C & P Today

[Bound4heaven]

Greetings to all,

My wife and I took an elderly man to a C&P exam today. It appears the exam went as expected, however the MD who did the exam now wants another C&P exam (Nerve exam) in regards to his Median Nerve. What is a Median Nerve? and what type of nerve test can be done? The doctor was not specific and refered to an nerve exam called EMG or something like that. Does anyone know what this man is headed for and can help with how to prepare for this type of exam. He is extremely stressed and full of anoxiety in regards to this matter. I will pray for protection. Can anyone help? Thank you and God bless you all.

Bound4Heaven

[Guest jstacy]

IF he is medically able to do it he should not refuse. This gives the VA reason to act in a negative manner.

The medical stasff is looking to help this vet. The administrative group known as the claims people are looking for evidence in both a posative and negative manner. Do you know what they are looking for?

[john999]

I had the nerve conductivity test done on my hands and feet. It is a bit painful especially when they stick needles in your feet. It will show if he has PN or CTS but it is not the only indication of these problems. If a neurologist does the test they do their own tests and examination.

[Bound4heaven]

Greetings,

Thanks for your help. I told the veteran about the needles and he is refusing to do this exam. The VAMC called and informed him this new exam was for next Tuesday. The C&P exam held yesterday was for his spine, and lower lumbar. He was awarded 30% for left median nerve damage, however that was not the reason for the exam. The C&P doctor did examine his left arm and used some type of pokeing device some areas of his left arm and forearm he could feel, and some areas he couldn't. After the C&p exam we thought he was finished then the MD says he wanted another exam called an EMG in regards to his median nerve, which was not part of the C&P to start with. I am unsure if this MD wants to help him or is trying an underhanded ploy (Not the first with VA). I was able to go with him during the exam. The MD didn't want me too, however I informed him I knew the medical director and this exam would be held up while I go down to his office to get the OK., so he let me in. I do not trust C&P PA's. NP's or MD's. I do know the Medical Director from dealing with the VA from the past.

The vet in question said he will do the test that requires no needles. I do not know where to turn now. I will just support him in whatever decision he wants. God bless you all.

Bound4Heaven

[Berta]

Bound- the Patient Advocate might be of some help to you too-

Every VAMC has one and our local PT advocate sure helped one of my vets last year.He had quite a problem getting a prescription for some sort of thing he needed due to a colostomy.

The doctor kept saying he wrote the prescription but the PT advocate found out he didnt and she went right to his office, got him to put the prescription into the computer and, since this needed to be ordered, they got the vet a comparable type of banding or large bandage to use until the good ones came.

I was lucky that she knew me and allowed me to talk without the vet here.

She did call him up after I called her (he was afraid to call her) and he said he felt that someone at the VAMC actually seemed willing to help him- because up to that point no one would at all on the bandage thing.

Patient Advocates are one of the best parts of the VAMC system and maybe it would pay to see if this VAMC has one who can help you with this veteran.

The friend I called them for can become difficult-and usually loses his temper at the Hosp, then goes home and calls his Congressman without hesitation but he fears calling the VA.

They helped him that day and the doctor sure moved on the prescription when the PT advocate confronted him.

[Josephine]

Having had the test and knowing what those needles feel like, as I had one from my toes to my upper shoulders.

I would tell my veteran friend that we will go along with the test and just tell him to go along with the needle test, but he always has the option to tell the doctor to stop when he feels that he cannot handle any more.

This way, he is not refusing the test, but he also not committing himself to the fact that he has to subject himself to the pain of the needles and complete a test, if he can't handle it.

It is not disgraceful to say, " Doc, I have had enough", " I am sorry, but I just can't finish the test, " " I just can't handle it". "

My thought for the day!!

Josephine

Edited September 26, 2006 by Josephine

[Bound4heaven]

Greetings,

Thank you both very much. The PA route was a great idea Berta. The Veteran has agreed to the test, however I informed him as ref to this posting that he can stop the test if it hurts. Also a great idea. Thank you and God bless.

Bound4Heaven