Showing posts with label Sheridan VA Healthcare System. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sheridan VA Healthcare System. Show all posts

Monday, January 19, 2015

USAF Veteran Needs Knees Replaced, ASAP! - GoFundMe

USAF Vet Needs Knees Replaced Yesterday! - GoFundMe




MY Campaign is about me trying to raise funds from friends and family, and even caring strangers, for knee replacement surgery for both my knees , so I can go out and live a full, enjoyable and rewarding life, with the years I have left.

I'm a 59 years old US Air Force Veteran and I live just above the poverty level on Social Security Disability.


I have been trying to work with my local VA Hospital here in Sheridan WY for over 6+ years now in an effort to get my knees replacement surgery done here in Sheridan Wyoming.  There response- you can have it done here with the VA's contracted orthopedic surgeons, but I have to pay for it through my Medicare, and it's 20% co-pay.  Or, go to the Cheyenne VA Hospital and have their orthopedic department do the surgery. It would
be numerous 700 mile round-trips, and after the surgeries, I wouldn't be able to drive home, but that logic matters not to the VA Hospital in Sheridan. Finally, I have a 24 year old Aerostar minivan that I do not trust for these numerous journeys, as the last time I went to Cheyenne was 6 years ago to see the orthopedic surgeon after my initial MRI back
on February 12, 2009.

It all started years ago, when my primary-care doctor here in Sheridan, after looking at some x-rays he ordered of my knees because I hurt one somehow, said to me that I have
5, maybe 10 years left on my knees before they would need a knee replacement surgery. That was 23 years ago. The escalation of the destruction and deterioration of my knees happened when I tore the ACL in my left knee Tuesday evening prior to Thanksgiving in 2008. It's been downhill ever since, with the VA's obstinance increasing exponentially
as the last 6 years have come to pass.

The idea 'Veteran's 1st' is just a fantasy some ad man dreamed up, because it sure isn't my reality.


 Because I am disabled, and getting Social Security Disability, I do have Medicare, but I need to come up with 20% of the total cost of the knee replacement surgery, which for both knees is in the $90,000 to $140,000 range, so my cost are between $18,000 to $28,000, if there are no complications.
Besides the knee issues, I have many other health issues, including neurological issues, which encompass an inoperable brain tumor, severe spinal cord compression in both the C-Spine and L/S-Spine, which the Denver VA Neurosurgery Dept. has handled
excellently over the last 12 years.

Just a few facts about my knees:

Here are the MRI written impressions of my knees- the latest ones: Radiologist: DR. WEIN,GREGORY 
Report: MRI of the left knee. Aug 22, 2013
The study is limited due to patient motion -
Findings:
Osseous structures: No acute fracture. Gross narrowing medial joint compartment with bone-on-bone appearance and complete denudation of large areas of medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau cartilage. Severe grade 2 and 3 chondromalacia lateral compartment. The multiple large peripheral osteophytes.
Moderate joint effusion..
Cruciate ligaments: The anterior cruciate ligament is severely degenerated but
probably not torn. The posterior cruciate ligament intact..
Menisci:
There is severe maceration of the body and posterior horn of the medial
meniscus which is displaced into the medial gutter. Moderate
degeneration lateral meniscus without tear..
Collateral ligaments:
The tibial collateral ligament is effaced by the large medial osteophytes are grossly intact. The tibial collateral ligament intact.
Patella and extensor mechanism: Diffuse grade 2 and 3 chondromalacia and patella with a superficial blistering and fissuring. similar chondromalacia of the trochlear cartilage with multiple large peripheral osteophytes. Patellar retinaculum intact. Quadriceps tendon and
patellar tendons grossly intact with tendinosis of the distal patellar tendon. Edema of Hoffa's fat pad..
Surrounding soft tissues: No cyst or mass.
Posterolateral corner: Degenerative change. No acute fracture. There is popliteus tendinosis..
Impression:
Advanced degenerative change detailed above.
Maceration medial meniscus.


 Reason for request: x-ray to be done in conjunction with MRI: Radiologist: DR. MOUBRY,RONDLE M.
Report:
Left knee: Medial compartment space narrowing is noted. A collar and then spurring is seen. Posterior patellar spurring is also noted. No fracture or dislocation. Bone mineral density is grossly normal.
Impression: Degenerative changes.
Impression:
Degenerative changes. Heterogeneous bone marrow signal. Does the patient have a chronic illness?
Degenerative changes of the knee with tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus.
Partial tear/tendinosis of the anterior cruciate ligament.

