Update on VA return

[LindaT]

We will be returning to the VA SCI hospital next month for a week to set up and practice the new head array system vs sip-n-puff.
What a great opportunity to give this a try and also some minor tune ups on the chair.
I also called the PVA and turns out there is a fishing trip that week he can go on. I burst out in tears as he has not been able to get on a boat or pontoon since his SCI over 3 years ago.
The logistics/safety for our family pontoon and his own boat have not panned out. He is hoping to give the sip n puff pole some use this week from shore.
There is also a possibility of going to a baseball game! The woman at PVA was so kind.
I've got some things to work out getting there with my own vision/driving out of the area issues that are working themselves out too.
My repeated grateful words for everyone who has helped me with getting him into this system.

[Bonnette]

Oh, Linda, this is absolutely marvelous! I am so glad that all of these good things are happening for you and Dave, no one deserves it more!

[betheny]

Awesome news! I think of you guys often, as I purchased a flaky power chair when I had bursitis in my elbow. It is so great for taking trash out, walking Dingo in extreme heat, etc. But I woud HATE it to be my only means of transpo! Too big tres' unreliable...

[skippy13]

This is great news Linda. It shows that there is life after SCI even one as severe as Daves. Recreational activities are available and important to the both of you and can help relieve some of the stressors that accumulate over time.

We all told you they would take good care of him. This is just the beginning for you both.

[Oldtimer]

Happy to hear things went well. All that is left now is to get Dave on the annual Veterans deer hunt. Nothing is impossible!

[wazabiker]

Linda and others: Your local PVA chapter is doing great things for its members and their families. I have been a member of Southeastern PVA for nearly 11 years and active with the chapter and as a volunteer.

Please, do yourselves and others a great service by becoming active with your PVA chapter.

[SCI-Nurse]

Linda, I sure hope that you have a repeat of the great experience the list time you were at the Minneapolis VA SCI Center. So glad you and Dave are taking advantage of his VA benefits.

Please come back and share more.

(KLD)

[SCI_OTR]

Linda, I sure hope that you have a repeat of the great experience the list time you were at the Minneapolis VA SCI Center. So glad you and Dave are taking advantage of his VA benefits.

Please come back and share more.

(KLD)

......x2

[Timaru]

I also called the PVA and turns out there is a fishing trip that week he can go on. I burst out in tears as he has not been able to get on a boat or pontoon since his SCI over 3 years ago.
The logistics/safety for our family pontoon and his own boat have not panned out. He is hoping to give the sip n puff pole some use this week from shore.


So glad to hear that the sip n puff pole is going to get a run out.

Please be sure to let us know how he gets on with it Linda (I've got all my mentionable bits crossed, plus a couple you wouldn't want to know about!).

[cheesecake]

We will be returning to the VA SCI hospital next month for a week to set up and practice the new head array system vs sip-n-puff.
What a great opportunity to give this a try and also some minor tune ups on the chair.
I also called the PVA and turns out there is a fishing trip that week he can go on. I burst out in tears as he has not been able to get on a boat or pontoon since his SCI over 3 years ago.
The logistics/safety for our family pontoon and his own boat have not panned out. He is hoping to give the sip n puff pole some use this week from shore.
There is also a possibility of going to a baseball game! The woman at PVA was so kind.
I've got some things to work out getting there with my own vision/driving out of the area issues that are working themselves out too.
My repeated grateful words for everyone who has helped me with getting him into this system.

Linda: You and Dave remain my example of Veterans who serve but never realize that they are entitled to benefits. Every case manager and SCI support person needs to ask, "Are you a veteran?" What a shame that you were told when Dave was first injured that he would not qualify.

I have a huge smile that Dave will be going fishing! I am so very happy for the two of you. Keep us posted please.:hug:

[Sue Pendleton]

While I did become a lifetime member of the PVA after my stroke I was only active with their legislative group. Linda, you mentioned pontoons? Who and where did you get an overview on whether that was an option? Jay gave up his thoughts of another sailboat because they are too much work at his age. We both like the idea of me driving a pontoon and Jay being able to kick back, have a beer and fish. It's not in this year's budget but it's planned for next fall's sales. I just want to make sure I can.
And here in the UW Health System I am asked in each department whether I am VA qualified. After talking to my PT I'll take some time this coming winter and make sure to register at the VA Hospital down here in Middleton. I was exposed to asbestos when my intell site underwent abatement. Better to do it now when I am still in touch with others who were there when it 'snowed' in our bay. I'm glad you are finally getting so much of what you should have gotten all along.

[skippy13]

Sue this is not a criticism, but I am shocked that you are not in the VA system yet. I guess I thought that you, being a veteran would have been utilising the services that you earned. While you have Tricare, there are many benefits available to being able to use the VA for medical care. Like lack of co-pays for one, and experienced staff to treat the things that crop up from time to time.

I urge all veterans, even those who qualify for medicare or Tricare or Champva to register with the VA. It is your right and you earned it.