update

Post by **tex** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 12:09 pm

Olivia,

Maybe a letter to someone in the legislature, who is sympathetic to the needs of the military, or who is on an oversight committee, etc., and who might be willing and able to pull some strings, would get results. Better than that, though - I'll guarantee that if the right tv news team were to present a story of a young marine, trying to serve her country, while having to deal with a health care system that is not even willing to investigate why she is passing blood on a daily basis, the story would go around the world, overnight, and it would get results, almost immediately.

Patriotism in this country seems to be having kind of a renaissance these days, (it's about time), and more people seem to be appreciative of the needs of military personnel, and presumably more people are interested in trying to correct the shortcomings in health care that have traditionally been associated with military service.

Does anyone happen to know who might be a good target for a letter of this type? Does anyone know of someone in congress who is currently working to try to improve medical care in the military service, or in the VA? I usually try to ignore politics, so I don't have any idea which politicians are promoting what agenda, these days.

In the meantime, if you are interested in trying the tv angle, (which would also bring some good publicity for everyone who has to deal with an inflammatory bowel disease), I think that I would try to get into touch with Katie Couric. As you probably recall, she is interested enough in this sort of thing that she was willing to televise her own colonoscopy, for cancer screening, a few years ago. She would probably find your story to be quite newsworthy. Also, after all the recent discussion about health care reform, your story fits right in, as an overlooked/forgotten part of health care shortcomings in this country. The President and Congress were worried about providing adequate health care for everyone in this country, EXCEPT for those in the military, who have no options.

Tex

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 12:16 pm

Tex my work in engineering is for the military. We have many high level contacts throughout all branches of the military and most of the high level positions where I work re filled with eithier retired or active duty high ranking individuals. Yes its MIT but a special part of it.

Does anyone know what base she is on?

--Joe

Post by **tex** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 12:55 pm

Camp Pendleton, Ca.

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11347

Tex

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 1:39 pm

Thanks Tex, I know the base well

--Joe

collagastritis84 · Post by **collagastritis84** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 7:11 pm

My brother and father both are vets and use VA healthcare. I definitel would have to agree that the VA system is flawed and they don't always have the best drs. My brother has had a hard time getting treatment for some of his illnesses. He had a infection on his arm that didnt get treated right and turned out to be the dreaded flesh-eating Mrsa bacteria. By the time they got it right it spread to his leg and he had to have one of the puss pockets surgically removed. They also sent him a letter telling him he had Herpes then sent him another letter saying there was a clerical error and he should disregard that letter it was sent to the wrong patient. Needless it caused him allot of unnecessary anxiety.This all being said the VA healthcare is still better then nothing. I know our veterans deserve the best care but if it werent for VA healthcare my dad would have been dead a long time ago. It got him through Prostate and Thyroid cancer, as well as Hep C, HBP, diabetes and a shattered ankle( i know im leaving some out). My brother is also grateful for his care even with their mistakes. The system does need work and better Drs but at least our vets have healthcare...

Post by **tex** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 9:20 pm

In July, of last summer, a neurologist diagnosed me with Parkinson's disease. I didn't agree with the diagnosis, but took the drug he recommended, anyway. By late January, of this year, it was obvious, (to me, at least) , that I do not have Parkinson's
, so I stopped taking the drug, and one day I decided to look him up, to describe to him why he was wrong about my diagnosis. When I went to his old office, I was told that he had taken a position as head of the neurology department at the VA hospital in town.

Since then, I've been checked by another neurologist, who agreed with me that I do not have Parkinson's disease.

Tex

collagastritis84 · Post by **collagastritis84** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 9:25 pm

Oh my gosh, thats horrible. Incompetent dr's being promoted.....

Stanz · Post by **Stanz** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 10:57 pm

Oh boy, I don't even want to get started on this tonight.

ibrown,
The history of the VA's treatment of vets from the very beginning is absolutely shameful. Any nimrod MD can fix a broken ankle or things that are proven by medical tests, it is in everything else that they are absolutely worthless and do whatever they can to escape responsibility. At the very least the VA owes the people who volunteer or who were drafted the very best medical care available if they are going to ask these people to risk their lives for this country.

Call in the press, Olivia, if you want advice, I may have the contacts to help you. Katie Couric is not too big to listen to this story.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 12:24 am

and most of all - your PP family is here!!!

we all want to help you and get you on the track to feeling well..... it totally sucks that you are going through this crap,

collagastritis84 · Post by **collagastritis84** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:49 am

It must be a nightmare trying to have an MC related disease treated through the VA.

ant · Post by **ant** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:35 am

Dear Olivia

While the press and high level political channels might be the way to go, this has got to be your call. Whatever you decide - to rock the boat or not rock the boat - we are with you.

Best wishes, Ant

Stanz · Post by **Stanz** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 10:02 am

What Ant said.

JoAnn · Post by **JoAnn** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 11:08 am

Hi Olivia, I hope you rock the boat and do what it takes to get help. My Dad was a vet from WWII and he generally received good care, but there was a time he almost died in the VA hospital due to incompetence and he probably would have died if my mother hadn't contacted her personal doctor and had him removed to another hospital. We care about you and your quality of life and hope you can find the care you need, thoughts and prayers are with you in getting through this. JoAnn

Olivia-Micro-Colitis · Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:59 pm

I wish it was easy to do that. but i signed a contract i'm not allowed to go to the press and speak my opinion like everyone else. it would definately cause more harm than good atleast while i'm in. When i get out and i'm fighting to be treated at the VA then i'll raise hell. but while i'm in its kind of like "don't bite the hand that feeds you." its not okay for me to speak out against my leaders..ya know what i mean? we don't a a voice when we're in. its un fair i know. i deal with it every day. the good news i'm not going to have to do a biannual physical fitness test this month. (3 miles, crunches, and flex arm hang) they are pushing for a 6month limited duty package for me. which will eventually help when trying to get my disability. Thank you all for your support. You all know that i stand up for what i believe but somethings such as this is out of my hands. I don't have the same rights as other americans because i signed a contract we have our own rules.
-Olivia

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:28 am

Olivia
you are very brave and couragous to uphold the contract you signed.

great news about the physical fitness test. and i have my fingers and toes crossed that you get the 6mth limited duty package and the outcomes of that are the best FOR YOU in the long term.

re your note in the other post - sux you are having another crappy day.
are you doing day shifts or night shifts at the moment?