I am about to get one of those RSV shots at the VA Hospital of Philadelphia to prevent any lung infection, and I wanted to share my enthusiasm for all the work the Veterans Administration has provided me with most of my adult life.
It started a month after exiting the Vietnam War alive and receiving a GI Bill stipend to become a “first-generation” college student, and a few years later, to buy my first home. But it wasn’t until I got caregiver burnout in 2008 while taking care of my wife, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall, as well as a “PTSD-suffering uprising” from my combat experience, that I first got life support help from a VA hospital.
Meditation Taught at a VA Facility
A doctor of psychology started to help me and other veterans with PTSD by introducing us to a special treatment for those of us with the war-exposed malady. The treatment was “mindfulness meditation,” which I have practiced ever since, and would advise everyone to learn and take part in for anything that might ail ’em.
Meanwhile, a VA surgeon saved my life by discovering and removing colon cancer some eight years ago without any use of chemotherapy or radiation. Another surgeon had repaired a cataract in my left eye, and I can now drive without the need for spectacles. This past May, I spent six days in a hospital recovering from a triple AAA aorta surgery, and I am now fully recovered. The VA has also provided acupuncture as well as massages for my lower back pain and neck.
But I didn’t know if I should have gotten the RSV shot. So, I called my main provider, Dr. Bradley Fetzer, and made an appointment to come to the hospital and get the shot. While there, I hope to use one of the computers at the hospital library and print out some necessary memos and lists for my personal use. It will save me “buku” in printing costs that a regular library would have charged me.
And today I discovered that I have gotten an increase in my monthly Social Security check after I made an adjustment to my Medicare coverage. You see, I had ended Medicare B, the one that links you to a specified doctor. My main doctor is at the VA and I hardly ever visited the one Cigna assigned me to near my Conshohocken home.
Medications Provided Free to the Disabled
I get all of my medical care done for free at the VA Hospital Of Philadelphia because of my disability. Now I will be getting an additional $150 a month for dropping Medicare B and continuing my medical practice.
VA treatment is by far the best our country offers us veterans despite some of the problems some places in the western part of our country faced several years ago.
And, I believe that I am a living example of that!
Contoveros 
We usually only ever hear horror stories about the VA. I’m so happy to hear such a good and positive review! More importantly, I’m so glad to hear that you’re living your best life! This post sounds so joyful and optimistic! I needed to read this joy this morning. 💕
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Yeah, I remember the bad press the VA got a few years ago and I understand that they straightened it out. Unfortunately, that’s what most people think when hearing about the Institution and I wanted to get my two-cents worth in about my treatments.
I think most vets would agree with me and I’d like to help any who have had any problems with the VA in the past. It’s my eating of giving back a little of what I got from them!
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The following comments were shared on Facebook:
Michelle Seidner
I don’t recall ever reading such positive reviews of VA hospitals but I am glad to hear it. You deserve that. Sorry for all the medical and personal issues you have suffered but glad you are doing so well now. Stay well!
Michael J Contos
Yeah, I got nothing but excellent things to say about the Veterans Administration and it’s treatment of us veterans.
I feel physically and mentally good and believe I will continue to be well taken care of at the West Philadelphia facility.
Who says bad things happen in Philly? Not this Vietnam War vet from Brewerytown!
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Beth York
I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing well. We never did set a date for dinner ….
Michael J Contos
I guess you could say I have been AWOL in not getting back to you for a suggested get-to-get her date. You call the date Beth, and I’ll do my best to appear on time!
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Patty Kline Capaldo
Glad you’re being well taken care of. The VA also took great care of my dad. All his meds, hearing aids, glasses, and other visual aids for macular degeneration, and much more.
Michael J Contos
It’s so great to hear so many good stories of the government looking out for those who have served and needed some help when they got back home. Meds, hearing aids, glasses as well as teeth cleaning are routine and free of charge for veterans with certain disabilities.
Remember what Lincoln said after the Civil War: It was the nation’s responsibility “to care for him, who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
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Thanks for this very positive story about the VA!
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I wrote this with pleasure looking back on the help the VA provided and how I feel connected to those keeping an eye out for us veterans. It felt good to say something nice about an institution that has dedicated itself to those who faithfully served.
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WoW wonderful!!!!
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Thanks, I felt I needed to share this when thinking about all the good things the VA has done for me for more than 50 years.
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Absolutely! What I loved about the VA was how well they cared for my grandfather and they allowed me so much time with him and they were so kind to me and treated him just so amazing he always felt like a real big shot whenever he was in the VA too and I loved that for him I’m so grateful that you’ve had good experiences as well!
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I like that, While visiting with the VA, the attendants made your grandfather “feel like a big shot.”
Yeah, they really go out of their way to treat you with diginity and lots of concern for what might ail you.
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