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.

[john999]

I am going to push for a complete cardivascular check up. My EKG have always been normal. My blood pressure is normal. My pulse rate is about 60 beats a minute. My Cholesterol is about 160 total and yet I have arterioscelorsis. I do take Zocor. I am going to really grill my doctors about my heart and vascular system. I am getting an ultrasound on Tuesday for the legs. What is the most conclusive test for heart problems? I have read that stress tests just don't really show that much. I will go to a cardiologist and just tell him my concerns and I will pay for the tests myself if the insurance or medicare won't pay.

You know the arteriosclerosis was found by accident because I had a CT scan of a bump on my leg just like you found the blockage by accident during the workup for the lap band. I guess to some extent their is just no reason to check me that much but I do have the DMII in a borderline state. This shows the VA does not check up on the possible complications of vets with DMII. Only the most obvious things are checked like the eyes.

You think you are fine and then you discover that you may not be fine. I guess with all the pain I have from injuries I am in a state of denial about the big stuff, but I will get it checked. As soon as I got the DMII diagnosis the VA should have done a complete physical work up on me. What bothers me is that the closest friends I had in Vietnam are all dead or very sick. None of us is older than 58 years old.

[jlshand]

John ,sorry to hear about the leg, I had a similar deal some years ago when I showed up with CAD before I was diagnosed with DM2. A lot of it is unfortunately, in the genes.

Anyway the definitive test for heart blockage is still the angiogram. But it is a surgery and has some danger associated with it. Much progress made with PET scans of the heart but they are extremely $ and still not regarded as the gold standard.

I'm guessing that since they have seen there is a sclerosis problem with your leg , they will be ready to do the angiogram on your heart as well. You are sedated and a dye injected thru your thigh artery (femoral)which shows the blockages in your coronary arteries. No pain ,just a heat sensation with the dye. If they find a significant blockage they usually repair it on the spot( angioplasty or bypass depending on condition}

Good luck and if there is damage dont neglect to connect it to DM2 for comp!!!!