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Posted: 9/12/2019 5:26:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GiggleSmith]
I got my card and everything.
  How much should I worry  
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FL, USA
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Posted: 9/12/2019 5:44:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mistermills357]
[#1]
The VA has good doctors and hospitals, and it is like every other big outfit. I have gone there for years and I was in to see a PhamD {pharmacist} today.
I really haven't met a bad doctor in the VA, but I have met one that getting ready to retire, and I gotta say, he missed a big problem with me. I had a peptic ulcer and he gave me Tagament, and a few months later, I crash landed in a civilian ER. The docs there at the civilian took care of it with antibiotics, and that was that. Always look out for your own best interest with the VA, it will pay dividends. And that goes for doctors in general. PS: you don't even want a peptic ulcer to burst on you, it was the most painful thing that I have ever endured. |
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Posted: 9/12/2019 5:58:53 PM EDT
[Last Edit: XD_Fan]
[#2]
Been in the VA system since 2012. I go to Truman in Columbia and if I have to see a specialist they almost always are someone from the University hospital. Every single one of the doctors and nurses I've dealt with have been top notch. Some of the support staff less so but the real wankers have seemed to disappear rather quickly.
Like the poster above said: Originally Posted By mistermills357: <snip> Always look out for your own best interest with the VA, it will pay dividends. And that goes for doctors in general. |
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Posted: 9/12/2019 6:03:56 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GiggleSmith]
[#3]
In a few weeks I'll be going to one of them for my semi-annual eye examination.
Do I need new glasses or not
How much will they cost and all that jazz.... I'll find out |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 9/12/2019 7:14:53 PM EDT
[#4]
Don't worry,a lot depends on the provider.Some are very capable some do't give a shit....really the same in the private sector!!!!
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Posted: 9/13/2019 6:56:15 PM EDT
[#5]
If you use Philly VAMC they use some of the specialists from HUP for some things. I go to Hatboro for my clinic. The VAMC in Hatboro has been adding staff for more exams, etc.
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Posted: 9/13/2019 7:59:50 PM EDT
[#6]
I'm closer to the Big One in Lebanon.
Only about an hours drive. |
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Posted: 9/13/2019 8:07:35 PM EDT
[#7]
I've had two horrible experiences with my local VA hospital. Suffice it to say, I will never set foot in it again.
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Posted: 9/14/2019 7:27:10 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By XD_Fan:
Been in the VA system since 2012. I go to Truman in Columbia and if I have to see a specialist they almost always are someone from the University hospital. Every single one of the doctors and nurses I've dealt with have been top notch. Some of the support staff less so but the real wankers have seemed to disappear rather quickly. Like the poster above said: Originally Posted By mistermills357: Always look out for your own best interest with the VA, it will pay dividends. And that goes for doctors in general. Have generally gotten care that ranges from good to excellent. All of my doctors but one have been outstanding. It boils down to: doctors, excellent; nurses, mostly excellent; clerical staff, good to mediocre to terrible. I think you'll be fine. Also like the military you can get a free pair of eyeglasses every year. Usually they don't offer birth control glasses. Usually. |
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Posted: 9/14/2019 2:30:14 PM EDT
[#9]
Last time around I got two pairs: One for when I'm looking at a PC screen (a lot) and a second pair for when I'm driving (not so much now).
You have to love the way bifocals lens have to be Just Right: Lower lens up too high by less than a tenth of an inch and you cannot see the instruments on the dashboard properly. It took them 3 tries last time. But it was PERFECT! Sent them a nice Thank-You card for all their efforts. |
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Posted: 9/21/2019 12:16:21 PM EDT
[#10]
Places like the John Cochran VA in St Louis should be avoided like the plague!
