Kudo's to the VA -

KenK/84Bravo

Was initially told it would be "3-4 months to schedule a Stress Test." I have to have one prior to scheduling my nasal surgery to show I can handle the Anesthesia and Surgery without croaking on the Table.

Just got a call, (asked my Surgery Scheduling Specialist at the Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery Center to "light a fire under the VA to speed up the process.") They were going to try and get me in this week (as early as tommorow) but for an Echocardiogram not a Stress Test. I explained the situation. They have me scheduled for next Mon. the 5th. (Much Mo Betta than 3 mo. from now.)

Pleased.

KenK/84Bravo

Unfortunately, a Covid test, and a couple injections to inject Radioactive isotopes prior to and during the Stress test. (Not a big fan of needles.) They give me the Heeby Jeebys.

Oh well. Making progress.

bustedknee

I hate doctors.

I do not trust doctors.

I hate the VA.

I do not trust the VA

But good luck anyway....

Keep us updated. And if they amputate your nose and one leg then loose them in a dumpster full of ballots don't come complaining to me. (humor)

Bubba Jr.

KenK/84Bravo said:

Unfortunately, a Covid test, and a couple injections to inject Radioactive isotopes prior to and during the Stress test. (Not a big fan of needles.) They give me the Heeby Jeebys.

Oh well. Making progress.

I had that stress test with nuclear imaging earlier this year. There was more waiting than action. The worst part for me was laying on the bed with my arms over my head while the scanner hovered over me. When I had my heart operation my sternum healed up unevenly, and that posture put a lot of stress on that area. Other than that, it was pretty much a non-event (compared to some of the other crap I've had done to me). They told me that there would be no after-effects of the radiation, but in my case, my urine smelled pretty bad for several days afterwards. The half-life of the radiation is 6 hours, so it takes about 10 days for it to completely deplete itself.

I've had so many needles poked in me that it doesn't bother me at all. I have to do it every day to check my blood glucose level also.

You'll handle it OK Ken.

mogley98

I have to say the VA here in Charleston has been great, they use MUSC also so I have had some stuff done there as well. Good luck with all that Ken, I thought you had posted previously the VA wouldn't take you due to making too much money that year?

Has it already been a year or did they recapitulate

Bill

hobo9650

VA here sucks.  My dr is from China who speaks only limited English.  Last visit was by phone since they won't allow ANYONE to come inside.  They were not impressed when I told them to get bent.

Butchdog2

84, where is your heart doc, and who is he if you don't mind

JasonV

I have had a couple stress tests at the VA. Quick in and out no problems.

JimmyJack

VA hasnt done me any favors.  Id go back if I didnt have any other options.

KenK/84Bravo

https://forums.gunbroker.com/discussion/comment/11218789#Comment_11218789

It used to be Nick Cavros over in Abingdon (Johnston Memorial) up until about a year ago. (Very good reputation.) Was seen for the 1st time by a Cardiologist at the VA, about a month ago, 1st time being in the VA. (They pretty much closed down for 6 mo. due to Covid.) He reviewed all the Medical records I had brought with me including my two most recent Echocardiograms (one being esophageal.) The results (I had not been told by previous Dr at that point.) Were not as bad as what I was expecting.

We discussed the main reason for my coming in was to be Medically cleared for Surgery on my nose. He got me the VA referreral necessary for a private practice Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist. Told me I would have to come back in for a Stress Test before he would clear me. (Initially I was told that would be in another 3-4 mo.) They are still only running about 25% of capacity. Whatever the Surgery Scheduling person told them when they called my VA Cardiologist seemed to get them to move. (My nose is pretty bad.) Happy we are moving forward compared to my waiting another 4 mo. and then how ever long it would be until able to schedule Nasal Surgery.

hillbille

VA can be slow if you don't push them, I normally just agree with what ever appointment they want to make, but for my hip replacement I also need the cariologist to sighn off on me, VA at first said it would be about month and a half before I could see him, I told them sorry it is scheduled in less than 2 weeks, you all approved the surgery date not me, I had put it off about 3 months at this point to clear the holidays, next day I got a call and was scheduled with cardiologist the following day, EKG, echo, and in face meeting, guess the cardiologist found out and told them to get me in there imediatly, he is a great guy and goes out of his way with all the dealings I have had with him.  I have heard the horror stories about the VA for years, but for me I can honestly say they have saved my life twice and have treated me great........... I am sure all will go well and once you get the nose rotorrootered, you will wonder what all the strange smells are around the house

Butchdog2

My Doc is in JC med center. Dr, Hamati, Best of the best in my opinion.