Hi Brett,
You beat me to the punch. I was going to suggest the new program that gives vets the right to see docs outside the VA, but you already thought of it. Please keep us posted on what develops.
Maybe it'll turn out to be the scar tissue issue that Phil mentioned. I had some pain and swelling inside my left breast after my 5x CABG surgery but it felt like a muscle pull (even though I knew it wasn't) and I just assumed it was scar tissue from when they removed my left mammary artery to bypass my widowmaker artery. It took about 6 months, but the feeling did go away eventually.
All the best and stay safe, friend.
Ira
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Ira Reid
Hoboken NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2020 08:58
From: Brett Temple
Subject: Question for the group
Hi Ira. Thanks for responding. I live in Sarasota, FL. I've been thinking for awhile that I need to get a second opinion but the challenge I face is that as a combat wounded veteran who gets his primary healthcare through the V.A., it's difficult to get one. That's where a lot of my frustration stems from. Although I am grateful for the V.A. and all they provide for us veterans, their doctors aren't real good at following up on issues like this. They look at one thing and if it's it not that, they don't carry it any further. They don't stop and say "Well, it wasn't that. What can we look at next? What else could it be." I want to believe that it's just that their workload is so great instead of just total lack of concern.
They have just recently made it easier for a veteran to see doctors outside the V.A. system, however, so I'm hoping that will open up the opportunity to see another doctor. I already had a my quarterly check-up scheduled with cardiologist at the V.A. scheduled for next week and I'm going to push hard to allow me to see another doctor. The cardiologist who performed my heart cath at the hospital here in Sarasota is a good doctor and has offered to see me in his office so I'm hoping I can get a referral to see him. Wish me luck!
Original Message------
Brett,
You didn't mention where you live, but I think you need to get a second opinion from another cardiologist. There's obviously something wrong somewhere that a fresh set if eyes may find. Folks here are good at recommending doctors if you give us your location.
Best,
Ira
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Ira Reid
Hoboken NJ
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