MRI Radiologist: DR. BEST,ALAN C
Report: Comparison of MRI and radiographs of right knee from 4/20/2012 , which was 10 months prior to above MRI, which is dated Feb 13, 2013 -
Impression: Progression of severe medial compartment degenerative changes and joint space loss.
Since the time these MRIs and X-RAYS of both knees were taken, they have only gotten worse.

Here was the 1st MRI of my Left Knee on Feb 12 2009 after I felt the pain 2 1/2 months earlier -
RADIOLOGY REPORT - DR. DONAHUE, FRANCIS I.
Report:
Maceration posteriorly horn medial meniscus with almost total displacement of the medial meniscus into the medial gutter. Opposing joint surface bone marrow edema and marginal osteophytes. There is extensive grade IV chondromalacia of the medial joint compartment.
Synovitis medial gutter.No tears of the lateral meniscus. Extensive low-grade chondromalacia and marginal osteophytes.
Chronic ACL tear, intact PCL Medial and lateral collateral support structures intact.
Extensor mechanism is intact. Patella anatomically aligned with extensive low-grade chondromalacia of patellofemoral joint with marginal osteophytes about the patella. Patellofemoral ligaments intact. Small popliteal cyst. No joint effusion.
Impression:
Severe osteoarthritis medial joint compartment, moderate osteoarthritis patellofemoral joint.
ACL deficient knee, see above comments


I just want to say the VA Healthcare system has been great to me 95% of the time, from working with the neurosurgeons at the Denver VA Hospital, to my excellent primary-care doctor, Dr. Yapuncich (And most of my previous Primary-Care docs I've had over the last 33+ years have been great.) who has advocated for my knee surgery for years. And I can't forget the great folks in the Physical Therapy Department, who are all excellent and also advocating for my knee surgery. So this bump in the road is mainly directed at the
bean-counters who are not putting "Veteran's 1st".

I would greatly appreciate any help you can give me. My dream is to have a fully ambulatory life for the years I have remaining on Planet Earth, so that's why I'm asking for your generous support.
Thank You All for your time, and prayers and anything you can do to help.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

My MRI History of my screwed-up Knees the VA doesn't want to fix on this Overweight Vet!

---------------MY HEALTH E VET PERSONAL INFORMATION REPORT -----------
                    *************CONFIDENTIAL*************
                    Produced by the VA Blue Button (v12.8)
                               31 Aug 2014 @ 1926

This summary is a copy of information from your My HealtheVet Personal
Health Record. Your summary may include:
- information that you entered (self reported)
- information from your VA health record
- your military service information from the department of defense (DoD).

***Note: Your health care team may not have all of the information from
your Personal Health Record unless you share it with them. Contact your
health care team if you have questions about your health information.***

Key:  Double dashes (--) mean there is no information to display.


Name: hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh     Date of Birth: Oct31 2015
 

DOWNLOAD REQUEST SUMMARY 
---------------------------
System Request Date/Time: 31 Aug 2014 @ 1926 File
Name: mhv_HARASYM_20140831_1926.txt
Date Range Selected: 15 Jul 2003 to 31 Aug 2014
Data Types Selected: My HealtheVet Account Summary
 VA Radiology Reports
 ------------------------
MY HEALTHEVET ACCOUNT SUMMARY
 -------------------------
Source: VA Authentication Status: Authenticated Authentication Date: 25 Apr 2011 Authentication Facility ID: 666 Authentication Facility Name: SHERIDAN VAMC
 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE 2 VIEWS
Date/Time Exam Performed:     12 Feb 2009 @ 1332
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          GRAVES,CHARLES B
Reasons for Study:            To be done in conjunction w/MRI per DVA
Clinical History:             
left knee pain consistent with meniscal tear


Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  DONAHUE,FRANCIS I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
Severe medial, moderate patellofemoral and lateral joint
compartment narrowing with marginal and central osteophytes and
genu varus.  No joint effusion.  Patellar alignment cannot be
ascertained on axial images.



