So unfortunately in 2015 I was hurt in Afghanistan and was subsequently was medically retired from the military. Just a few weeks ago I slipped and hurt my back, thought nothing of it at the time but long story short I’m looking at surgeries and a long recovery, lost my job that I absolutely loved going to everyday. Unfortunately it is such a hassle to get the VA to do absolutely anything to speed up the process. I explained I am in pain at times to the point where I am immobile and still have to wait a month for an appointment alone for an MRI. So lots of frustration but there is nothing I can change about it so just have to see where it takes me! Hope everyone is ready for a good weekend! I’ll be spending mine shoveling more than likely, if I can! Take care.
Thank you for your service and I’m truly sorry for the way you’re being treated. Our vets deserve better.
You mentioned you were medically retired from the military, do you have a VA disability rating? Do you like near a VA hospital or are you having to go through community care?
I ask because I too am a Disabled Veteran who was injured during Desert Storm and during a second deployment to Iraq in 2005. I had to fight to get my stuff service connected and the treatment I needed. The VA is like navigating a minefield. I don’t know a whole lot but I will do whatever i can to help with the VA and substance abuse if you have an issue with that. I was hooked on pain pills and they almost caused me to take my life.
Thanks for looking out. I am a 100% rated so I don’t have issues with benefits. It’s just the timeframe in reviving proper medical care. All my injuries are related directly from combat in Afghanistan and it takes a month to get an appointment scheduled for a month after that. Frustrating.
They are so cheap and have provided slight relief and the VA will cover it…… after you wait a week for authorization, so make sure you plan your back injuries out ahead of time hahaha.
Same same just different place in the MIddle East. Ask about lidocaine patches, they give them out pretty Easy and it’s not a pill. Works to get by.
Pharmacy will hook it up. Ty for your service.
Thank you @Ar7. I’ve been using the icu hot max a lot that has lidocaine in it. I’ll ask for some patches though. Cheaper that way. Just hoping this MRI can get done quick and get out of this pain.
Thank you for keeping us safe and your service. I know first hand the VA medical clusterfuck. I did billing for nursing homes and the in home health agency I worked for. Even the vets who served with no choice have to wait for caregivers. I had 1 86 year old man w severe Parkinson’s whose 80 year old wife had to transfer him while he waited to get authorized. Such a shame.
Yes it is sad to see. And if I stay in pain this much longer I may have to use private insurance. I’ve never had a problem with opiates but not willing to risk it now. My first impression of the VA was through my Med Board process and I was asked what my chief diagnosis was. I told them combat PTSD with social anxiety. And the nurse told me to stop whining everyone here has PTSD. I was taken aback by that one. No reason to be an asshole.
Oh geez, what a horrible nurse! I wonder what she’s seen DURING combat!? Some people just aren’t meant to help others and shouldn’t choose an occupation that is supposed to better humanity.