EricDraven wrote:After doing some research, I found out the young doctor who advised me is a PA and is not doing the surgery. I’m feeling a little better about that.
After speaking with someone at the VA yesterday, I was told the VA I am assigned to, Columbia SC, would more than likely not refer me to another region for the surgery since Augusta is willing to do it. When I asked about community care, I was told an implant was cosmetic and deemed not necessary.
I did not ask permission to enroll in another region's VA. I just did it in order to gain access to Dr. Kramer when the local community care physician did not meet my standards.
Even though community care was available, my VA paid for air fare Anchorage AK to Seattle, WA and lodging to get me to the Washington State VA (I had to enroll there, too).
I suppose my local VA Commander's dedication to quality care might have had something to do with it. He was/is very good. I also suppose my primary care physician may have had a lot to do with it also. He respected my research and accepts me as an integral part of my medical care team. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of clearing all roadblocks, smoothing the pathway to a good outcome. I spent 14 months doing that and am pleased with the results.
I note with joy that Augusta is willing to do it but with dismay that someone told you it was cosmetic. Did you get the name of that (sadly misinformed) individual? They need education. There is nothing cosmetic about a non-functional penis. Getting an erection is a function which you have lost. Restoration of a lost function is not cosmetic. (Note that "restoration of a lost function" is an important phrase to use in your discussions and any appeals). Erections are ENTIRELY functional! And vitally important to the man and his partner.
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