Impression:  
Tricompartmental osteoarthritis as described above



=========================================================================
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE LEFT W/O (MRI)
Date/Time Exam Performed:  12 Feb 2009 @ 1331
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          GRAVES,CHARLES B
Reasons for Study:            left knee pain consistent with meniscal tear
Clinical History:             


Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  DONAHUE,FRANCIS I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
Maceration posteriorly horn medial meniscus with almost total
displacement of the medial meniscus into the medial gutter.
Opposing joint surface bone marrow edema and marginal
osteophytes.  There is extensive grade IV chondromalacia of the
medial joint compartment.  Synovitis medial gutter

No tears of the lateral meniscus.  Extensive low-grade
chondromalacia and marginal osteophytes.

Chronic ACL tear, intact PCL

Medial and lateral collateral support structures intact

Extensor mechanism is intact.  Patella anatomically aligned with
extensive low-grade chondromalacia of patellofemoral joint with
marginal osteophytes about the patella.  Patellofemoral ligaments
intact.

Small popliteal cyst.  No joint effusion.

Impression:  
Severe osteoarthritis medial joint compartment, moderate
osteoarthritis patellofemoral joint

ACL deficient knee, see above comments



=========================================================================
 
 
=========================================================================
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE 3 VIEWS
Date/Time Exam Performed:  20 Apr 2012 @ 1431
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          YAPUNCICH,VICTOR P
Reasons for Study:            Right knee pain following injury
Clinical History:             
National Patient Flag

Reason for request: Right knee injury and subsequent pain


Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  WEIN,GREGORY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  


Comparison: None

Technique: Three views.

Findings: No fracture, dislocation or bone destruction. Chronic
appearing 19-mm heterotopic ossification posterior to the
proximal tibia.  Degenerative change of the proximal tibiofemoral
articulation.  Severe narrowing of the medial joint compartment.
Prominent peripheral osteophytes.  Osteophyte suggested involving
the articular surface of the lateral femoral condyle.
Degenerative spurring intercondylar notch.  Mild degenerative
change patellofemoral articulation.  Small joint effusion.



Impression:  


Moderate degenerative change.  No definite fracture.  Consider
MRI.. 
============================================================================ 
For a change of pace, here's an MRI of my brain tumor!
=========================================================================
Procedure/Test Name:          BRAIN W/WO IV CONTRAST (MRI)
Date/Time Exam Performed:     01 Jun 2012 @ 1015
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          YAPUNCICH,VICTOR P
Reasons for Study:            Follow up brain tumor
Clinical History:             
National Patient Flag


CREATININE                 4/19/12 13:59     1.2
***************************

Collection DT       Spec  CREAT  CR-eGFR
04/19/2012 13:59 SERUM  1.2    66.6

Reason for requesting MRI: Follow up brain tumor -  Pt has follow
up appt with Denver neurosurgery on 6/13/12 @ 0830

Does the patient have ESRD? No Does the patient have an eGFR <
60ml/min in the last
30 days? No Does the patient have acute kidney injury and/or
significant liver
disease? No Does the patient have a liver or kidney transplant?
No







Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  WEIN,GREGORY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
MRI of the brain with and without contrast

Comparison: 1/24/11 and multiple earlier studies..

Technique: 20 cc Multihance utilized.


Findings: Increased T2 signal identified in the left superior
medulla oblongata, left side of the pons, left brachium pontis,
inferomedial left cerebellar hemisphere and superomedial left
cerebellar hemisphere sparing the vermis.  In addition there is
mild prominence of the left brachium pontis which effaces the
left side of the fourth ventricle. this is not enhance.  No
change in the size and distribution of the abnormality compared
to studies dating back to 5/3/7.

Scattered areas of increased T2 signal identified in the flair
pulse sequence throughout the white matter tracks of the cerebral
hemispheres.  These are stable.  In a patient of this age this
may represent chronic microangiopathic ischemic white matter
change.

No evidence of abnormal enhancement.

Corpus callosum, optic chiasm , pituitary gland and clivus normal
for age.

Mild volume loss not advanced for age.

No acute infarction.

Signal abnormality involving the inferior medial right frontal
cortex is noted which is stable compared to prior exams and may
represent evidence of remote posttraumatic encephalomalacia.
Prominent perivascular spaces in the inferior basal ganglia
redemonstrated and unchanged.  Perivascular space versus small
lacunar infarction right periventricular temporal lobe white
matter is stable..



