Lost trust in VA

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clouse
clouse Member Posts: 12
in Anal Cancer #1

You can read my story under (misdiagnosed by VA). Due to the misdiagnosis (almost costing my life), I have lost all trust in the VA. The VA being my only health care (cancer being treated outside VA, at there cost under Tri West), I have only seen my primary once. I have been thru 3 primaries in 3 yes because they keep leaving. I feel my health care may be suffering because of this and don't know how to get past it. The VA health care system sucks! I know I am not the only unhappy vet where this is concerned. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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  • Bella_G
    Bella_G Member Posts: 30 Member
    #2
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    Sorry to hear about your treatment from VA

    I wish I had wisdom, or a magic wand to fix the VA's issues. I can only offer words of support and to let you know I've read your words and send support for your healing journey.

  • Ouch_Ouch_Ouch
    Ouch_Ouch_Ouch Member Posts: 508 Member
    #3
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    Brief misdiagnosis and VA praise.

    I was misdiagnosed at first by a private colo-rectal surgeon, but it was because I was in too much pain to have an adequate manual exam. When I arrived in the OR three weeks later, he saw immediately that I had cancer and took the biopsy to pathology himself to confirm the diagnosis before I regained consciousness. I went through the standard protocol. That was 2-1/2 years ago and I still seem to be sans cancer. So, misdiagnosis can happen in any setting.

    My husband's 91 year old uncle lives with us (a WW2 veteran). He receives VA care at Castle Point, New York. They have been really good to him - they supplied him with hearing aides and replacements when he lost the 1st pair, a great walker, a wheelchair for when he needs it, excellent shoes, glasses, adult day care, and even up to 4 weeks of respite care per year. Last year, he developed a rare skin condition that the VA dermatologist identified on sight and confirmed via biopsy. The only negative I have with them is that there's only one dermatologist for Castle Point and Montrose VA hospital and it can take a while to get an appointment.

    I know there are some VA centers with less than adequate ratings, but here in the east, they are rated very well. Is it possible for you to transfer to another VA center or at least request different MDs? All the best and thank you for your service to our country!

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