My Ongoing VA Journey [View all]

I'm relatively new to the VA; I signed up with them in November of last year. This March was my first VA medical appointment with the Hearing Guys. This May i was seen for cataracts.

On May 8 I went in for cataract testing. Wowsa.

This time they used three kinds of drops to dialate my eyes. After another thorough examination, we went off to another room to measure my eyeballs for the replacement lens.

After this was done, the Dr. took me to the lady who schedules ORs for cataract surgery. (Let's call her Jane.) We chatted briefly and I told her "The inability to see is impacting my quality of life; you can call me at 0330 and I will be there by 0530". Evidently she listened. She told me I was tentatively scheduled for surgery in June, but she had a cancellation and did I want a May 21 surgery date? O my, I jumped on that like Louie Ghomert jumps on stupid.

The next day, Friday, I received a call for the VA asking me if I wanted to do the surgery this coming Wednesday, 5.14. They had one question about an implanted heart monitor; I'm off to my HMO tomorrow morning to see if I can get the type of device implanted in 2006.

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My reflections on the VA to date:

1. They are professional.
2. I know the West Roxbury VA has the best Spinal Cord care in the entire VA.
3. I'm glad I was not going to the VA 40 years ago (think Agent Orange). The VA has come a long way in 40 years. .
4. I like Secretary Eric K. Shinseki; he's doing one hellova job.