chr49

Here's a link to an interesting study that brings up the connection: http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/...t/full/53/7/848 "With all other variables in the equation controlled for, participants with PTSD were more than twice as likely as those without PTSD to report anemia, lung disease, or an ulcer; more than three times as likely to report kidney disease; and more than four times as likely to report arthritis." Chr49's wife - Kathy

Best Wishes Rockhound Rider. It's always a relieve to get that paperwork finished. Think positive on the new SO.

Many congrats! You and your family will have opportunities for success now. Success stories such as yours give me hope.

Happy to see we're up and running again...Had me worried for a bit!

I know...My wife and I were both so surprised when they printed off over 350 pages in less than 10 minutes! The file was still hot off the printer. It was almost too easy. From this point on I will get copies each time I go for an appointment to keep my files up to date.

An update... I went for my VAMC appointment today and got all of my questions answered. Even better yet, I went to the Records Release Dept. to request my medical file (thinking they'd tell me they would send them) and they printed out my entire file while I waited. They also included all of my records from my Outpatient PACS clinic and the other VAMC in their system! It was almost too easy! I have tons of paperwork to review now. Thanks to all for encouraging to speak up.

Jay, It's good to read that things went so smoothly for you. Congratulations!!

masters101 You sound so thrilled...and who wouldn't be? I'm thrilled for you! Congratulations!

I really enjoy reading positive stories about the VA! Thanks for sharing this one!

Thanks Bergie and Van, I'm ashamed because my wife has been telling me exactly the things you mention for several years now. She gets so mad when I come home saying I forgot to tell them something important or not asking questions about the things I don't understand. She tells me that I'm stuck in the past, thinking I must be "good" and not complain. She says the doctors are only as good as the information they are given. Tell them nothing and you'll get nothing in return. Guess she's right. I will see that she types up a list of medical concerns & questions to remind me this time around. Knowing her, she'll make 2 copies, 1 for me and 1 for the doctor. Thanks again.

First some background; I don't have my VAMC medical records yet but I have private medical records that diagnose me with Aortic Atherosclerosis. I've had several cardio-vascular tests done thru the VA in the past 2 years and I'm going to my VAMC in a couple days for my routine labs/office visit. So here my question; Is it appropriate for me to ask my doc if I have a IHD diagnosis on my file? Do you think they will tell me? If not, does anybody know if there is any way I can find out the diagnoses I have on file without having to wait for the medical records. Thanks ahead for any advise you can give me.

Many Congratulations Gent68 I know how hard it is to open those envelopes. My wife has had to do mine too. Be sure to check out your state benefits (such as property tax relief)and such.

Such great news! Sounds like you did everything right.

Bergie is thinking along the same lines as I was. I bumped this message in hopes that Berta would pick up on it. She's the best when it comes to AO claims. If you can get connected I'd go for it. Please keep us updated, OK? Those of us out here with PAD are always interested in others with the same problems.

Bump

Interesting article...Thanks for posting.

DuRock, Well, you definitely have everything needed for the Ischemic Heart Disease presumptive. I don't have the answer to the real question on your post but hopefully some of our fine Hadit membership will assist you. I'll be interested to hear what they have recommend in your situation. My question would be whether you should file PAD as a secondary to IHD at this point? It's obvious, to me, that you have severe issues with systemic atherosclerosis. Good luck and let us know how you proceed so we can learn thru your case.

Blackbird Such wonderful news! Many congratulation!

Thanks Bergie... I'm a tough old bird! I have occasional 'Pity Party' days but, all in all, I have a lot to be thankful for. I'm still able to work and I have a wonderful wife who's put up with my insanity for several years now. What more could one ask for? It's great that we have somebody like you that's willing to help with medical advice when & where it's needed.

Bergie's advise is right on....Not to scare you but I was told everything Bergie said by my vascular specialists. I was originally diagnosed with PAD in 2002 and 6 years later I had a stent put in the other leg. At that time they also found atherosclerosis in my aorta, one carotid occlusion and the other had build up that they figure will require treatment in the near future. I'm currently investigating whether I have it in my heart too (IHD). Thanks for bring that up Bergie...it's important to know. I wish somebody had told me about it in 2002.

DuRock I'm in the boat right along side of you. If you haven't read the proposed regulations you can find them at www.Regulations.gov under VA proposed regulations. At this point the proposed regulations specifically state that peripheral vascular and stroke will not be allowed. I realize PAD is not the same as PVD, but since they are saying the won't allow stroke, they most likely won't allow anything peripheral.

Excellent topic, JRW. I agree with you. I'm pretty tired right now so I may goof this up...but I actually got angry when I read that post. So...I was a FO, spent huge amount of time in the field and I preferred rice over of rations. Big Whoop!! Thing is, who has the right to say one person deserves more than the other? We didn't keep diaries of what we ate/drank and where we went each day, or what we touched or what was sprayed on us and I'm sure that all of us went to/thru places that aren't documented in our files. Fact is...we were all exposed. Whether it was me, out in the field, or my brother sitting behind a desk most of the time! I've read so many tests/studies/abstract/scientific data that I'm truly sick of it. We've been tested, prodded and denied for years on end. The time has come to treat all AO vets properly! JMO

Ken, LarryJ's said about all that needs to be said. If your visit is like my first, it will be pretty intense, being sent here and there for one thing or another...but in the end they really get a lot done. It may be a long day for you so plan some extra time, just in case.

Pigdriver, Such wonderful news for you! Sounds like you have everything in order when you started the process....Congratulations!

WOW! I'd be so elated that you'd have a hard time getting my feet back on the ground. It's so nice to read such great news. Truly makes it worth the 15 year battle you've been thru! Congratulations!