if I am stuck in a body that has a brain that will misfire. I mean,,, I can lift weights but,,, get stuck on what to do with them,,, I can cook a meal but,,, forget the stove is on once the food has been cooked,,, I can bathe but,,, may walk out the shower with soap on my body,,, I can pay bills but may leave my wallet out for the taking or the computer logged in for all to view (thankfully, I have trusting friends),,, I can take my dog to pee, but can't go much further than the back because I forget to look both ways when I am in the street (). I feel like I am a strong man,,, I look strong,,, but,,, my insides have been so messed up do to a preventable cause. URGHHHH. It's a mess. A big mess. So,,, what happens from here? Say I get the settlement,,, what happens to the other veterans. Am I going to be hushed? What about the other veterans? I know,,, I am rambling. Just,,, I'm scarred,,, nervous,,, everything. Talking about PTSD,,, funny,,, I have PTSD from the VAMC,,, literally --> I found myself in the hospital 3 times,,, the third,,, I was in CICU at a private hospital. That's when I found out what was wrong <--- Once more,,, I don't know what to do,,, I'm stuck on why's,,, I'm scarred for other veterans,,, EVERYTHING. Tayo

Ms. Berta or administrators, I tried emailing you Ms. Berta but I couldn't. New things have come about concerning my case and Ms. Berta,,, I see you have a lot of experience. Is there anyway I can email you?

I still haven't gotten mine either. I did get the letter a few months ago saying I would get,,, I just didn't get it. I also get SSI. I called back in June,,, they said they sent my SSI to the wrong account. Now,,, I did change accounts back in April and my May SSI went into the wrong account. I was credited for that mistake but was told the stim. credit will hit my account "sometime this year." LOL I'm still waiting. Guess I'll give them a call Tuesday and ask if they meant Fiscal year or regular year. :D Tayo

I also agree with what is being said here. Berta hit on a lot of key points. I'm at a lost concerning the first three denials, especially after reading you went back more than 10 times. The VA claims chronic,,, well,,, chronic comes with a wide definition. 1. http://apps.who.int/classifications/apps/icd/icd10online/ 2. Go to XVIII 3. Read everything especially 4. Go to R50-R60 5. Concentrate on R52 6. Click on your specific ailment. This is actually a real good site for everyone. ICD-Codes are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!! Hope this helps and PLEASE,,, pass this information on to everyone

LOL!!! That is the funniest thing I've heard in a loooooooong time. LOL ROTF!!! Okay,,, I'm gonna use that. LOL Pete53,,, just recently, I've come to learn how true that really is. To Funny LOL Tayo :D

Rockhound, I do see where you are coming from. I, too, was a hospitalman. Some of the responsibilities required within the military as a hospitalman are similar to those performed by nurses in the civilian sector. And by nurses, I mean RN's. In addition, when a hospitalman is on board ship, it is common that they perform duty's such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. What else would be expected??? Once I left the military, that knowledge stayed with me. I was able to understand any medical terminology and if I didn't, I knew where to found the information. Further,,, I am now and MD. I became ill RIGHT BEFORE I was to start residency (a week before). Now,,, I dare anyone challenge my degree or disrespect me by not referring to me as Dr. "so and so." (Except here of course,,, y'all family :D ). But, you get my message. I had to put one resident in check while I was in the hospital last week and he further got in trouble by his attending. As for VA purposes. The first thing they see from anyone is "paper." I am a firm believer that the pen is a powerful sword. When doing your research on your specific disability, it's your responsibility to research everything and anything about your claim. Then,,, take that information and pull the meat out and you become what you claim (Make sure it is true because the VA will evaluate you). As for IMO's,,,, once you get the information concerning your claim,,, and you correlate the literature with your cause,,, AND you have proof of onset while in the military AND that you are still being bothered by it,,, it's easier for the individual writing the IMO. BELIEVE ME!!! It is sad but,,, everything has to be set out in black and blue AND IN HUGE PRINT. LOL I promise you,,, people say they have your best interest at heart BUT YOU (ALL OF US) HAVE TO HAVE OUr OWN BEST INTEREST AT HEART. Why? Because we will truly go that extra mile to get what we need and deserve. Think about it,,, do you actually think that person you trust your case to goes home and spends the dedicated time you wish they would on your case? Keep in mind,,, they have about 20 others they are "dedicated" to. So,,, help them out and make it as easy as possible. Oooops, I think I am rambling. LOL Long story short, Rockhound,,, please don't doubt your medical knowledge. Tayo

Well, I do thank all of you for the responses. Don't get me wrong,,, I am grateful for the VA and all they do. After all,,, they pay for my medications and a few aren't even in the VA formulary. But still,,, I do not want to EVER be admitted into another VA hospital. I've been through a lot these past few years. Close to seeing my Maker a few times, especially this last time with that low blood pressure. I took my B/P again and it has been running low. I had a laugh with my provider: He told me if my B/P continues to ease downward, he will have to admit me again. I told him I will do anything,,, just don't send me back to the Boogy Man (the VA Hospital). Staying Strong, Tayo

