I have posted recently about several things wrong with my IU decision, it's complicated, and a confusing mess. So, I wanted to start on new topic to concentrate on a very serious part of the decision. I was diagnosed and discharged from the Army back in 2004. I did not want this and tried to avoid it, but doctors believed that my Raynauds (a circulatory disorder that causes my hands (and occasionaly my feet, nose, ears) to lose circulation, turn white, red, and sometimes grayish/purple. It is very painful and burns as the blood returns. Anyway, I was diagnosed for this by Reumatologists MANY different times between 2003- 2005. I had test after tests and all came back severe Raynauds Phenomenon. I tried many medications, some just plain did not work, others elevated my blood pressure (already service connected for hypertention, the last thing I needed was to elevate it more. And some caused severe leg cramping. (all results noted in my record by doctors). The last Rheumatology appt I had for Raynauds was back in 05. The doctor told me that we had tried everything and medication for this was not going to work for me. He told me that lifestyle change would be the best treatment. Wear gloves outside and inside if needed, limit outdoor activities in the winter to 5 minutes, shower in luke warm water rather than hot, use napkins or gloves when handling cold objects (especially metal), avoid any sudden temp changes even in the summer, and always layer my clothing. I have continued to do all these things and mention so whenever asked about Raynauds.
In 2005, my Raynauds went from temporary to permanent, and I have naver heard a thing about it since. To me, it seemed rediculous to make regular appts for this when I've already been told there is nothing they can do for me. (I guess I see now why I should have done just that regardless). My Raynauds has never changed for any extended period of time. I have the occasional week or two (in the summer) where I have less attacks, but it always returns to daily, in the winter its often several in a day). The examiner wrote everything I said about all the precautions I have to take, and all sounded good, until he wrote that attacks happen once a week. They proposed a reduce from 40% to 10%.
I have 60 days to prove otherwise or it will be gone. 2 weeks have already passed. I CANNOT get into a Rheumatologist appt. in Maine in that amount of time. I have tried and tried. I have an appointment with my primary doctor Wed. to get a referral (none will see me without one), but I've already spoken to the VA rheumatology office, and they said they'd try, but couldn't promise an appt. in that time period. Because it really does happen EVERYDAY I have thought about taking pictures of my fingers (they get very clearly discolored) on top of a dated newspaper to show the frequency, but my VSO doesn't think they'll go for that. I would get an opinion from my doctor, but he's a stubborn old school vet who doesn't think anyone should be compensated for anything...ever, especially someone my age. ( I live in Bangor Maine, we only have a couple VA docs).
Is there ANY WAY to get additional time to prove this? Its so unfair to have them give 60 days when I can't be seen in that amount of time. I can prove my Raynauds anytime and anyplace. It is so bad that if I wash my hands in cold water I get an attack. If a rheumatologist saw how easily I get an attack they would automatically know there would be no way to prevent it from happening daily. If they reduce me to this extent, I could lose my house.
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ferris7060
I have posted recently about several things wrong with my IU decision, it's complicated, and a confusing mess. So, I wanted to start on new topic to concentrate on a very serious part of the decision. I was diagnosed and discharged from the Army back in 2004. I did not want this and tried to avoid it, but doctors believed that my Raynauds (a circulatory disorder that causes my hands (and occasionaly my feet, nose, ears) to lose circulation, turn white, red, and sometimes grayish/purple. It is very painful and burns as the blood returns. Anyway, I was diagnosed for this by Reumatologists MANY different times between 2003- 2005. I had test after tests and all came back severe Raynauds Phenomenon. I tried many medications, some just plain did not work, others elevated my blood pressure (already service connected for hypertention, the last thing I needed was to elevate it more. And some caused severe leg cramping. (all results noted in my record by doctors). The last Rheumatology appt I had for Raynauds was back in 05. The doctor told me that we had tried everything and medication for this was not going to work for me. He told me that lifestyle change would be the best treatment. Wear gloves outside and inside if needed, limit outdoor activities in the winter to 5 minutes, shower in luke warm water rather than hot, use napkins or gloves when handling cold objects (especially metal), avoid any sudden temp changes even in the summer, and always layer my clothing. I have continued to do all these things and mention so whenever asked about Raynauds.
In 2005, my Raynauds went from temporary to permanent, and I have naver heard a thing about it since. To me, it seemed rediculous to make regular appts for this when I've already been told there is nothing they can do for me. (I guess I see now why I should have done just that regardless). My Raynauds has never changed for any extended period of time. I have the occasional week or two (in the summer) where I have less attacks, but it always returns to daily, in the winter its often several in a day). The examiner wrote everything I said about all the precautions I have to take, and all sounded good, until he wrote that attacks happen once a week. They proposed a reduce from 40% to 10%.
I have 60 days to prove otherwise or it will be gone. 2 weeks have already passed. I CANNOT get into a Rheumatologist appt. in Maine in that amount of time. I have tried and tried. I have an appointment with my primary doctor Wed. to get a referral (none will see me without one), but I've already spoken to the VA rheumatology office, and they said they'd try, but couldn't promise an appt. in that time period. Because it really does happen EVERYDAY I have thought about taking pictures of my fingers (they get very clearly discolored) on top of a dated newspaper to show the frequency, but my VSO doesn't think they'll go for that. I would get an opinion from my doctor, but he's a stubborn old school vet who doesn't think anyone should be compensated for anything...ever, especially someone my age. ( I live in Bangor Maine, we only have a couple VA docs).
Is there ANY WAY to get additional time to prove this? Its so unfair to have them give 60 days when I can't be seen in that amount of time. I can prove my Raynauds anytime and anyplace. It is so bad that if I wash my hands in cold water I get an attack. If a rheumatologist saw how easily I get an attack they would automatically know there would be no way to prevent it from happening daily. If they reduce me to this extent, I could lose my house.
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