Arteriosclerosis

[john999]

When I went in September to get a CT scan of my left leg for a lump I had on it the scan showed arteriosclerosis in my calf. The VA doctor said nothing to me about this. I went today to a private vascular surgeon and he was quite concerned and ordered an ultrasound for me. I have DMII and I have a positive family history for amputations of the lower extremities. The VA knows this and they did nothing. Just one more reason to take your care into your own hands and run don't walk to a real doctor if you think you have a problem the VA is not addressing. I filed a claim for service connection for the arterioscelorisis secondary to DMII. I am more concerned about losing a leg down the road or having a clot break lose and go to my heart. The VA knows I am positive for heart disease on both sides of my family with high cholesterol and amputations and DMII. You would think these people could put two and two together, but as Pete's case shows they don't care or know what is going on with their patients.

[Guest jstacy]

John, go to the medical records department and get a copy of the actual report from the radiologist who read the Cat Scan. If the Radiologist caught it and put it in the report and your Doc did not follow up on it, Then you should be able to lower the Boom on these people.

That type of activity never ceases to amaze me, It is probally more caused by the practice of mass production medicine.

For any serious issue, I go outside the VA for Care.

[john999]

Istacy

You know it is what you say about mass produced medical care. My doc is OK but she is under so much pressure to get me in and out. I got the CT scan report and the radiologist says in no uncertain terms that there is arterioscelorisis throughout the calf muscle. I gave that report to my real vascular surgeon on the outside who is sending me for the ultrasound. If I even get a hint of a serious condition I go outside the VA for confirmation.

[Guest jstacy]

My wife does CT scans and Special procedures for the VA. Radiologist do get enough credit when they read the films. Primary Doctors are so busy that it is easy to miss something. Sometimes, It has deadly results.

My wife will not let me use the VA for serious issues. Now I know why.

[john999]

Istacy

Many year ago I worked at a VAMC. They did so many open heart surgeries on elderly vets it became a scandal. The reason was that Tampa VAMC is also a teaching hospital for the med school next door. Where better to get practice material than poor, old vets? People who gave so much are treated like welfare patients. Now with cutbacks the VA does not want to do anything.

[Guest jstacy]

I have been there too. Fortunatly, My local VA has always treated me with respect except for an ocasional smart alec clerk. I guess it is because the hospital is small in stature but it is attached to a major medical school and the Interns rotate to the VA. You may not see the same specialist twice because of that.

[Pete53]

John:

I can't come close to telling you how bad it sucks for the VA to not do the right thing on your Medical situation and let something progress till it absolutely takes you down or out. I am still angry about have a 90% blockage that the VA did not catch and I was going and begging to find out why my EKG's kept indication previous heart attack. I just do not understand how a Stress test taken in Feb failed to pick up a 90% blockage. I am looking into it but I have had symptoms since 2000.

That said you know the drill. Be proactive and get the Medical Care you need to prevent a heart attack or stroke. I am starting my exercise program Monday and I have already lost 14 lbs. I am eating better and paying attention to things that will hurt me like sweets.

John hang in there and now that you know do something about it.

Pete