Hello all,,, I was admitted into the hospital this past wednesday. My blood pressure drooped to about 45/30. Scary!!! Anyhow,,, I had always been afraid to be admitted into a VA hospital. Well,,, my fears came true. My first night was wonderful,,, maybe because I was really being monitored. However,,, the morning on was scary. Whenever my I.V. finished,,, it would make that sound. I would call for the nurse,,, if I got an answer,,, is would be a "yes" as if I was bothering them. Once,,, the man came on and said "what do you want?" After four pushes,,, I learned my lesson that pushing that nurse button is a "no-no." And,,, that I would have to live with the continuous beeping of the I.V. pump. I also had to clean myself up. I found myself in the bathroom with stuff coming out of both ends of my body. Okay,,, this part is TMI but I must share. --I went to the restroom,,, sat on the toilet,,, Boom, Boom, Bam!!!!,,, turned over,,, put my head in that stinky toilet (yes, I flushed),,, Boom, Boom Bam!!!. I pulled that string to call for the nurse (ooops,,, wrong response). They came in and said,,, "Ewwwwww, let me get YOU a towel. You going to be alright? Here, clean yourself up. Next time,,, try to get your bowel movement in the container, not the toilet." So,,, I cleaned myself up and went to bed. This is just the beginning. I never been so scarred in my life. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Honestly,,, I thought that they wanted to "do me in" cause I am a costly liability. I begged to be released Friday and actually told them I was going to walk out. They released me with a blood pressure of around 95/50 AND with some labs still abnormal and a follow-up appt with my providers. I told my doc that I can deal with my kidney levels and will eat salt lick for my blood pressure,,, just get me outta here. Since I personaly knew my doctor, he agreed and will call me everyday (which he has done today and will come by tomorrow for dinner). WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES??? Tayo

Wow,,, congratulations to ya!!! Tayo

Congratulations to ya!!! Very inspirational and lets me know to keep pushing forward. Tayo

Awesome!!! Congratulations to ya!!!

Simply terrible. ;-(

For me,,, when I am seen by a provider, I expect no less than their full attention. Once they start typing on that computer,,, I inform them that I am the patient and not the computer (then I smile). Still, they know I am serious. I also do a "recap" with my providers. That way, we are on the same page as to the "plan" of my care. So,,, any lab work, refills, etc. are correctly entered into the computer. I always bring paper and pen with me. My motto, "the best advocate for yourself IS yourself," and "make yourself rememberable by smiling and being firm." Tayo

I agree,,, my claim went through first try. Building on that claim,,, first try. Evidence is key. I've learned that "wording" that evidence is most important. Tayo

Hi Wanderin,,, Here is where you go for IRIS: https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php.ex...p_sp=&p_li= Hope this helps Tayo

jsdwd,,, I experienced the same thing with my file,,, submitted information only to be "misplaced." I found the "date stamped" items when handing information in to the VA is extremely important. Each time I was informed about my "misplaced files," I resubmitted the date-stamped information along with "resubmission." Finally,,, I actually spoke to some big wig at the VA and they were even appalled. After speaking with them,,, my paperwork miraculously was found." As for the C&P,,, from my experience,,, they only have the history,,, not your current submissions for a claim. They simply check and give an "instant" opinion of you at that particular moment <<<taking in consideration of what they read in your history concerning the specific disability>>> Still,,, I read a lot about checking C-Files to ensure everything you submit for your disability is there. Tayo

Makes a lot of since and haven't thought of it that way. When I lived in D.C.,,, I just felt so left out after researching country wide state benefits for veterans and absolutely nothing for veterans in the nations capitol. I always felt that maybe there should be an amendment or clause for veterans living in D.C. be granted such same privileges as those afforded in Maryland (for example). Just doesn't seem right that veterans living in D.C. have no "granted" benefits from the norm. Hmmmm,,,, sometimes it takes a spark to get the flame burning. If there has already been an initiated spark,,, then the two sparks together only brings more awareness to the flame. Do you or anything believe that veterans living in the country's capital be afforded similar benefits given to veterans living in the country's states? Just a thought. Tayo

Thanks Carlie,,, Do you know of a site that gives D.C. Veterans specific benefits. For instance,,, I currently live in GA. Here's a website for GA Veterans: http://sdvs.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0...6692185,00.html I use to live in Virginia and here are benefits for VA Veterans: http://www.dvs.virginia.gov/statebenefits.htm Here's Maryland: http://www.mdva.state.md.us/ It goes on and on for different states. I could never find anything like this for Washington, DC. Do you know of anything? Tayo

Halos,,, That is some great info you gave. I submitted a NOD last Aug for 2 things. After losing my paperwork,,, GRRRRR,,, anyhow The first decision on the first claim came back the end of December. I was then told that the other portion of my NOD was in the works. I always get confused about decision made and deposit. It actually took until March for my deposit to hit and I have direct deposit. So,,, my new thing,,, patience. Maybe,,, just maybe,,, I'll give my bank a call tomorrow and they'll say,,, "Sir, you received a deposit of $XXX,XXX,XXX (LOL) last night." Smile, Tayo

Hi Jim,,, Yes,,,, I get that response when I ask questions via IRIS. I think that is just an email sent out letting you know that your question was received and they forward that question to your VA people (or whatever). Anyhow,,, you should get a response within that 5 day time. Keep in mind,,, the answer may be kind of generic. Tayo

Perfection,,, Welcome. You are in the right place. You will learn so much from this group. Tayo