Disturbing news at the VA. I could use your prayers.

[BrassMagnet]

I have been coughing a lot lately. I just can't stop coughing.
I saw the VA about it and I got some disturbing news. I had a CAT scan Monday and it showed nodules. One on my thyroid is over an inch long (3.7mm) and is displacing my trachea. There are a couple small ones (6mm & 8mm) in my left lung. There is a lesion (2.6 x 3.3mm) in my liver which may just be a fatty infiltration.
My primary care person is very concerned about the thyroid and somewhat concerned about the lung and not concerned at all about the liver at this time.
No diagnosis at this time. I now have lots and lots of appointments at this time.
One is an EGD to scope out my esophagus and see if my acid reflux is causing the coughing. There are also ultrasound and magnetic resonance tests to see the nodules better.
My primary care person tells me she has been denied consistently requests to use non-VA specialists lately. She has requested them, but expects denial and travel to Denver or Salt Lake to see specialists at larger facilities.
Luckily, I can afford to use them at my expense if I need to or if I desire a second opinion.
I'm not much for praying, but I could use your prayers.

BrassMagnet


4/18/18 update:

We can lay this to rest. Follow up scans show no growth in any of the nodules since 2015. This confirms the diagnosis of all are benign!
Woo Hoo!

[kbstenberg]

My prayers will be sent to have our Lord help you through the tough times ahead.
Please keep us updated. Kevin

[MBTcustom]

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Ill say a prayer for you sir, and that is something I believe in and practice regularly.

[castalott]

Sincere Prayers for Good Health, Hope, Healing, Strength, Courage ,Faith, and Mercy.

Dale

[Fishman]

Prayers offered.

[44man]

You darn sure have mine too. Many of them each day, get well.

[Sweetpea]

Sent one up for you, Ron.

[osteodoc08]

Prayers sent.

[bruce drake]

Prayers offered and for any other veterans using VA healthcare, expect to not get outside references approved despite their recent press releases of being able to use outside agencies. They've expended their allocated funds so now are pulling the referrals back into the VA systems and all of their resulting delays.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...-for-veterans/

Bruce

[jcren]

Prayers for good health and thank you for your service to our country.

[Bzcraig]

Will certainly pray for you Ron and thanks for putting this out and giving us an opportunity to pray for you.

[bangerjim]

Prayer works. But remember......God works thru physicians and medical science, too!

Hope your results are positive for you and yours.

banger

[OldFogey]

You are in my prayers. "I'm not much for praying" We all pray much more than we realize. Every time we think, "Help me get through this, etc," we are praying.

It seems a shame to me that we, as a country, do not take proper care of those who have served to make our freedoms secure. We should have a "whatever it takes" attitude toward our veterans.

Rick

[fast ronnie]

Prayers for you.

[jmort]

Praying for a complete recovery.

[popper]

Prayers for you, I agree with the PC doc, thyroid problem needs to be fixed.

[nagantguy]

A prayer sent for you..... stay strong

[LuckyDog]

I'll have my wife pray for you.

She seems to have some sort of IN with saints. (Maybe because she had spent time trying to become a nun?)

Oh, let me know if you want that. Cause I have found, that if she prays for it - it happens. So be sure you know what you're asking for.

[Wayne Smith]

Ron, I'll be praying for you. For the MD's too, and the VA system that needs a lot of work.

[Artful]

Prayers for you and your family for the best possible outcome.
Hang tough brother.