Does anyone actually like going to the VA?

[Victor_c3]

I guess this is more of me venting than actually asking a question.

I've got one of my regular appointments with the VA this morning. It's more of a check to see how I'm doing and adjust my meds sort of visit, but I hate going. It usually takes me about a week to get back to "normal" after I go there. I think going to the VA hospital is a PTSD stressor for me. The second I get out of my car I start shaking and I start feeling like I'm going to fall apart and cry. My right hand starts to get that weird feeling of emptiness as I fumble around looking for the pistol grip and selector switch of a rifle that isn't there, my vision closes in and I feel like I'm looking at the world through a straw and I have a hard time hearing and understanding anyone. I can't wait to get to the VA campus and turn into a complete basket case. I always get lost even though I know exactly where it is I'm supposed to go. Then finding the pharmacy after the appointment and waiting in the waiting room while trying to look normal will another struggle.

Geeze, no wonder they gave me a decent disability rating. I'm kind of freaking out right now and I don't even have to leave the house for another hour yet. Trying to get to work afterwards is going to be great. I can tell already

[Victor_c3]

1. I'm totally tempted to just skip the appointment

I don't think they can take away my disability benefit for that. But the more I think about it, the more I should actually go. If nothing else, the VA seeing me really messed up this morning will help make sure that I don't have to go through a re-evaluation in the near future.

[unhappycamper]

2. A good friend of works at the Jamiaca Plain VA hospital in Boston.

I can have him call you if you wish.

Meds balancing is a big deal.

[Victor_c3]

4. Thanks for the offer, but I think I'm just going to go. n/t

[Victor_c3]

3. The doctor I see was an officer in the Army

upon finding out that I was an officer he has since become a hard-ass on me. He is actually really effective. He points out that as an officer that I know what needs to get done and that I need to "man up" to my responsibilities and take care of myself. He's right. I need to kick myself in the nuts and get myself to the VA this morning.

Anyways, just another crazy post from me...

[Warren Stupidity]

5. My dad loved going there.

He felt he earned those benefits and was damned sure to use them at every chance.

[WooWooWoo]

6. I'm ETSing in May

I'll be heading to my first C&P exams in January, so as of yet I have no experience with the VA, but i'm looking forward to it.

VA healthcare has to be better than no healthcare, right?

[Victor_c3]

7. yeah, the VA has been good to me

I just hate going. It always puts me in funk.

Just make sure to bring your DD 214 with you. I was bugging out really bad and I just showed up there without anything the first time I went. They wouldn't even look at me without my DD214 so I had to get back into my car, drive home, and get it before they'd help me.

They have case workers whose primary job is to help OIF/OEF vets get into the VA system when they get out of the military. The OIF/OEF rep that I first ran into was a live saver (literally) and helped me tremendously with all aspects of my life.

The VA is a large system and it is easy to get lost in it, but I'm convinced that the individuals who work there absolutely care about what they do and want to help us veterans.

Anyways, good luck to you.