@RedTop wrote:
@NAES1,
To answer your question, yes, my husband has a strong family history of diabetes. He was diagnosed in his mid 40's, and suffered a big MI within a year, which doctors attributed to his diabetes. Fast forwarding several years, we learn that Vietnam veterans have the highest rate of diabetes and heart disease of any group of veterans in US history, both of which are linked to their military service----being directly linked to the high fat, high carb food they were served during their enlistment period. Based on my husband's health issues, we began to pursue disability compensation through the VA. Every time there was a worsening change in his condition, I made sure the appropriate documentation was in his medical record, and then we would go back to our local VA rep and ask for another medical review. With each review, my husband would advance a little further percentage wise, until he reached 100% disability.
Thru the years we have made several big diet changes, but have never let ourselves feel deprived. Nothing is totally off limits, but our biggest adjustments have been with our favorite heavy comfort foods, bread, pasta, and white potatoes. Both of our cholesterol numbers are very good, so his doctor does not see a problem with what he's eating. The biggest struggle is the impact of breathing steroids on his blood sugar. It takes great effort to keep his A1c close to his target range of 8.0. For many diabetics, 8.0 is too high, but for an 18 year diabetic with the advanced issues my husband has, that level is very acceptable.
Peripheral artery disease was diagnosed last year thru a nerve conduction study, and is being monitored. My husband takes the maximum dosage of Gabapentin daily and still has a pain level between 7 and 10. The next step for relief, is an actual pain medication.
_______
@RedTop
As always, I have this connection of some type of geography, to some similar location...been there -studied there or my family member has worked there and / or worked with doctors through interiums. Although he had made hi home in Fla. but is frequently in _this locale_.
We have a family member who was in Viet Nam
-1965-69.
My brother is a Board Certified Psychotherapist. He did work through the VA system to sound out the resonsilbilty of each doctor, nurse or anyone who makes desisions. The stories I have heard are close to very poor, or worse. Many years of the truth being said but nothing really done. I speak of years and years ago. I am not exactly omitting an area but close enough.
We are so (can I say it's about time) thrilled to know of the so called new turn over, through a change of supervisors, is changing and have been since 8+ months ago. He knows so much about all of the staff. Not American nurses, in higher ratios are here, but these foreign nurses. They do not know as much as a trained certified US nurse. Many of the doctors are lulless in getting both the older soldiers, along with the newer ones, those having any success- being checked for records years back, or the accessments to be made if, i.e., a colonoscopy is needed as well as a MRI done, then the patient is no longer with us due to sloppy unreported doctors. Making $$$s off of the Gv t.
That I do know.
You are correct, having a massive MI -yes, indeed that would be the reason. Glad to know though your husband was diagnosed in his 40s. I will stretch this out further and say the disease, diabetes can and will cause a host of anything from colon cancer to amputation of 1st the small toe then leading to the entire upper leg.
18 year later, then now, having A1c, the level of 8.0 is wonderful. I go further with the MI and diet to this day.
How knowledgeable you are in controlling his intake -out put, along with portion control. If left to the vA, I don't think, hardly would believe he would be here if left under [them] totally.
I am assuming he has his private doctor but received all meds from the VA.
I think you can tell I have little endorement for the past VA or anyone who works there. VAs are for ( I believe) the docs, nurses that have problems (sometimes) working elsewhere. Just my own opinion.
Gabapentin was used for ONLY fibromyalgia but now used for over 2+ years for diabetic nerve pain, but like with other maldies for Nerve Pain is not the best FOR PAIN! Why he has not been put on P. med is clueless to me-...UNLESS he is totally dependant on the LAST WORD from the VA? He would be on P. med for being 100% disability. I am asking my brother what would be the next step. You must know that the V A is very stingy and almost has the patient beGging and there are numerous altercations all - of-the-time.
Did you know in this area, I speak about, the meds are stolen. FROM the Post off. That ws found by my broth.
V's reps are in the clout of saying either no or WAIT.
EverYthing you have told me reminds me of the place we, personally know of, not me personally, per se, but my brother. How horribly pitiful to find this happening. One PSTD patient waited for over 1.5 years for a MRI/ colonoscopy. Never received this, but complained of pain, then he died. At fault, YES...they found this through an autopsy's report. No one was brought to justice, Every thing kept -hush. This continues on.
I will continue on but getting this completed. BUT! Does the area or road Spring something, maybe Valley ring a bell? It sure does to me, because this hosp. sounds exactly like where this has happened.
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