I get excellent care at the Mexico, Mo outpatient clinic and at Harry S Truman VA in Columbia, Mo. |
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Posted: 10/17/2019 5:32:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GiggleSmith]
[#11]
 Jackson Browne - Doctor My Eyes I wasn't due for my Semi-Annual checkup until December, but I decided not to wait. Location of Clinic:  Attached FileCheck In: Figures that one of them would be busted   Attached FileThe examination went as usual. They both work and are healthy!  Except that I seem to be suffering from dry eyes.  I'll be getting some prescription eye drops in the mail soon. I never used them before. How much of a mess will I be making?My right eye seems to be as bad as before, but my Left Eye is getting weaker.  Rifle Eye good, Pistol Eye not so good. New eyeglass prescription coming up.  Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.....  Attached FileI was given eye drops as part of the examination. They didn't wear off until past 4 o'clock. I was very glad today was mainly overcast. Still, I was given temporary dark lenses to put over my usual glasses. Badly needed on my drive back. While The Good Doctor was getting the prescriptions ready I noticed this:  Attached FileI hope every other VA Visit goes this nicely. 
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Posted: 11/1/2019 9:51:18 PM EDT
[#12]
I got the glasses in.
Getting the arms adjusted properly is its usual pain in butt. 
Comfortable and they come off nearly automatically. Tighten them up even slightly and they'll hurt. |
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Posted: 11/13/2019 6:46:46 PM EDT
[#13]
I think I finally got the tension on the arms satisfactory
3 different Eye glasses companies. Adjusting the arms is a Courtesy to one company to another. Free! 
Still ain't perfect: I think the arms adjust themselves. Back to being too loose. |
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Posted: 6/22/2020 1:40:49 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GiggleSmith]
[#14]
1,000 Views and Counting
I must be doing something right. |
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Posted: 6/27/2020 12:46:41 PM EDT
[#15]
Voodoo 17, same for me. Exams and checkups in Horsham, big stuff at the charming facility in Philly. Lately, however, they have been giving referrals to civilian docs in the area.
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Posted: 7/1/2020 8:16:32 AM EDT
[#16]
I like "the charming facility" in Philly(
 ). So grateful the VA opened the Horsham facility.
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Posted: 8/29/2020 10:41:35 PM EDT
[#17]
The Beer-Bug has people scared.
I had an Appointment with a VA Doctor last week. In Person. They're so terrified that the Appointment was done by phone. Talked with my problems, semi-serious to serious problems. I need THIS prescription refilled. OK, I'll have the new one sent by mail. (Reasonable) In person I would have gotten it done That Day. The VA will call to schedule a Stress Test. The last one was done at Least 10 years ago. Done and Done and hung up. The VA Called while I was on an Interstate.  They will call back Next Week.To Be Continued. |
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Posted: 8/31/2020 11:43:21 PM EDT
[#18]
The big VA hospital in Philly is directly across the street (University Ave) from the UofP medical school. So even the residents are pretty good. The community based clinic I get most of my checkups at is very well run, and if you don't want to drive to Philly, they are good at getting visits at local specialists.
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Posted: 8/31/2020 11:50:28 PM EDT
[#19]
The VA hospital and clinic that I've been to here have been okay, not any worse than regular medical services, even if the sense of urgency is "government speed."
That said, what's shocking and dismaying is many (most?) of the veterans you'll see there. A shocking hive of scum and villainy. The bottom 10% of veterans are 75% of the people at the VA here. |
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Posted: 9/4/2020 2:46:55 PM EDT
[#20]
I got the prescription in the mail yesterday.
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Posted: 9/5/2020 5:11:06 PM EDT
[#21]
I got the Call for the stress test.
The First Friday in October. I'm glad it isn't urgent. |
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Posted: 9/13/2020 2:52:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: jonnyuzi]
[#22]
Had my gallbladder out at the Stanford ( PA ) VA a month ago. I frickin' LOVE this VA in commiefornia! I've seen some shoe-shufflers in admin but the Dr.s and nurses have been pretty top-notch. Had hernia mesh done there in 2010, as well.
Had a gallbladder 'attack' 12/08/19-sweating, hurt like hell for hours. Finally couldn't take it anymore and got a ride to ER- they wanted to take it out right then. Hell no. Now that I know it's not my heart I'll decline! So, long story short- I had 10 more of those and was more afraid of another attack than gettin' hacked open like a chicken -and let the VA do it. 
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Posted: 9/16/2020 1:33:04 PM EDT
[#23]
I got another Phone call. There's going to be a follow-up Doctor's Appointment to the Stress Test.
About two weeks AFTER the test.
