There’s a difference between VA tricare and va community care. I have to use the community care program. I can use community care if the doctor in that specialty at the va facility believes it’s necessary to go to someone else. That usually means the doctor has to admit they either aren’t qualified or they have to believe eagles actually exist which they don’t. Some doctors at the va are cool with pushing the community care and others like my vascular surgeon or ent surgeon at the va are the type of doctors that give the va it’s wonderful reputation.Dr Kenneth liu was “the guy” but when I spoke with him after reviewing my case he recommended Cognetti in Philadelphia I believe. He said cognetti was the best in the county. Unfortunately I can’t get a community care referral and my private insurance won’t go there. Dr Bunnel is local-ish and I’ve read good things with him.
I know I hate highjacking others post. I can’t figure out how to do my own personal post specifically related to my issues. Maybe cause I just use a cell. Dr Kenneth liu was touted as the guy and he’s the physician in California. He’s an excellent neurosurgeon but he’s definitely not “the guy” for eagles by his own admission. He recommended a Dr Cognetti. My health insurance is a private purchase. My VA stuff is just community care. I don’t have tricare. Actual va insurance is for retired vets. I’m service connected so I have to use the community care program which is a complete nightmare with certain departments in my area. It sounds like we are in the same boat with multiple conditions with overlapping symptoms. Pinning down the symptoms related to which injury is nothing short of miserable. Sadly after reading stoxens book I’m pretty sure the years of research I did on my own through 12-18 hours a day everyday of research on my phone and computer significantly contributed to my tos. Just typing this message causes severe tightness arms like having two blood pressure cuffs on. Veins start pooling blood and feel like they are going to explode. The only relief from that was a 1st and 2nd rib adjustment that gave 2 weeks of relief. That was 2 yrs ago.
Since TOS is related to brachial plexus issues, & the nerves in the brachial plexus come at least in part from the cervical spine, correct neck posture when using your computer & phone may help reduce your symptoms. That would require putting your computer screen at eye level so you look forward & not down when when using it. The same goes for your phone. Try to prop your elbows on a table so you can hold your phone up at eye level & not have to look down at it when you use it. Otherwise, just hold it up w/ your arms, if possible, so you don’t have to look down when using the screen.
I see vascular surgery tomorrow. Hopefully they can give some insight. This will be number 6.
Frustrating for you to have seen so many doctors w/o getting an answer/ to your situation that seems reasonable to you. I hope today’s appt is more helpful.