Finally.
Ok, so I have been approved by the VA to get the "botched double mastectomy" corrected by a non-VA plastic surgeon, since the VA's surgeon is who messed everything up and then refused to fix it.
The scars from that are anchored in the underlying muscle tissues, making it hard to reach, stretch, or even breathe deeply. The skin can't slide over the muscles because the scar tissue has connected it all.
So, my first choice to fix this mess refused, because the VA by federal law can't pay for things in advance - and can only pay a flat fee for the TOTAL procedure, all-inclusive. My second choice, however, has said "We are willing to work with that. Come in for a consultation."
So, Tuesday the 5th of May, I go in for a consultation, and find out what can be done, what it will entail, and when we can get it taken care of - as well as how long I will be in the hospital, in recovery, out of work/classes until healed enough.
The day before that, on May the 4th, I'm registering for classes - going to get a degree in CNC Lathe and CNC Milling Machine Operations. Means a bigger paycheck once I finish. The VA Education Benefits I qualify for - due to my disability(shoulder) - will pay for classes, books, tools, equipment, etc.; as well as a living stipend every month for the 2 years of the courses.
Funny - getting my Associates Degree after my Bachelors Degree. Means there are a lot of piddling classes I do not have to take. I can concentrate on only those classes necessary to learn the skills I am aiming for. Also means I can't get certain kinds of financial aid, but that's ok. I'm attending a community college for this set of courses.
The scars from that are anchored in the underlying muscle tissues, making it hard to reach, stretch, or even breathe deeply. The skin can't slide over the muscles because the scar tissue has connected it all.
So, my first choice to fix this mess refused, because the VA by federal law can't pay for things in advance - and can only pay a flat fee for the TOTAL procedure, all-inclusive. My second choice, however, has said "We are willing to work with that. Come in for a consultation."
So, Tuesday the 5th of May, I go in for a consultation, and find out what can be done, what it will entail, and when we can get it taken care of - as well as how long I will be in the hospital, in recovery, out of work/classes until healed enough.
The day before that, on May the 4th, I'm registering for classes - going to get a degree in CNC Lathe and CNC Milling Machine Operations. Means a bigger paycheck once I finish. The VA Education Benefits I qualify for - due to my disability(shoulder) - will pay for classes, books, tools, equipment, etc.; as well as a living stipend every month for the 2 years of the courses.
Funny - getting my Associates Degree after my Bachelors Degree. Means there are a lot of piddling classes I do not have to take. I can concentrate on only those classes necessary to learn the skills I am aiming for. Also means I can't get certain kinds of financial aid, but that's ok. I'm attending a community college for this set of courses.
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