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Posted: 9/20/2020 8:16:07 PM EDT
[#24]
I got a letter some weeks ago. Some of us Veterans are eligible of Free Flu Shots at certain Area VA Clinics.
Of the six listed the best day for me was Yesterday (9-19-20) at the New Cumberland clinic. When I got on line the cars were stretched out At Least a quarter mile. After I got my shot it is safe to say the line stretched out Half a mile or more. |
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Posted: 10/4/2020 8:41:47 PM EDT
[#25]
The play/movie A Chorus Line has a song: At The Ballet. I need to change the lyrics to At The VA
About a month previously I had a Regularly Scheduled Doctors Appointment at a nearly VA Clinic. One of my Legitimate Gripes made the Good Doctor schedule me for a Stress Test. Checking calendars and the length of the Test made it One of the first things to do in the morning. So Friday, October 2, 8:30 EDT, I was there on time. Nice location, Lebanon, PA. It’s about an hours drive away. It’s also where I picked my VA Card last year.  The Best Thing about its location is that the road to the hospital is a T. At the Very Top of the T is Shyda’s. Most excellent Fun Store. If Syda’s wasn’t so far away I’d go there more often.  I was told to go there not having anything to eat or drink that contained caffeine. So be it: I came hungry. 15 years ago I had my Last stress test. It was almost fun walking on the treadmill. Now because I’m not the Twice I was scanned in this machine; Once before and then immediately after the Stress was induced. When I was told I was scanned by Gamma Radiation jokes about The Amazing Hulk were made. Who were the actors that played The Hulk? We could only remember the actor on the TV show. I said that as I was Former Paratrooper I’d most likely be turned into Chuck Norris.  There were two, One Hour Waits in between scans. After the first scan I went and got myself a haircut. $12.00. I didn’t have to wait and it was a better haircut than most Civilian efforts, too:  Second Scan and I can go eat. I got instructions to the cafeteria and proceeded to eat Breakfast:  Tests over with I was told than the Upcoming appointment with a VA Doctor – in two weeks – would go over the results and see what will happen next. I got home in time to eat Lunch and change before leaving for work that afternoon. |
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Posted: 10/18/2020 5:46:06 PM EDT
[#26]
Results First Thing Monday Morning.
It will be at my Usual VA Clinic, only 15 minutes away. How bad were the test results, Doc. I don't know about anybody else, but so far I prefer the VA System to what I have Elsewhere. 
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Posted: 12/12/2020 1:02:58 AM EDT
[#27]
 I went to the appointment and I keep forgetting to update about it. Sorry. I'll try to remember this weekend. |
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Posted: 12/19/2020 4:26:30 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GiggleSmith]
[#28]
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Posted: 12/19/2020 4:54:14 PM EDT
[#29]
My buddy had an appointment with the VA doctor on the 17th of the month which he kept. On the 23rd he received a letter dated the 19th of the month, that reminded him to keep his appointment on the 17th...two days before the letter was even drafted.
He noted that it cost the VA around 50 cents to send out the reminder letter, and if the Va sends out 200,000 of those letters every month, they are wasting $100,000 per month on letters that have no use. Ain't government administration great? |
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IN, USA
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Posted: 12/26/2020 10:27:16 AM EDT
[#30]
Been using the VA since I retired from USN 17 years ago, never had a problem. In fact it's been at civilian facilities where I have sat for an hour or more on several occasions to get in, or records misplaced, or dealt with snotty receptionists or had the wrong charges on my bill.