Impression:  


Increased T2 signal identified in the left superior medulla
oblongata, left side of the pons, left brachium pontis,
inferomedial left cerebellar hemisphere and superomedial left
cerebellar hemisphere sparing the vermis.  In addition there is
mild prominence of the left brachium pontis which effaces the
left side of the fourth ventricle.  This may represent a low
grade glioma.  No change from prior studies.  No new findings.
 
=============================================================================
 
 
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE RIGHT W/O (MRI)
Date/Time Exam Performed:     13 Feb 2013 @ 0842
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          YAPUNCICH,VICTOR P
Reasons for Study:            rt knee pain
Clinical History:             
National Patient Flag


CREATININE                 2/7/13 08:53      1.4 H
********************


Collection DT       Spec  CREAT  CR-eGFR
02/07/2013 08:53 SERUM  1.4 H  55.5 L

Reason for requesting MRI: Right knee pain

Does the patient have ESRD? No. Does the patient have an eGFR <
60ml/min in the last 30 days? No. Does the patient have acute kidney injury and/or
significant liver disease? No. Does the patient have a liver or kidney transplant?
No






Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  MOUBRY,RONDLE M
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
MRI right knee: As demonstrated on plain film radiograph there is
medial compartment space narrowing with degenerative changes of
the knee.

There is some increased signal within the anterior cruciate
ligament suggesting partial tear.  The posterior cruciate
ligament is intact.

Quadriceps tendon and patellar ligaments are grossly intact.

Heterogeneous marrow is seen in the distal aspect of the femur
suggesting some hematogenous marrow.  Clinical correlation
recommended i.e. does patient have chronic illness.

The medial and lateral retinacula appear intact.  Small
suprapatellar bursal joint effusion is seen.  There is some
thinning of the posterior patellar cartilage consistent with
chondromalacia patella.

Medial and lateral collateral ligaments are intact.  There are
degenerative changes of the anterior and posterior horns of the
medial and lateral menisci with horizontal tear of the posterior
horn medial meniscus.  There is thinning of the anterior and
posterior horns of the lateral meniscus.



Impression:  
Degenerative changes.  Heterogeneous bone marrow signal.  Does
the patient have a chronic illness?

Degenerative changes of the knee with tear of the posterior horn
of the medial meniscus.

Partial tear/tendinosis of the anterior cruciate ligament.



=========================================================================
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE 2 VIEW RIGHT
Date/Time Exam Performed:     13 Feb 2013 @ 0841
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          YAPUNCICH,VICTOR P
Reasons for Study:            to be done in conjunction w/MRI per DVA
Clinical History:             
National Patient Flag

Reason for request: rt knee pain


Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  BEST,ALAN C
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
Comparison: MRI right knee from the same time, and radiographs
4/20/2012

Findings: Since prior exam there has been progression of medial
compartment joint space narrowing, now severe.  Mild lateral
compartment and moderate patellofemoral compartment joint space
loss.  Increased patellar osteophytes.  Unchanged 1.8-cm
heterotopic ossification posterior soft tissues of the proximal
leg.



Impression:  
Progression of severe medial compartment degenerative changes
and joint space loss.


=========================================================================
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE LEFT W/O (MRI)
Date/Time Exam Performed:     22 Aug 2013 @ 1339
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          YAPUNCICH,VICTOR P
Reasons for Study:            knee pain
Clinical History:             
Reason for requesting MRI: knee pain

CREATININE                 2/27/13 08:33     1.4 H
***************************

Collection DT       Spec CR-eGFR
07/02/2013 12:52 PLAS  51.3 L

Does the patient have ESRD, an eGFR < 60ml/min in the last
30 days, acute kidney injury or transplant and/or significant
liver disease or transplant? No


National Patient Flag


Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  WEIN,GREGORY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
MRI of the left knee.

Technique: Routine noncontrast MRI of the knee performed.

The study is limited due to patient motion

Findings:

Osseous structures: No acute fracture.  Gross narrowing medial
joint compartment with bone-on-bone appearance and complete
denudation of large areas of medial femoral condyle and medial
tibial plateau cartilage.  Severe grade 2 and 3 chondromalacia
lateral compartment.  The multiple large peripheral osteophytes.
Moderate joint effusion..

Cruciate ligaments: The anterior cruciate ligament is severely
degenerated but probably not torn.  The posterior cruciate
ligament intact..

Menisci: There is severe maceration of the body and posterior
horn of the medial meniscus which is displaced into the medial
gutter.  Moderate degeneration lateral meniscus without tear..

