19/01/2009 08:43 - pa_Carolina1

Dear barnel, I'm in receipt of your email and am answering it in more detail. For the sake of you - and everyone else reading here. One thing to consider is access to other treatments -- in addition or instead of surgery and medications. Most of the people that I know who are successfully controlling their pain are using a combination of treatments. Of course -- there's the added challenge of getting those treatments approved and getting an appointment! Have you read our Treatment Options publication? It's full of great information. I would really recommend checking it out. Here's a link to our publications page: http://www.painfoundation.org/page.asp?file=Publications/Index.htm Also -- contact your patient representative to discuss the problems with access to timely appointments. These issues need to be documented so that we can see some positive changes in the timely access to care. Have you sought assistance from a VSO such as the DAV, American Legion, VFW, etc.? They have extensive experience in advocating for us -- and they know how to get results. Definitely something to check into. Semper Fi! PA_Carolina APF/PainAid Team American Pain Foundation Combined Federal Campaign Designation: 22290 A United Voice of Hope and Power over Pain "The views or opinions contained herein do not necessarily represent those of PainAid or of The American Pain Foundation."

22/01/2009 13:54 - creedy@yahoo.com

Hi Barbnel I am Carl Reedy and I really know the feeling that you are going through because I seen it in my wifes eyes before and even now with the injuries I have. Do not give up on the VA if your husband is service connected then push the issue and call them all the time and eventually they will get the ball rolling. Lord knows I was in the same cercumstance and I pushed hard and got some results. There are a few orgainizations that hae help and will help with your cituation like PA_Carolina gave you. I use the Disabled Veterans to represent me in my cases and appeals and I am very pleased that they are working for me. E-Mail me at carlreedy23@yahoo.com and I will give you some info of groups that will help you with bills gas elec ect. If you need it. For God and Country CR

22/01/2009 14:10 - bwilliams

Ive been thru this myself. The VA has regs that state that if your dr says you require treatment and they cant take care oof it they have to send you fee based to a private dr/surgeon. Get with your patient advocate and ask about this Ijust went thru all that for a bladder procedure. If your dr says you dont require the surgery, you can demand to see a different dr. Wiith VA you have to almost fight for everything these days. I wish I could get VA to handle my ppain but all they offer is feee base and in my situation it would be more trouble than its worth.