Winfield said:
Michael, I'm sorry to hear your health problems have become
so severe. I was hoping the VA would get you back on track,
but now I wonder if they've diagnosed you properly? Could
it be that at this point you're suffering more from the cure
(medications) than the illness?
Win, thank you for your concern. They are treating symptoms, not the
real problem. Thanks to Congress the VA is not allowed to treat it. My
doctor (at least the current one) agrees that my teeth all have to come
out. I have had a problem with low level infections most of my life.
This infection is in my jawbone, at the roots of my teeth.
Under a law passed by congress, teeth are NOT a medical issue. Well,
at least for Veterans. Period. End of story. Don't you even think
about asking us again! OTOH, these same morons can got into any
military medical facility at any time they want, and get free dental
care. They don't need appointments, and can cut in front of any
soldier's health care, unless they are surgery.
There are three very small groups of Veterans that are granted dental
care:
1: Just discharged from active duty, and no care was available where
you were stationed.
2: You were being treated when you were discharged. They will continue
care for a brief period.
3: Homeless for over 60 days.
The VA will do the work if you can pay their price in advance, or
sign papers to allow it to be deducted from your disability pension.
Their rate is higher than some private practices. If I let them do the
work, I would be homeless.
I had oral surgery to remove a hollow stump that was cutting my
tongue a few months ago, thanks to some friends that got together and
raised the money. The oral surgeon that did the work refuses to pull
the nine remaining teeth because he can't see any reason for them to
cause pain. He said it was just the nerves in the jaw bone being
affected by the one infected tooth. He was wrong. Not that it matters,
because there is no way I can afford the $250 per tooth, for nine
teeth. That is over 20% of my income for the year.
The County health office refused to help, because "We only treat
women and children's dental problems.". (Plus all of the illegal
aliens.) They didn't want to give me any help at all, because "Oh, you
know that the Federal government takes care of everything for you vets,
and we have to help all these unmarried women (and their illegitimate
kids)!".
The state dental college in Gainsville is no help. Their prices
aren't that great, its a several hour trip, and they play a daily
lottery to see who gets treated that day.
As the infection level changes, it affects the blood sugar and
pressure, and causes more or less swelling in my legs. While I was on
antibiotics to prepare for the oral surgery the swelling went completely
down, and all the pressure sores dried up in under 48 hours. I had to
stop taking all my medications, but my blood sugar and pressure were
almost normal without them. The constant pain and numbness in my left
hand and arm was barely noticeable. My vision was the sharpest it had
been in years.
In spite of all this, the VA isn't allowed to do what's needed. They
spent more on additional medications last year than it would have cost
to do the dental work. About $6,000 more.
--
Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to
prove it.
Member of DAV #85.
Michael A. Terrell
Central Florida