Collateral ligaments: The tibial collateral ligament is effaced
by the large medial osteophytes are grossly intact.  The tibial
collateral ligament intact.

Patella and extensor mechanism: Diffuse grade 2 and 3
chondromalacia and patella with a superficial blistering and
fissuring.  similar chondromalacia of the trochlear cartilage
with multiple large peripheral osteophytes.  Patellar retinaculum
intact.  Quadriceps tendon and patellar tendons grossly intact
with tendinosis of the distal patellar tendon.  Edema of Hoffa's
fat pad..

Surrounding soft tissues: No cyst or mass.

Posterolateral corner: Degenerative change.  No acute fracture.
There is popliteus tendinosis..



Impression:  
Advanced degenerative change detailed above.

Maceration medial meniscus.

Please see report for additional body/details.

=========================================================================
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE 2 VIEW LEFT
Date/Time Exam Performed:     22 Aug 2013 @ 1338
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          YAPUNCICH,VICTOR P
Reasons for Study:            knee pain
Clinical History:             
National Patient Flag

Reason for request: x-ray to be done in conjunction with MRI


Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  MOUBRY,RONDLE M
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
Left knee: Medial compartment space narrowing is noted.  A collar
and then spurring is seen.  Posterior patellar spurring is also
noted.  No fracture or dislocation.  Bone mineral density is
grossly normal.

Impression:  
Degenerative changes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE 2 VIEWS
Date/Time Exam Performed:     12 Feb 2009 @ 1332
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          GRAVES,CHARLES B
Reasons for Study:            To be done in conjunction w/MRI per DVA
Clinical History:             
left knee pain consistent with meniscal tear


Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  DONAHUE,FRANCIS I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
Severe medial, moderate patellofemoral and lateral joint
compartment narrowing with marginal and central osteophytes and
genu varus.  No joint effusion.  Patellar alignment cannot be
ascertained on axial images.



Impression:  
Tricompartmental osteoarthritis as described above



=========================================================================
Procedure/Test Name:          KNEE LEFT W/O (MRI)
Date/Time Exam Performed:     12 Feb 2009 @ 1331
Ordering Location:            SHERIDAN VAMC
Requesting Provider:          GRAVES,CHARLES B
Reasons for Study:            left knee pain consistent with meniscal tear
Clinical History:             


Performing Location:          SHERIDAN VAMC 1898 FORT ROAD, SHERIDAN 82801
Radiologist:                  DONAHUE,FRANCIS I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIOLOGY REPORT

Report:  
Maceration posteriorly horn medial meniscus with almost total
displacement of the medial meniscus into the medial gutter.
Opposing joint surface bone marrow edema and marginal
osteophytes.  There is extensive grade IV chondromalacia of the
medial joint compartment.  Synovitis medial gutter

No tears of the lateral meniscus.  Extensive low-grade
chondromalacia and marginal osteophytes.

Chronic ACL tear, intact PCL

Medial and lateral collateral support structures intact

Extensor mechanism is intact.  Patella anatomically aligned with
extensive low-grade chondromalacia of patellofemoral joint with
marginal osteophytes about the patella.  Patellofemoral ligaments
intact.

Small popliteal cyst.  No joint effusion.



Impression:  
Severe osteoarthritis medial joint compartment, moderate
osteoarthritis patellofemoral joint

ACL deficient knee, see above comments


--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 There you have it, yet the VA refuses to do a damn thing except give me pain meds. 
They even refused me physical therapy in the VA swimming pool due to the fact I
used up my limited number of billable visits, as the VA Managements rules. 
It is the only effective therapy for me at this time due to severe pain, 
and unable to use the land borne PT apparatus. the PT department has tried to
help as much as they were allowed to, but they had to follow managements 
outrageous rules. 

The folks in VISN-19 have their rules regarding weight, but I was told that
Black Hills VA Health Care System would have no problem doing my knees. I was also
told by a little bird that vets even heavier then me have had their knees fixed.
I am in pain 24/7/365, even with the pain meds. A few years back one of my primary 
care docs even asked if I wanted to take morphine. M-O-R-P-H-I-N-E!!!! Like they 
inject in battlefield serets.

