Only One E.n.t. Dr. At Vamc, Not On Best Of Terms?

[Guest Jim S.]

I've had two exams from this same E.N.T. Dr. and both times I had a difficult time getting him to understand the problems I have been having since I fractured my Nasal bone in the service. The first time he actually perscribe surgical steel springs to place in my nostrils to maintain an open airway when I slepted. Not only was it painful, they would work there way out during the night and thus became quite useless.

The second time ended in an argument over using antihistmine type nasal sprays, that had little of no effect other than to make my conjestion worse.

I've since gotten a second opinion from a private Dr and he pretty much agrees with the whyfores and reasons for my current condition. I also got a corticosteriod nasal spray perscribed by my PC Dr. That works better than any antihistimines, even for it to be effective, I have to use the highest dosage allowed by the VA for this specific use.

I want to apply for an increase in my rating from 0%, but am worried if I am sent for a C&P exam, that I will be sent to this Dr and since we are not on the best of terms, he won't be as objective as he should be and word the report less favorable.

Can I request an outside Dr to conduct the C&P if this Dr would otherwise be used?

Jim S. ;)

Edited November 17, 2005 by Jim S.

[wallyg]

Jim,

In my experience, you can be sent to any doctor for a C&P, they don't have to be a specialist in the particular area, UNLESS the RO SPECIFICALLY requests that.

Also, you can file a complaint against the doctor, and state that you are unwilling to see him any more. Since you are already going to a civilian doctor, and obviously don't trust the VA ENT , then that is the best solution.

[SEJones]

Jim

At my VA there are docs that just do C&P exams. They are seperate from the docs and specialist at the hospital and clinics. I have many very specialized medical issues and have yet to go to a specialist for a C&P. The C&P doc just looks over the records in your c-file and fills out the forms. So if you have evidence form a private doctor include with your application.

Good Luck

SE

[otey2171]

JIM I KNOW THAT LOOSING YOUR 10% RATING ISN'T DESIRED, BUT WOULDN'T BEING OUT OF DISCOMFORT BE BETTER. GO AHEAD AND GET YOUR SEPTUM SURGICALLY OPERATED ON BE OUT OF MISERY. I'M GOING THRU THE SAME THING AND GETTING READY FOR SURGERY NEXT WEEK. I GOT MY PC TO CHANGE MY NASAL SPRAY FROM THE GENERIC TO THE NAME BRAND FLONASE WHICH PROVIDED MUCH BETTER RELIEF. MY PC DOCTOR KIND OF PUT WORDS TO PHARMACY THAT WOULD ALLOW THE CHANGE. SHE PUT THAT MY NOSE WOULD BURN AND BLEED. THE REAL PROBLEM WAS THE GENERIC JUST DIDN'T WORK.

Edited November 17, 2005 by otey2171

[Guest Jim S.]

;) otey: I would like nothing better than to be out of discomfort, but due to my varied number of medical problems, I am not considered a good risk to go under the knife.

The main problem is the healing process, It's bad enough with my body attacking itself because of Sarcoidosis, quite a few of the medications I have to take do little to help my body heal properly. I could verywell make things worse.

Good luck with your proceedure, it's not the answer for all with deviated septums.

Jim S. :)