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Many vets that I speak with are not medically proficient, just like me. Therefore I found for many that their medical lessons are from friends and colleagues, unfortunately some of their sources are at the local watering hole.
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Health Healthcare
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 4
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After 2 heart surgeries and 4 back surgeries, I have to be involved. Being married to a nurse helps!
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I have become extremely well versed in medicine, through a) becoming disabled and dealing with multiple health problems. b) working as a DAV service officer; something I recommend as a great way to help other vets AND learn a lot. c) My brother is a senior Paramedic Instructor, and he has taught me a lot.
It is vital to know as much as one can about one's health issues. Only you can advocate for yourself and manage your care. No-one else can or will do so. If you're unable, then hopefully you have a spouse/partner/close friend who can do this for you, and hold your medical decision making proxy.
At the same time, it is vital to have Advanced Directives for life saving/ending care on record at any hospital where you are treated. For the VA use VA Form 10-0137, available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms.
Also, ALWAYS carry a complete medication list in your wallet (not your smartphone, since they are usually password protected)...
It is vital to know as much as one can about one's health issues. Only you can advocate for yourself and manage your care. No-one else can or will do so. If you're unable, then hopefully you have a spouse/partner/close friend who can do this for you, and hold your medical decision making proxy.
At the same time, it is vital to have Advanced Directives for life saving/ending care on record at any hospital where you are treated. For the VA use VA Form 10-0137, available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms.
Also, ALWAYS carry a complete medication list in your wallet (not your smartphone, since they are usually password protected)...
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Sgt Spencer Sikder
I have been engaged in my healthcare for many years. When I was employed I was very engaged with my cardiologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists and my primary care physicians and surgeons. Since I have been fully treated by the VA Medical Centers I have had a great primary care physician who helps me interact with my cardiologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, orthopedics and ophthalmology doctors plus physical therapy. For a couple decades I have tracked my heart medications, pain medications, etc and I know how much I take and when i took it. That information has been very useful for the different doctors and teams I see.
I have been engaged in my healthcare for many years. When I was employed I was very engaged with my cardiologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists and my primary care physicians and surgeons. Since I have been fully treated by the VA Medical Centers I have had a great primary care physician who helps me interact with my cardiologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, orthopedics and ophthalmology doctors plus physical therapy. For a couple decades I have tracked my heart medications, pain medications, etc and I know how much I take and when i took it. That information has been very useful for the different doctors and teams I see.
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Sgt Spencer Sikder
LTC Stephen Ford: Your story is the one I always like to hear. Too many times I hear the opposite and along with that the frustration.
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