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Posted: 12/26/2020 3:15:34 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GiggleSmith: I got a letter some weeks ago. Some of us Veterans are eligible of Free Flu Shots at certain Area VA Clinics. Of the six listed the best day for me was Yesterday (9-19-20) at the New Cumberland clinic. When I got on line the cars were stretched out At Least a quarter mile. After I got my shot it is safe to say the line stretched out Half a mile or more. Some CVS pharmacies have a small urgent care facility called "Minute Clinic." At least here in AZ, and I assume everywhere, they have an agreement to provide treatment to eligible VA patients for free. They enter your info in the computer and the VA confirms your eligibility in about 5 minutes. That is the way to go for minor stuff and minor ailments. I imagine they do flu shots there. No appointment needed. |
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Posted: 12/26/2020 6:49:55 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FightingHellfish:Some CVS pharmacies have a small urgent care facility called "Minute Clinic." At least here in AZ, and I assume everywhere, they have an agreement to provide treatment to eligible VA patients for free. They enter your info in the computer and the VA confirms your eligibility in about 5 minutes. That is the way to go for minor stuff and minor ailments. I imagine they do flu shots there. No appointment needed. Last year I went to a Rite-Aid pharmacy for the Free Flu shot. That Rite Aid is less than mile from me. CVS is a few miles down the road from me. There is a small Urgent Care Clinic in the general area the Rite Aid is. They don't quite share the parking lot, but are easy walking distance of each other. |
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Posted: 1/21/2021 10:01:21 AM EDT
[#33]
Next month I have a Regularly Scheduled Doctor MD type appointment.
My money is saying my blood pressure will be on the High side. |
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Posted: 2/16/2021 10:32:22 AM EDT
[#34]
I have a Regularly Scheduled MD type Doctor's appointment next week, so This Week I get to donate some blood.
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Posted: 2/21/2021 8:52:59 PM EDT
[#35]
The Autumn picture didn't want to load for several days.
Usual SOP for blood test. Don't eat or drink anything but water and your meds for several hours before blood is drawn. Appointment was at 0745 so I was there at 0733. I got in wearing the stupid mask, was asked to have my temperature checked via an IR camera: Normal Usual questions about the Beer-Bug: Negative on all counts. I was given a sticker to put on my shirt and was told to wait. So I waited. 0800 and my name was called. Usual SOP for the blood tests. The thee vials were quickly filled and my arm bandaged. See you Thursday.  No Wuhan-Whoopee Sticker  Attached FileWhat the Clinic looked like back in Autumn  Attached FileWhat it looks like now  Attached File |
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Posted: 2/24/2021 12:26:51 PM EDT
[#36]
 I got a Text yesterday saying todays appointment will be done over the phone. Just finished. I was really hoping to see him in person. Maybe we could find out more about this stinking cough of mine that I've had for several weeks now. Anyway Blood tests are all OK. Maybe I shouldn't be eating so many cookies so often. "Pre-Diabetes" he said.  Girl Scout Cookies are nearly ready to come out.And other assorted stuff.... Try again in six months. |
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Posted: 3/13/2021 10:34:44 PM EDT
[#37]
Official Notification of the Appointments at the VA for August came in the mail today.
Yay, me. |
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Posted: 4/13/2021 11:32:35 AM EDT
[#38]
Keeping Thread alive
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ME, USA
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Posted: 4/19/2021 5:58:45 AM EDT
[#39]
For sake of full disclosure, I work for the VA. As a vet, I find the care at my local VA pretty decent. I've heard it's better than most but, that's based on the anecdotal reports of vets that have used other VAMCs in the past. As a VA nurse (Caregiver Support Coordinator) I have seen some situations where a doc has missed something important or the VA has dropped the ball. As has been previously noted, you have to take charge of your own care or else risk something being missed.
Insider tip... use Secure Messaging in the Myhealthevet portal to communicate with you doc. There's a response metric attached to it. The standard is 72 hours to respond and they're required to save it to your chart. It's a good way to make sure your concerns are seen and noted. |
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Posted: 5/15/2021 7:07:09 PM EDT
[#40]
No one else want to talk about the VA?
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Posted: 7/9/2021 11:57:04 PM EDT
[#41]
Note to Self: Confirm that August Doctor In Person Appointment.
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Posted: 8/5/2021 1:04:41 PM EDT
[#42]
Visit for Blood Test in two weeks
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Posted: 8/6/2021 10:54:04 AM EDT
[#43]
I messed up my shoulder and have 4 weeks of going to the physical torture chamber twice a week now plus they want an MRI of my shoulder done too. I see my PC doctor and the vampire (blood drawn) twice a year along with 1-2 dental appointments per year and an eye exam every 2 years.
