approved for implant by the VA, some questions

[Lost Sheep]

I've been fighting with the VA for around 8 years to get approved for the implant procedure. I'm scheduled for surgery on May 5th.

Which VA system/region? I suspect the treatment you get may depend on it. Different geographic locations may have different resources/staffing.

[Lost Sheep]

Well, I'm a vet and VA did my implant almost 5 weeks post-op now. The Dr was not negative at all, he was very supportive. But you should ask to see head Dr in urology dept or just ask to see a different Dr.,they usually have multiple Dr's in that department. But I wouldn't let the Dr you mention touch my"Jr". She sounds scary.
Also check into "community care"

Which VA system/region are you in?

[EricDraven]

I’m in Augusta, ga.

I was told she is the only option in Georgia for implant surgery.

[Gt1956]

I’m in Augusta, ga.
I was told she is the only option in Georgia for implant surgery.

Maybe its time to get a post office box in a different region. Just saying!!!

[Lost Sheep]

I’m in Augusta, ga.

I was told she is the only option in Georgia for implant surgery.

Contact Coloplast and AMS for a list of surgeons near you.

I know from personal experience that it is possible to register with other VA sysstems for care by them. Travel expense would be up to you, but the medical care should be the same as the Georgia VA. I am registered with the Washington VA and the Maryland VA because I was searching for better care than I could get in Alaska.

Who told you she was the only implant surgeon? Did you take notes as I suggested in my earlier post? I know the two posts are long. But I think they have good advice.

Is your primary care physician supportive?

[EricDraven]

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.

[Lost Sheep]

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.

[Old Guy]

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.

When I asked about community care, I was told an implant was cosmetic and deemed not necessary.

Whew. Good to hear that young female isn't the surgeon. Sounds more like she's working for the VA trying to get you to change your mind.
Agree with Lost Sheep again. An implant is not cosmetic surgery. My dick doesn't look any different than before, but now it works! Some folks need education.
Compare that to a female who had breast cancer and had breast(s) removed. Bet you almost every insurance covers reconstructive surgery to replace them.

[SW0110]

Kind of like the bear story.

Just run away very fast and see if you can find a new doctor.

She is so very wrong.

[MightyDuck7X6]

Kind of like the bear story.

Just run away very fast and see if you can find a new doctor.

She is so very wrong.

SW0110 sent you a PM