Some times it works.

First let me say thanks to all of you. I have had offers to drive me to Biloxi, bring me food, offers to help with my medications and many letters of support. This seems to fly in the face of the news we hear about how cold and uncaring we are as a society. Only a very few of you know me personally yet, like the Good Samaritan in the Bible, you offered your help with no thought of pay back. Words fail to express my gratitude.

Most of the time when we hear of the VA health system, we heard of some failure or malpractice that has occurred. I am sure like any health program, it happens..
But there are also 1000s of procedures that preformed that are very very successful.
I have been going to VA for over a year. I have never been treated better in my life..
The doctors I have met have been some of the best I have even seen.
I have been humbled by the entire experience.

Some times it works. This week was proof positive that America is still a damn good place to live.

HG:

I wish I were there to offer you more direct support, but I do know that you have a great group of folks in your corner to offer such and know you're not lacking that in any way.

Your accounts of how well you've been treated at the VA have warmed my heart, and likewise, the gratitude you have shown and expressed to your doctors, nurses and caregivers in Biloxi. All too frequently people only give negative feedback and neglect to give positive feedback. I do my best to do the opposite and give well deserved praise, although sometimes I fail in that in weak moments. You are a true inspiration and a wonderful person.

I'm so glad that your procedure went so well, and I agree with you wholeheartedly... America is a damned fine place to live.

Be well, my friend. I am so happy that you are on the mend.

No Problem I think they have a special section for them.. They even handle catastrophic injuries.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZu-p4BycYM/UCDFNMugjuI/AAAAAAAADbU/T34uGgY7CCI/s1600/Army_Cat_by_crazyhobo.jpg

After working in medicine for many years, the words I heard the least were "thank you", even after staying 1/2 hr late after they wandered into the office with coffee from Starbucks. The biggest complaint I have is patients not showing up for appointments or calling to cancel it. I agree the VA does a great job with the restrictions they have.

hallmarkgrad wrote:

First let me say thanks to all of you. I have had offers to drive me to Biloxi, bring me food, offers to help with my medications and many letters of support. This seems to fly in the face of the news we hear about how cold and uncaring we are as a society. Only a very few of you know me personally yet, like the Good Samaritan in the Bible, you offered your help with no thought of pay back. Words fail to express my gratitude.

Most of the time when we hear of the VA health system, we heard of some failure or malpractice that has occurred. I am sure like any health program, it happens..
But there are also 1000s of procedures that preformed that are very very successful.
I have been going to VA for over a year. I have never been treated better in my life..
The doctors I have met have been some of the best I have even seen.
I have been humbled by the entire experience.

Some times it works. This week was proof positive that America is still a damn good place to live.

HG with the somewhat new VA facility here in Pensacola, why do they still send veterans over to Biloxi for treatment? What is offered here?

Wonderful news to hear you're doing better and the operation was successful. I wish you all the best in your recovery, HG!

Ghost_Rider1949 wrote:

hallmarkgrad wrote:

First let me say thanks to all of you. I have had offers to drive me to Biloxi, bring me food, offers to help with my medications and many letters of support. This seems to fly in the face of the news we hear about how cold and uncaring we are as a society. Only a very few of you know me personally yet, like the Good Samaritan in the Bible, you offered your help with no thought of pay back. Words fail to express my gratitude.

Most of the time when we hear of the VA health system, we heard of some failure or malpractice that has occurred. I am sure like any health program, it happens..
But there are also 1000s of procedures that preformed that are very very successful.
I have been going to VA for over a year. I have never been treated better in my life..
The doctors I have met have been some of the best I have even seen.
I have been humbled by the entire experience.

Some times it works. This week was proof positive that America is still a damn good place to live.

HG with the somewhat new VA facility here in Pensacola, why do they still send veterans over to Biloxi for treatment? What is offered here?

I'm not sure what services the local VA provides. I do know one of our finest retired GI specialists is now working for the VA clinic in Pensacola.

HG with the somewhat new VA facility here in Pensacola, why do they still send veterans over to Biloxi for treatment? What is offered here?

I really dont know except that maybe the VA in Biloxi is a hospital while our Pensacola VA is more of a out patient/Clinic . I started here but then they handed me off to Biloxi where they had better facilities and more doctors. Not to say that the Pensacola is sub standard by any means just that VA in Biloxi is complete Medical center. The latest news is that the Pensacola VA is going to start working the the Naval Hospital. So they will be able to handle some of the procedures that are now done in Biloxi. If that happens it will really change the face of health care for many of us. To be honest it is a hassle to go to Biloxi and i have given thought to using a private doctor, but the quality and caring of the staff in Biloxi is very very good. At one time I swore I would never let VA touch me. I know first hand of some bad things that they have done. But times have changed and I honestly Believe they operate under a new vision.
To be honest I sometimes feel guilty about using them. I was in the Army 50 years ago. A long damn time ago and I only spent 4 years. To think that some form of government is expected to take care of your health for the rest life is somewhat of a unrealistic expectation. I am grateful that they do but in some ways it just doesn't seem right. Many people have done much more than me and have received less.

My dad went the the VA hospital in Biloxi years ago. I think the VA did the best they could back then with what they had, and my dad seemed to get good treatment there. But back then, the hospital was run down looking. It looked as if they were operating on a shoestring budget.

hallmarkgrad wrote:

HG with the somewhat new VA facility here in Pensacola, why do they still send veterans over to Biloxi for treatment? What is offered here?

I really dont know except that maybe the VA in Biloxi is a hospital while our Pensacola VA is more of a out patient/Clinic . I started here but then they handed me off to Biloxi where they had better facilities and more doctors. Not to say that the Pensacola is sub standard by any means just that VA in Biloxi is complete Medical center. The latest news is that the Pensacola VA is going to start working the the Naval Hospital. So they will be able to handle some of the procedures that are now done in Biloxi. If that happens it will really change the face of health care for many of us. To be honest it is a hassle to go to Biloxi and i have given thought to using a private doctor, but the quality and caring of the staff in Biloxi is very very good. At one time I swore I would never let VA touch me. I know first hand of some bad things that they have done. But times have changed and I honestly Believe they operate under a new vision.
To be honest I sometimes feel guilty about using them. I was in the Army 50 years ago. A long damn time ago and I only spent 4 years. To think that some form of government is expected to take care of your health for the rest life is somewhat of a unrealistic expectation. I am grateful that they do but in some ways it just doesn't seem right. Many people have done much more than me and have received less.

Don't sell yourself short. As you know, the VA is not just for retired veterans but also for those who served for 180 days as was honorable discharged. You have every right to use the benefits that are afforded you as you served your country and for that I am thankful. As I said please do not sell yourself short, you deserve the care you are receiving.

Ghost_Rider1949 wrote:

Don't sell yourself short. As you know, the VA is not just for retired veterans but also for those who served for 180 days as was honorable discharged. You have every right to use the benefits that are afforded you as you served your country and for that I am thankful. As I said please do not sell yourself short, you deserve the care you are receiving.

AMEN TO THAT, BROTHER!