The VA Health Care

The VA, supposedly a great resource. It is supposed to be there for veterans so that they can have health care when they need it. Supposedly.

First, i found out I was pregnant. I knew I needed to set up health care. I was hoping to set it up with a doctor closer to me seeing as how I live 2 hours from the nearest VA Hospital. I called in to ask how to make this happen. I was willing to do all the leg work. I was willing to get the paperwork. I was willing to fax the information. I had to call 14 times. I only spoke to actually 2 people who didn't say , "I don't really know, let me transfer you." Finally after I bawled my eyes out to a secretary at the women's center (bless her heart) and i yelled a little bit. I finally got to someone who could help me with the health care. She said I needed to go to the ER at the VA Hospital and have them prove i was pregnant and write up a consult. DONE! I took the day off work and headed to the VA hospital. 

I went to the ER that morning. First I show up and I don't speak to a nurse, or get my name on a list, i don't go to a triage. I take a number, similar to the system at a deli or the passport office. I then sat down among around 80 other people. Some old, some young, some were coughing, some were bleeding, some were in wheelchairs, some were crying. I was baffled. It was depressing. All these people sitting around waiting in an EMERGENCY ROOM!! Some had been there for an hour and a half without even seeing a nurse yet. 

Finally I got to see a nurse. Because I was pregnant. I got a room. but there were people sitting in the hallways being seen by nurses and doctors. Trust me...this place is FAR FAR FAR from sanitary, let alone sterile enough to be placing IV's. After sitting in a room for probably 30 minutes i see a doctor. I explain why I am there. "I have Hyperemisis Gravidarum" I tell him. He looks at me like I am cray cray. I then realize he has no idea what Hyperemisis is. Hyper: A lot Emisis: Throwing up. You are an ER doctor (supposedly equipped for trauma) and you don't even know what Hyperemisis is...SERIOUSLY?? Anyways after I finish explaining to him what it is and that i need a consult so I can get health care. He disappears and sends a nurse in. 

This nurse carries his medical supplies in a fanny pack. No cart, a fanny pack. Then he proceeds to place an IV . He was awful at it. I could probably give myself my own IV better at this point. Hooks me up to fluids. He leaves. I'm alone in again. i start really looking around at the room at this point. Because I am bored. 

Bed: Too short for even half of my body. Covered in paper. Dirty.

Walls and Ceiling: Moldy and sinking in. 

Sink: Caked in dirt

Floor: Also caked in dirt.

I wish I would have taken pictures of every inch of that place. I imagine that it is like this in a lot of  countries other than ours. I also imagine other countries have much better facilities for people who have served in the military. 

A couple hours later I find that I have health care set up! WOOT! I finally pack up and go home. Unfortunately having to step over a few people sitting in the hallways waiting for my room. (which had I not had to go to the emergency room to fulfill my health care I wouldn't have had to fill.)

Few days later: Can't get infusion therapy because the healthcare doesn't work. i had to call them again. This time I knew who to yell at and cry to. I got through to someone. "Oh I am sorry, don't worry you are set up again." 

Few days later: I got an infection in my arm (that is the next blog post to come) i had to go to the ER and get antibiotics. The VA threw a fit. AGAIN. I called AGAIN. Yelled..AGAIN. They told me, "we set it up now, you should not have any more problems. "

a week or so later: My doctor admits me because I need fluids and nutrients. I am in there for a few days. 

Today: The VA calls ME and asks ME if my being admitted to the hospital was medically necessary. I explained to them. It was. After fighting FINALLY they will pay for it. 

All I can say is:

This system is corrupt. it needs to be fixed. I may not have had to lay my life on the line, but a lot of those vets have. This needs to changed. A real emergency room. A triage. An office to get health care. No numbers. Just an emergency room, with enough rooms. Clean equipment, educated doctors, and more nurses. 

Please share this and any of your stories and help get this changed.