The VA has gotten better since I started going in 1996. And it definitely depend on the location on if the VA hospital and CBOC's are any good. I get great care at the Harry S Truman VA hospital in Columbia, Mo but then again it is right across the street from the University of Missouri Hospital. And the specialty doctors work at both. The John Cochran VA Hospital in downtown St Louis is so bad that I wouldn't send my worst enemy to that hospital. Normally when a VA Hospital is close to a state University hospital, the care is very good. |
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Posted: 8/15/2021 8:48:44 PM EDT
[#44]
I had a pair of prescriptions refilled via the VA.
Both came via USPS and FREE. Friday I get to donate blood again. Maybe I'll finally get a Face-to-Face with who is allegedly my MD. It's been a while. Civilian Dr's kept changing on me. Thanks to ObummerCareless I had to switch Docs that I had for years. I even wonder if he stuck around or said Fornicate it, I'm gone. |
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Posted: 8/18/2021 6:06:08 PM EDT
[#45]
I'm a regular customer of the VA. Temple, TX, Dallas, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Nashville, TN, Detroit, MI and my most frequent, Ann Arbor, MI.
Ask me anything. |
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Posted: 8/18/2021 6:27:42 PM EDT
[#46]
I've in the VA system since 2004. I've been at various hospitals in Alaska, Washington, Utah, Oregon, and California.
I'm running about a 7% positive outcome ratio for appointments. Usually I'm left far more frustrated than when I went in. Unless I want meds, in which case they'll pile me high. I've had "appointment missed" notifications for appointments I never made, and wasn't informed of. I had a lady doc try to inspect my penis when I complained of knee pain (torn IT band). (She was not hot). I waited 15 years between a temporary crown being put on a broken tooth, to when they finally pulled it and promised a new implant tooth in under 3 months. It's been two years. In 2002 on deployment I had a moderate hip injury, torn labrum. .Mil kept pushing it back as they were booked 6 months in advance, but we never had 6 months between deployments. When I got out, VA acknowledged the tear and that it was getting worse. They wouldn't fix it until 2020, when it went necrotic and rotted out my femur. Every half hour appointment in Alaska was three days travel time, hotel and all, but they wouldn't authorize me to see the doc three blocks from my house. That's off the top of my head. |
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Posted: 8/20/2021 9:38:25 AM EDT
[#47]
Less of a wait this time.
Last time I waited over 15 minutes, THIS time a little over 10. No Beer-Bug Sticker! I still had me temperature taken via IR Detector. I got the mask that the Taliban don't wear, ever. Sat down and talked with another Vet that got to Bragg. As I merely gave blood I went before him, even though he was there foist. Here's to hoping his visit went as smoothy as can be. Next Friday: Overcast, rain and/or shine Today:  Attached File |
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Posted: 8/27/2021 11:44:26 AM EDT
[#48]
Todays clouds are even worse. Solid overcast but no storm on the radar. Check-In:  Attached FileEverybody is still terrified of the beer-bug. Scanner on right takes yo temp then tells you to get a mask before you check in with the machine on the left. Antibacterial lotion in the middle. Part 2: Alcohol does almost nothing versus viruses.Finally got a Face-to-Face with my VA Doc. (We both took off the useless masks) He explained why the extra blood tests last week. He was suspecting I had some allergies.He was right.  All these years I never knew I had allergies. Olden Ages are gaining up on me.  I had a bunch of allergies that were messing me up to greater and lesser degrees. ...Doc, about being allergic to puddy tats....I don't have any around and have never had a problem with pussy before..... ...and down the list....OK, I'm going to check those things out.... ...Later... Renewed prescriptions, a couple of Temporary extra prescriptions to be used Only As Needed. (Meaning I might be using them before Payday.) And a chest X-Ray this coming Monday. See you next year Doc. I'll let you know if I'm still glowing in the dark. |
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Posted: 8/30/2021 8:17:54 AM EDT
[#49]
Followup from Saturday.
The Good Doctor said he wanted me ot have a chest X-Ray. So here I is, one more time. The sun is trying to peep through the overcast. It's winning, here and there.
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Posted: 8/30/2021 8:34:27 AM EDT
[#50]
That was nice.
Minutes after posting that last one I got called. Three X-Rays latter and I'm finished before my Official Appointment was scheduled.
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