Question For Women

[cowgirl]

Purple, I suspect the test needs culture development. Some lab tests are local others not. I think as patients, we need the lab test name so if we call for results the VA can give us the correct information.

Have you had a cholesteral test panel done? The lil cup is part of my standard test, and some results have helped 'clarify' my personal questions. Note, its important to ask for copy of the Lab test results, mine werent printed out automatically. Not easy to read, but can be compared to other years panels.

Best to ya,

Cg' up2009!

. indicate

Update.

Had my follow-up PAP at the VA today since the women's coordinator ignored and refused to allow me to see a real GYN doc outside the VA. <_<

The doc who did it (a female doc; but not a GYN...her "title" is just "staff physician") told me that my cervix is "very inflammed"....but she has no idea why. Of course she's is clueless, she's not a GYN! B) B)

They told me to check back in 3 weeks for the results if I don't hear back from them sooner because sometimes the results get put in the computer and they don't know about it. What????

Wow.

[purple]

You mean regular cholestrol? The last one I had done was about 6-8 months ago and it was fine. They check that about once a year.

Usually I just wait until the info is in my records and then get the copies and see for sure what it says myself...since the doc doesn't seem to know.

[purple]

Guess what? I called the women's clinic today to find out the results of my re-test (since they have never bothered to call me...grrrrr) and it's abnormal again!!!! I asked why no one had bothered to call me, the nurse said they didn't realize the results were in my records. Really?

So I asked now what?

She said she will have to talk to the doctor tomorrow (not a gyn--as Dayton doesn't have one) and she will refer me to Wright-Patt AFB to see a Gyn.

Jeeez.

I knew I should have been referred after the first abnormal one.

[cowgirl]

Oh, Purple, maybe now is a good time to ask their 'clinic procedures' in notifying you, a patient/veteran of test results?! Thats frustrating and you really have a need to know something without pulling wisdom teeth. Guess its back to the self advocate for health care. grrrr. Not sure how to say this, but of the nurse practioners and physician assistants at the va, most are probably non-specialized in womens care. Now if there were less doctors to go around and P.A.s or N.P. were the norm it'd be balanced a bit. Although I know several vets that would go without than to see a male nurse for uh, 'attention' to personal issues.

(By the way, I have total respect for quality medical providers, nurses and specialists, we have neices and nephews who are caring providers.)

Now, got to ask, what would a civilian clinic do for a test result that seems a bit suspect? I believe they would call, mail a note and somehow try to pass the information on, then decide if a followup seemed necessary. Dont you?

Actually going to talk to someone in person, a nurse or doctor about a questionable test result sounds very normal to me. Well on second thought, if I have to go to another va clinic appointment with a provider sitting there typing in the entire appointment length of 15 minutes and physical exam of 2 minutes of that 15, I may ask what the normal 'clinic procedures' are to talk to and get seen by a provider. Oooh, whoops, my rant. For the most part, I do appreciate thier efforts in trying to keep me healthy despite their data recording requirements.

Here is wishing you considerate care at the base and reassurance your health is in good order.

Cg

[purple]

I called again this morning...and again, their whole clinic is clueless. I gave them my name, they transferred me to the nurse. She couldn't find my results in the computer....then she asked if I was so-and-so and rattled off the last 4 of a SSAN...that wasn't mine!!! She thought she was talking to someone else!!! Duh.

So once she figured out who she was talking to, she found my test results and said "Oh...yes the dr put in your consult request and I'll fax it over to the base in about 10 minutes". Again, no one called me.

So I asked about when they received my test results and why no one called me. She didn't know. She said they just got my test results yesterday...named a time...duh...it was the exact time that I called them yesterday!!! Do they think I'm really that stupid? I told her that I know it doesn't take 20 days to get PAP results. She said it does. (This was an RN I was talking to).

If there is something really wrong with me.....there will be hell to pay.

[cowgirl]

Purple, relax if you can, take a breath. Now, being proactive veteran that you are - give it a day or so more, then if no more action, call or contact the clinic again ask for a point of contact at the base - it may just work? maybe that person can tell you more.

I had a va 'Funny' about two weeks ago. I got a call the other day from a 'hurried' intense nurse with a amazing accent. Saying somethin exremely fast, rattling rapidly without taking a breath

'is this so&so? oh, you've got to come in,, the doctor told the N.P. you need to be seen this week and theres appointment opening this tuesdaywenedesaythursdayfriday, doesthatwork for you? (thinking she consumed energy drink(S) for breakfast?!)

Ok, not taking this today, being rushed. Amazed myself and put the brakes on that getaway train... told her ever so s l o w ly...." I do not understand a thing you are saying, "How are you doing today? is this an Emergency, NO? well, please repeat what you need, slowly, so my old brain can write down the information. Wait, let me find my pencil and calendar first.....

Got a good feeling its gonna work out for ya just fine Purple,

take care,

Cowgirl

I called again this morning...and again, their whole clinic is clueless. I gave them my name, they transferred me to the nurse. She couldn't find my results in the computer....then she asked if I was so-and-so and rattled off the last 4 of a SSAN...that wasn't mine!!! She thought she was talking to someone else!!! Duh.

So once she figured out who she was talking to, she found my test results and said "Oh...yes the dr put in your consult request and I'll fax it over to the base in about 10 minutes". Again, no one called me.

So I asked about when they received my test results and why no one called me. She didn't know. She said they just got my test results yesterday...named a time...duh...it was the exact time that I called them yesterday!!! Do they think I'm really that stupid? I told her that I know it doesn't take 20 days to get PAP results. She said it does. (This was an RN I was talking to).

If there is something really wrong with me.....there will be hell to pay.