The VA and Goverment and you

[alex44]

Folks - as a vet, I can tell you that everything you read about the VA and how they treat vets is TRUE. More then that I will not say - except the Gov. is everywhere, right down to your shoppers card, You might get an e-mail from your hospital or Dr. saying " are you eating too much of this or are you drinking too much" based on big data centers that collect the data and then re-sell it. I am not a paranoid - read the paper or on the web - Just be aware!
Blessed Be
Alex44
Skypilot

[Mark N]

Alex, at this point I am thankful I was denied VA care early on and have stayed outside the system. You are right about our increasing lack of privacy and I am not sure if there is much we can do about it. I do know as early as the mid 1970s when I was in the Defense Intelligence Agency that NSA was copying every message and phone call sent by wireless phones. The difference then is what was used, they were only looking for keywords to indicate a closer look without saving the majority of messages. However as we have moved to cell phones and emails it is easier to trap these messages because once they hit the air anyone can copy them. I guess the real concern is how this info is used and how intrusive it gets because not only gov't but businesses and individuals can mine personal data from our computer usage. Welcome to the 'Brave New World'.

[alex44]

Mark - You are right. I am going to see how much they help but Thankfully I also have Medicaid and have a few doc's that will probably help me. the last one was a nightmare and I intend on contacting the state medical board. You were VERY smart to stay out of the VA. yeah, the gov't. All my computers are now hacked, I am taking measures, for obvious reasons I will not say what, just make sure you have a good firewall, Use MAC filtering on your router if you have a home network, and a good antivirus program. If you have questions on the MAC filtering just PM me and I can walk you thru it, it is a good way to secure your network.
Thank you for the reply
Blessed Be
Alex44
Skypilot

[Mark N]

Alex, good advice about the computers and router. My son is home and he is our computer whiz so he keeps us up to date on security matters. I am glad to hear you are contacting the state medical board as it seems like you were treated properly by the last doctor.

[alex44]

Thanks Mark - thank to my previous doc, I am now on HALF of what I was on - but i am grateful for that. I am glad you son is home, and keeping your security tight. I am currently dealing with a Nasty virus, a keylogger, I think, as well as - well who knows. I took that computer, My best one, off line and am now using my backup that I pray is not infected - i have done numerous scans as I do not wish to place anyone else at risk or I would not be posting. I am now facing dental issues that were masked buy my previous dose - does the VA care - NO. oh well - thats life. Hope this finds you and yours well.
Blessings
Alex44
Skypilot

[alex44]

Hi - Found out today that to get an appointment at the VA, I have to talk to the nurse's Nurse first. This is BS. look in the paper at Phoenix - they don't like outsiders coming in to manage the place. Well tough. Why can't I have a REAL DOCTOR? and she set my next appointment THREE months down the line - for a PM - that is BS too. I am hoping things get better.
blessings
Alex44
Skypilot

[Mark N]

Alex, it is BS the way AZ VA is treating you and others. I hope it turns around soon and you actually get seen by a doctor. I wish this would get reported in the media more so people would realize what they are being promised with ACA is BS. Like you I am hoping things get better and that you have things turn around for you. PS I have dental issues too from my medication causing dry mouth. It seems like we have many issues due to pain and spinal conditions.

[alex44]

Mark - My new doc. is a slave to what the witch of an old doc - she cut everything in half - she even TRIED to get my Xanax cut - she never gave me any and so that did not fly. Got my labs back along with her report for the second visit - she seems determined NOT to give me an increase, Thanks to that witch at the medicaid clinic. I see my VA Psyc. very soon, have been keeping a pain diary - I have to struggle to keep it clean of swear words,:) , the VA RNP seems to want to do as little as possible for me, I have a problem particuler to males, saw her monday, saidf she had to see the DR. to see which specialist i should go to - Now Saturday - left a message this friday - no call back, this is the kind of garbage that went on in phoenix, I am going to see if I can get the papers' here, which have been all over the VA Scandel in Phoenix to have a look here, if not the IG will here from me. I think they want me to go away since I do not have a service connected disability (Although I think otherwise) what B.S. Sorry about the rant but I am pissed she has not gone over some abnormal labs - I want a REAL doctor, tried to explain that my previous Nurse Practioner had issues and was being punitive towards me in cutting my meds, I guess since she is one, she blew me off. Saw in the paper the other day that RNP'S want more Privlidges - i guess they want to feel like god, like a doc, not that they don't already. - I do not support that idea and will be very vocal about it. I am sure there are a few good one's out there, but she is not one of them. Lot of other things to say - BUT this is a public forum so mum is the word about future plans. Hope this finds you and yours doing well Mark, Know of any good medicine that is Gout speciific - my big toe is MISERY - Any advice is appreciated.
Blessings to all
Alex44
Skypilot

[Mark N]

Alex, sorry I have been away for a while as we had to go out of town and now it takes me a week to recover. Your story is another tragedy from VA. I know all doctors aren't aware of the problems uncontrolled pain causes but it seem like VA is especially unhelpful. I fear our gov't and people that don't know any better are going to put everyone in the same boat down the road. I just don't see the advantages outweighing the negatives of single payer that so many think they want. I wish there were another way you could get health care as it is clear VA isn't doing the job.

[Mike Weins]

Hi Alex :)

I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hell of a time with the VA :( Do you know if you have a Veteran's Service Office nearby? They are usually staffed by veterans that work with other vets to get through the bs with the VA admin. They could also advise you towards your next step if you have filled a disability claim in the past. Or if you have not filed yet, they can help you file for one.

[alex44]

Mike and all others - thank you for the concern, I am writing to who I can and hoping for the best. More Later as a lot of medical stuff is going on here
Blessings
Alex44
Skypilot

[Eva 14]

Alex, I'm so sorry to read about how badly the V.A. is treating you. I don't understand how the government can treat its veterans so poorly.

I'm in terrible pain due to pharmacy problems, but of course I have the freedom to choose another pharmacy (which I will, ASAP).

So sorry that you weren't allowed to see a real doctor. Then to have your pain med dose cut in half---that's horrible. I hope things get better for you.

Best Wishes,
Eva

[Mark N]

Eva, I hope you find a pharmacy that works with you. The scary part of Alex's situation is the # of people that want all of us in a one payer system which is what the VA is.

[alex44]

thank you ALL -
blessings to all
Skypilot
Alex44

[Mark N]

Alex, I hope you are doing better and have found a better doctor by now. I am still on the seesaw as some days are good and other days the pain takes over. I am thankful for the good days but still would like to have more good days. I feel bad for you as I do know what it is like to not have enough pain medication and trying to get the pain under control. Take care.