Seeking Care Elsewhere

benjcbc

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PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
I have been dealing with heart palpations, dizziness, and agina for the better part of a year. I did see an off base docotor (in the UK), and found that I have a bicuspid aoritc valve with severe to moderate reguritation. I was told I could not lift more tha 40 pounds, but did not need any type of surgery right away. I was told, at my MTF, that there was no military cardiologists in country, and that I should take 800 mg of ibuprofin, three times a day, until they know what to do. I am supposed to be refered to a specialist in Germany, but he local Tricare office told me they're still trying to figure out how. I'm at the point where I am dizzy and in pain more often than not. I'm considering taking leave, to go back to the US, to seek urget care. Has anyone had any expereince in doing this, and is it allowed?
 
You can seek healthcare elsewhere. The only real caveat is who will pay?

From what you have written, the treatment plan is the correct course of action. 2400mg of ibuprofen daily is pretty hard on the kidneys, make sure you are consuming plenty of water (at least 2000ml daily) and have kidney function tests drawn regularly.

Communicate your concerns with your primary care provider and/or nurse case manager to ensure they understand the level of discomfort you are currently facing. You can request a medical TDY to another MTF which has cardiology as a specialty.
 
You might tak to the patient advocate. The medics can place you on medical order and send you to a major medical center for diagnosis. If your command is supportive, you might get them involved. Landstuhl RMC isn't that far away.
 
Yup try to get a medical TDY. You need to remember your health is your number 1 priority.
 
I am supposed to be refered to a specialist in Germany, but he local Tricare office told me they're still trying to figure out how. I'm at the point where I am dizzy and in pain more often than not. I'm considering taking leave, to go back to the US, to seek urget care. Has anyone had any expereince in doing this, and is it allowed?

You might tak to the patient advocate. The medics can place you on medical order and send you to a major medical center for diagnosis. If your command is supportive, you might get them involved. Landstuhl RMC isn't that far away.

[B]benjcbc[/B]- would highly recommend follow advice of ChaplainCharlie. Should, honestly,be no issue getting you to Landstuhl GE via TRICARE, if active duty. If memory serves, Landstuhl GE was first stop for many severely wounded out of OEF/OIF Conflicts, but with cutbacks who knows now.......????

Might want to try as well contact Landstul GE yourself.... below links as an example only may assist.....




that I should take 800 mg of ibuprofin, three times a day, until they know what to do.

Also, the ibuprofen, can also be exceedingly harsh on you stomach (if memory serves as well the US Army cure all...)... might want to ask for something in addition that may mitigate that, if so inclined....

[B]benjcbc[/B]- wish you the best and good advice from ChaplainCharlie.....but honestly, fail to understand why cannot refer you to local "civil-cardiologist" on economy, or UK Military Hospital, there in the UK.....if US Base(s) does/do not have proper facilities/specialist's....believe this used be somewhat standard procedure once upon a time...US Military for those stationed abroad and/or in remote locals....?????

[B]benjcbc[/B]- hope this helps somewhat.....
 
I have been dealing with heart palpations, dizziness, and agina for the better part of a year. I did see an off base docotor (in the UK), and found that I have a bicuspid aoritc valve with severe to moderate reguritation. I was told I could not lift more tha 40 pounds, but did not need any type of surgery right away.

benjcbc- there is also another option that you may wish to consider here with such a very serious condition.... contact your US Senator and Congressman...might want see below web-link for example only...


Or perhaps in addition to the above contact the US Senate and House Armed Services Committees, see below web links for example only...



If in fact getting, run-around so to speak your Armed Service Medical Community and/or TRICARE this might be your only available option, and is your right to exercise, just be aware might cause issues your Chain of Command, but this I think falls under category of life, limb or eyesight...... so may want to consider that as well in your individual decision making process??????

[B]benjcbc[/B]- hope this assist you in some small manner, but personally having hard time wrapping my head around the issues here.....seems no-brainier on part TRICARE, Chain of Command, etc.....unless of course things have changed that much for active duty military personnel....??????

Sadly, think this kind of ties in with some issues discussed in PEB Forum Thread "Best States for Disabled Veterans" in particular for vets/retirees wishing to live-reside -study abroad- of which there is significant worldwide community......

[B]benjcbc[/B]- hope this assists in some small way....and you can get this resolved as quickly as possible.....

(still issues this web-site)
 
@benjcbc- there is also another option that you may wish to consider here with such a very serious condition.... contact your US Senator and Congressman...might want see below web-link for example only...

There is also the option of writing the US White House, at for example only, web-address: Write or Call the White House | The White House or get in touch with your units assigned Military Chaplain, if you have one there in the UK- wherever stationed......

When, once upon a time, was in service we were required to memorize in addition things like General Orders, the standard US Army 9-Line Medevac Procedure, which clearly stated, a solider was to be AIREVACED- if possible- immediately upon injury involving LIFE/LIMB/EYESIGHT! This call was usually made by the ( insert level) assigned medic, as part of the ( insert_level) Team, and one did nor dare, even if questioned Medic's input-skill level, ignore it........ or if so at one's own peril.....????? Ergo I am simply dumbfounded by this post to begin with......

It reminds me of something out of Monty Python, like the movie, for example only, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia at web-address: Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Wikipedia and/or Monty Python's "Ministry of Silly Walks" for example only at monty python ministry of silly walks - Google Search among plethoria of other things.......

This is not to, benjcbc, detract from your issue here, but I for one am simply beyond dumbfounded, you as active US Military Service member- particularly Forward Deployed- even having a issue such as this..... Hope other's feel the same......???????

Once again Benjcdc- and best wishes how decide to go on this issue...and hopefully get's resolved rather quickly......

PS: Been told by other's that, supposedly- who knows if true or not, military spouses, if you are married, are-can be useful as well in various certain scenarios-settings-dilemmas, and if not want write US Elected Official's, one's self, might be good opportunity for a spouse-say- to advocate on your behalf......???????

(still issues this web-site)
 
I finally have a refereal to Landstuhl. ADC is refusing to help me with any legal matters (my medical records showed false information; specifically stating that I was offered pain medication, and refused it). I have decided to go the cognressional/civilain route, simply because there are plenty of others who have had similar issues with the same medical group. I will say that ibuprofin does not help in the slightest, and actually reduces the effectiveness of the beta blockers I am taking.
 
You can go medical TDY to Walter Reed, I did this myself years ago although I was CONUS at the time.
 
I finally have a refereal to Landstuhl. ADC is refusing to help me with any legal matters (my medical records showed false information; specifically stating that I was offered pain medication, and refused it). I have decided to go the cognressional/civilain route, simply because there are plenty of others who have had similar issues with the same medical group. I will say that ibuprofin does not help in the slightest, and actually reduces the effectiveness of the beta blockers I am taking.
Glad you are headed to Landstuhl. You will have to be proactive anywhere you find yourself in a medical system.
 
Good luck at Landstuhl. They treated me like I was 90 and since I didn’t have heart failure or something severe they didn’t care enough to accurately diagnose me. I’m glad to hear people are filing complaints. Medical care needs to improve.
 
Thanks for the help. I'm currently uindergoing a full IDES (just finsihed my exams, and am waiting for the PEB to start). My symptoms still aren't being treated, and the patient advocate has not been able to get anything done. At this rate, I'm ready to try to VA, it's been more than a year of ignored pain and palpatations.
 
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