Although I originally tore my ACL the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 2008, I didn't 
get the 1st MRI till February 2009 for 2 reasons, One, I was going to NY for 
Christmas to see family, siblings, parents, etc, some whom I hadn't seen in years,
so I didn't want to not go because of surgery, or whatever they do to fix ACLs. 
Secondly, I had to setup an appointment with a VA over 330+ miles away, the 
closest one to me that had an orthopedic department, although they could have done 
it here in Sheridan WY, as they had done with other vets who had situations that
prevented lengthy travel. In my case I had a car that I didn't even leave town with
yet they wanted me to drive almost 700 miles round trip, in my old beater car, 
actually a Ford Aerostar minivan, but still, it was old. I white knuckled my drive 
down to the Cheyenne VA that winter, fearful of a breakdown, or blizzard, or just 
the vehicle crapping out. I still have that same vehicle here today, and still 
throwing money into the money pit. There is another option, the DAV Van to get 
there and back is usually a 3-4 day event, so after the surgery, all the Post-Op
visits would take 1/2 week, just so they, the upper management and bean-counters
could get their performance bonuses!

My last letter and response to this issue to the director at the Sheridan VA, Ms.
Deb Hirshmann, she just blew me off anf told me to go and complain to the Chief of 
Staff for the docs, as she didn't want to deal with it. Propably didn't want to 
ruin her retirement/performance BONUS! 

For 6 YEARS I have lived in Constant Pain, only to have it get worse with each
passing day. My physical therapist once said, when I asked about my leg braces, 
and when to wear them, she said it doesn't matter, as your knees are so screwed
up, they are bone on bone now, and you'll be getting new knees soon (That was 
almost 2 years since she said this comment.) so don't worry about wearing them,
as they will not help.
 
 

Monday, July 28, 2014

We keep emailing

Hey, I get hundreds of e-mails from you all everyday, but I live at the poverty level on Social Security Disability. I'm also a veteran who has been waiting almost 6 years to get knee replacement surgery from the VA, so my life consists of me sitting at home, in extreme pain everyday and nothing else, and you wonder why 22 veterans a day commit suicide. Fucking help me, as you have all your rich wall street guys who can help you all, but quit bugging the shit out of me every single day for money---I DON"T HAVE ANY TO GIVE YOU ALL! PERIOD!
From: Steve
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2014 1:52 PM
Subject: FW: We keep emailing

Hey, just wanted to make sure you saw this email from President Obama?

----------Original Message----------

From: Barack Obama
Subject: We keep emailing


Joe Biden has emailed you.

Michelle has emailed you.

And now I've emailed you.

We wouldn't all be asking if it wasn't so important.

Right now, Republicans in Congress are trying to sue me for simply doing my job. Yes, it's outrageous. But it also makes this the most important fundraising deadline we've faced together. We're down to our last 72 hours and still coming up 100,000 donations short of our goal. Can I count on you?

All Gifts Today Triple-Matched!

If you've saved your payment information, your donation will go through immediately:

Thanks,

Barack Obama



Steve Israel
DCCC Chairman























Paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee | 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 863-1500 | www.dccc.org | Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

This message was sent to: williamharasym@msn.com | Change or update your email address by clicking here. We believe that emails are a crucial way for our campaign to stay in touch with supporters. Click here if you'd like to unsubscribe from these messages. Thanks for your support of Democrats!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Sheridan VA Medical Center Screws Up Again!

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Attention: Secretary Eric K. Shinseki
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20420

Dear Secretary Eric K. Shinseki,

The enclosed letter is a copy of the letter I sent to Director Debra Hirschman of the Sheridan VA Healthcare System in Sheridan, WY.

What they are doing to me and others is unconscionable, but it is a little fiefdom with it's own rules and agenda. And the bean counters who are out of touch with us real veterans.

Thank You for you time and any considerations regarding my letter. The entire VA is not bad, just bits and pieces, but they matter a lot.

Sincerely,
William D. Harasym
USAF Veteran and Disabled

____________________________________________________________ 

Enclosed Letter originally to Debra Hirschman, Director at Sheridan VA Healthcare System:

Director Hirschman
VAMC
1898 Fort Rd.
Sheridan, WY  82801

Dear Director Hirschman,

The Sheridan VA Medical Center of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs really messed with me today, and I'm not going to take this sitting down.

