diabetes Sad News For Me At Least

[goofycow]

If I am posting this on the wrong forum, I apologize in advance. my husband passed away very suddenly yesterday afternoon. I was all by my self and had nobody waiting with me as things went down hill. Right after I heard the news, I tried calling the VA out patient clinic in in Ft.Smith. My husband was inconsiderate enough to die after business hours. When I called no one would pick up the phone. Even when I dialed 9 for emergency, no one answered the phone either in Ft. Smith OR Fayetteville. So I called the bastards up this morning to give them a piece of my mind. Nothing was resolved, they did not care that I am all alone, with no family or friends in the local area. If I become suicidal again, just go to an emergency room or urgent care. Otherwise we will see you on the 12th at your scheduled appointment. Now, if I should feel a need to go to the emergency room, how am I going to get there???? Who will take me??? My husband is dead, he used to take me to all my appointments. But I coud not expect anything different from our fine VA health care system B)

I will try to struggle thru the long holiday weekend. After all, I still have my Siamese cat to care for. Once I get thru next week & get affairs in order, I will proceed to attack VA again.

About my husband......he had a verry colorful career, a proud Viet Nam vet with 23 years honorable service. I flew in the back seat of F-4s over Viet Nam. Even the crazed Marine pilots could not make him throw up no matter how many Gs they pulled, He was discharged from the Navy in 1984 on a medical diabiliuty. The Navy rated him as 20% disabled because of a back condition called angolsing sondilitis(SP?) A progressive back disease that would eventually affect his breathing. He was OK for a while after retirement because of temp civil service jobs. But once we moved to Arkansas, his health started going down hill gradually. Over the years, I tried talking him into filing a claim with VA. He would have none of that & he did not want VA to treat him. He has had high blood pressure since I've known him, but he also developed type II diabetes, & gained almost 75 LBs since getting out of the military 22 years ago. I am sure my own mental health issues probably affected his own will to live. He would not follow doctor's orders or the pleadings of his wife, family and friends to take his health seriously. I hope he is happy, where ever he is tonight.

Aftter I get thru the following next weeks, is there any way I can file some kind of posthumus claim for him & get benefits as a surviving spouse?? Again, that is not my concern right now. I just needed some one to talk to tonight even if it is only to a computer screen.

Thanks all for your patience. Sorry to have rambled on so.

Liz, giving new meaning to the slogan HADIT!!!

[goofycow]

Hi Berta:

Yes, I did apply for SSI after I got the award from VA. I had always heard rumors that it was very hard to get disability from the state of Arkansas, but it wasn't in my case. I didn't even have a physical. It just started 6 mo. after I filed the claim.

Liz

[Berta]

There could be a higher benefit now due to your husband's death-possible- not sure-

Liz-in case you did not see my reply under the Medication Topic-

I urge you to contact the ME, the Medical Examiner or Coroner ASAP_ the MEs and coroners are always on call and could return your call or email- and ask them to give your husband an autopsy-

based on what you posted it appears that he was a Blue Water Navy Agent Orange vet with DMII-

Although he was in flight? I assume he spent much time on the deck of Navy ships in the South China Sea.

If he has the VSM on his DD 214-I mentioned to get a vet rep and take a copy of the NVLSP statement on Blue Water and also (I will post as separate topic) what I posted here as to widows of Blue Water veterans exposed to AO and file a DIC claim.

The complete 21-534 apication is at the VA web site- I suggest you fill it out yourself and bring whatever else you would need when you see the vet re-marriage license , death cert etc.

I know there is a lot on you as it is- this will get the DIC claim filed- These claims under Haas decision must be filed as soon as possible before the VA attempts to change or overrule Haas.

[Kirk]

Liz,

I'm so sorry to here of your loss.

Along with getting military funeral if you desire there is also the patriot guard riders www.patriotguard.org which is a group of motorcyclyst and others who attend funerals for any and all veterans whose family request them. They will escort the hearse with flags flying and/or stand quietly by the grave site or outside the service. Contact them fi you so desire and they will help to honor your husband anyway they can.

Kirk

[goofycow]

Oh Kirk:

I wish I had thought about the motorcycle escort sooner!! That would have been so cool & so appropriate for my hubby!!! he bought a bike 3 years ago but hardly ever rode it, guess it was a trying to recapture a lost youth thing. However, I don't think his relatives would have approved.

[Guest terrysturgis]

I just joined the Patroit Guard. My first confirmed ride will be Sept 16th for Sergent DeRoo from Paw Paw, MI. To join just go to the web sit Kirk posted and sign up. There are no dues to join. You do not have to ride a bike. Some of the people drive cars. The site explains what they do. You need a 3x5 flag on a pole and the ride captain said to dress like you normally do. No set uniform. Some people are dressed like hard core bikers and they maybe standing next to a guy in a suit. I am going to use the flag I received from my father's veteran funeral. Respect is what it is all about. Liz, sorry for your loss and God bless. Terry Sturgis