Vync

Last month, I got the same care letter twice, two days in a row.

I never once saw codes on any of the paperwork I received from the VA.

Make sure your address is correct in their system. Last week, they screwed up my address and I had to go to eligibility to get it fixed. Bring some proof of you living there, like a power bill, because a drivers license ID might not convince them

Scott, I have had no luck getting a VA doc to write a nexus for me, but others here have said thier doc had no problem doing it. Some non-VA doc's are either too busy or too afraid to write you one. Sometimes you have to find a doc and pay for it, which might be expensive.

Yep, MST treatment is free. The only thing they need to do now is waive the travel deductible, to make it truly free.

If you call the tele-nurse program, they are supposed to log the call details in your treatment records. I went through the same bs two years ago here in Bham. They refused to refill my medication, so I talked to the tele-nurse's boss. I quoted this and they quickly refilled my meds and scheduled me an annual primary care appt for a couple of weeks later: http://www.patientadvocate.va.gov/rights.asp III. Participation in Treatment Decisions You have the right to have your pain assessed and to receive treatment to manage your pain. You and your treatment team will develop a pain management plan together. You are expected to help the treatment team by telling them if you have pain and if the treatment is working. As an inpatient or nursing home resident, you will be provided any transportation necessary for your treatment plan. You have the right to choose whether you will participate in any research project. Any research will be clearly identified. Potential risks of the research will be identified and there will be no pressure on you to participate. You will be included in resolving any ethical issues about your care. You may consult with the Medical Center's Ethics Consultation Service and/or other staff knowledgeable about healthcare ethics. If you or the Medical Center believes that you have been neglected, abused or exploited, you will receive help. You are encouraged and expected to seek help from your treatment team or a patient advocate if you have problems or complaints. You will be given understandable information about the complaint process. You may complain verbally or in writing, without fear of retaliation.

You must be in good health, except for your service-connected disability(ies).

Babyray, I had one of those shots in my shoulder and I passed out cold. I awakened the next morning to find my shoulder froze up and in a lot of pain. Your best bet is to find a doc who will sedate you first. The more relaxed you are, the better.

Tried diovan and lisinopril here.

Blanco, The VA gave me some morphine injections last year, but no Dilaudid. They offered me tylenol 3's/4's, percocet, and something else. I asked for fentanyl patches for times when my stomach is so upset that I cannot take pills, but so far no luck. They indicate that they have those, but say you have to be terminal to get them. It smells funny to me.

dsgsr, I appreciate the info! I'll look into it. Can't have too much life insurance. blanco63, It sounds like the VA is feeding you a load of bs. Did you call the phone number in the document or did you go through your VSO?

That's really good info! Thanks for digging it up

John, That movie scared the crap out of me.

Vet centers are also an option for MST counseling. The atmosphere is a bit more inviting.

Generic info on adenovirus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenoviridae

My VAMC has "research center" posted under the name of the building. Not necessarily related to what you guys went through, but it does make me wonder...

I personally know nothing about aftermarket insurance plans. I know I have life insurance through work, but hope not to use it for a long time. Can someone please tell me if these plans are good deals? I am almost 40 years old.

Hey masters, Just curious, but what are you SC for? Is it for your back injury? Axis V is normally your GAF score. Sometimes Based on Axis V, it appears your doc probably gave you some sort of combo GAF rating. (but don't quote me on that).

I got a pamphlet for this in the mail last week. Here is a link to the online version of it: http://www.insurance.va.gov/inforceglisite/forms/29-9.pdf The pamphlet contains a good deal of information, including rate tables.

I'm mixed about looking into it. With the combination of asthma, lumbar DDD, and hypertension, I have to pick and choose my activities carefully. Those shoes do sound really cool...

Thanks Pete, but I already got all of my medical files from the VA system. Now just to get everything else...

Congratulations!

Tips on communicating with VA health providers https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/...h_provider.html Some of these make sense, but I think the docs would be shocked so see a patient walk in with a grocery bag full of medication and a shopping list of questions/concerns.

John, I agree completely. I have had TMJ for only 16 years, which was caused by botched dental surgery. Chronic pain has been an unwelcome friend ever since. Also, my former boss got TMJ from a car wreck and had three surgeries to 'fix' it. It only made things worse.

Bergie, I tried that, but have not had any luck. John999, My dental exam should go well. The dentist who is doing it also saw me about a month ago and commented that my TMJ was worse than before. Luckily, the doc is older, not a young inexperienced puppet. Testvet, When I was at the C&P clinic, I glanced over at the rolling carts loaded with C-Files and wondered if you happened to be in the same building as me. I am doing what Bergie recommends. I plan to carry with me an index of all documents, ratings criteria, and copies of all evidence with key statements highlighted. If I make things easier for the doc, maybe they will respect it.