I had 2 appointments today, one after the other. The 1st appointment I scheduled, and it was in their computer system. The 2nd one was scheduled by their appointment czar, (A month ago.) who I'm guessing has a computer too, and would have seen a conflict if one was there, but she didn't.
My 1st appointment was over at MHC, and I went to book my next appointment at MHC, but there was a line of a few vets also doing that. (Usually there isn't.) The guy at the window was taking forever, as I looked at my watch and saw it was almost time for my 2nd appointment. After 5-7 minutes I finally got my turn and did it as fast as possible, like <2 minutes, and asked the lady at the desk to call over to primary-care to tell them I was on my way.

I rushed over there, breaking the speed limit on campus to get there, and doing it on a forearm crutch and 2 really screwed-up & horribly bad knees, one that has needed surgery for over 5 years now (No ACL, torn meniscus and much more---it's bone on bone right now.), but the VA says I'm too fat, so suffer sucker! I get there at the front desk to check in, and there is another line of over 1/2 dozen folks, so I had to wait another 15-20 minutes there (They only had one person on duty when they usually have 2.) and I finally checked in. She said the previous appointment people called and let her and triage know I was on my way. She apologized for the delay and said have a seat, and they'll call you back soon, to see the doc. I sat there another 7-8 minutes, and one of the nurses came out and said the doc is already seeing the 2 o'clock appointment, and that he can't see you today, so come back Friday, on May 23. 2014. I was pissed, and still am. What kind of fucking circus are you running there?

It was the VA's archaic system that caused the delays, yet the VA decided I was their scapegoat and the one to fuck over today! It's bullshit, and I will be informing the IG of this and a plethora of other evil acts by the VA. I've always had the VA's back, but it seems they don't have mine. On some issues, you live in a black and white world, on others, it becomes a gray area, but this shape-shifts to accommodate whatever the rule du jour is, and who's interpreting it.

I'm a Ukrainian Bear---Gentle when stroked, Fierce when provoked!

My mom died just a few months ago, and I'm not a happy camper, and that's what I discussed with my psychiatrist today, my current state of depression (Oh, I'm bi-polar too, so depression is not a good thing for someone who is bi-polar, just speaking from experience.) and then what does the VA do?- They decide their world had to be black and white today, and fuck the vet because he is a little late, as it's never the VA's fault! How many times over the last 30+ years I've been using the VA have my doctors been late, or even no shows for appointments? Scores of times, but did we send them home? I think not. This was bullshit and I want an apology, and the opportunity to schedule an appointment at my convenience, not some nurse's or doc's.

While I'm venting, let's talk about my knees—-they are screwed-up, and pretty soon I'll need a wheelchair of some sort just to get around, due to the VA's obstinate behavior. When a person is in pain, and can't walk, there isn't many exercises they can do except water aerobics and water physical therapy. But the VA in Sheridan is run by idiots, and you're only allowed a few visits, then they tell you to go to the YMCA. Why, when the VA has the facilities, and space for veterans to use the pool every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm. Why do I have to give a private religious party (YMCA) my personal and financial information all because we have idiot bean counters running the VA? That is a sin! Never mind the separation of church and state.

That brings me to my knees---I tore my left ACL 5 ½ years ago, and then everything else fell apart. Now both knees are screwed up and the VA does shit. If my knees were replaced like I was told 22 years ago would happen in a few years, then I could walk, and do exercise. But you folks do thing ass-backwards, and are inconsistent. Last year a friend's husband hurt his shoulder, and within 3 months he was getting surgery. He too was suppose to go to Cheyenne VA (Like I'm suppose to do with my 23 year old car that I don't even drive out of town for fear of it dying or breaking down.) for surgery, but his wife cried saying it was too far for the family (They have 3 new vehicles and their only child just got her nursing degree here in Sheridan.) and inconvenient. So they let them do the surgery here with a local orthopedic surgeon. I've been begging this for years and they just laugh at me.

Thanks for you time. Enclose is the appointment card I got today, along with the other waste of paperwork I also received. Recycle it, and use your IT system the way it's suppose to, not half-assed like it is now! Everyday is Veteran's Day at the VA! Yeah Right!

Sincerely,
William D. Harasym

cc:  VA Office of Inspector General - Richard J. Griffin- Acting Inspector General
       The Secretary Of Veterans Affairs - Eric K. Shinseki
       VISN Network Director - Mr. Ralph T. Gigliotti
       Congressperson Cynthia Lummis
       Senator John Barrasso
      Senator Mike Enzi
      The N.Y. Times Newspaper

 

LEAP