Please say a prayer for me.....

[CarMike]

For the past week, I've been feeling really ran down. Tired all the time and having spells of dizziness. AND a small tightness in my chest. I just shrugged it off to acid reflux. Well, I just did some research and I think I may have Coronary Artery Disease. My wife is on her way home from work right now and soon as she gets here I'm off to the ER.

More specific, it's called Angina. And I have every symptom they give.

Tightness in the chest and in some cases arms/shoulders - neck - throat - jaw - back. All of which I have been experiencing.

The tightness in the chest isn't always felt. Only when I'm active. Which is why I thought it was acid reflux.

So for those that do, please keep me in your prayers today.

Mike.

[dj_stouty]

You will definitely be in our prayers, Mike. Hopefully the Doctors find out it isn't as bad as you think.

[Dolla Bill]

Most definitely you'll be in my prayers man. I hope things come back OK from the docs.

[NCskinsfanatic]

You're one of the few Tarheel fans I'll pray for :)... let me know what the doctor says buddy, hope it's nothing serious and youre in our thoughts and prayers man.

[justinskins]

I don't pray but I'll put you in my thoughts. Hopefully it is not as bad as you fear.

[cal_junior]

The online diagnosis sites are a great way to make yourself crazy.

I've got a feeling it won't end up being nearly as bad as you think.

[smoak]

Definitely praying and thinking of you. Don't worry until you know there is something to worry about tho... Have faith and fight like hell no matter what it is.

[shally]

be well. sometimes it is just gas (really!)

on the other hand, if you do have some disease, there are wonderful treatments available now. good that you are acting on it.

please feel free to PM me any time. i will send you my cel phone number and you or your wife can feel free to call me any time

all my prayers and best wishes go out to you

[rskinsfan10]

Wow Mike. I will definitely say a prayer, and let us know that you're ok.

[Ibleedburgundy]

Hope you're doing well dude.

I once had chest pains for a few weeks and I was worried that it was a heart thing. The doc ran all the tests and said it was a chronically inflamed chest wall. It acted up from exercise as well. It still acts up from time to time. I was kind of freaked out because I also have an irregular heartbeat.

Anyway, I know the feeling. I hope your self diagnosis is every bit as wrong as mine was!

[WarEagle]

I'll be thinking about you Mike. My bro-in-law has GERD which is similar to (or the same thing as) acid reflux. It created heart attack symptoms the first time.

[BurgundyNGold]

I'm glad you're not taking any chances on this, CarMike. Better safe than sorry. If I were a praying man, you'd have all of them right now. But I have faith that everything will turn out alright for you.

[WackyJacky]

Sure hope everything turns out okay.

[VegasSkinsFan]

Prayers sent !!!

[Keino]

Done. I'll pray for your entire family Mike.

[RedskinsDave]

Can someone text him? Its been a long time.

[NCskinsfanatic]

I tried to call him on my way home but didnt get an answer Dave.

[Trish]

Be Well. I hope it's nothing bad.

[hail2skins]

Definitely will pray for you and the family.

[hail2skins]

Can someone text him? Its been a long time.
Mike doesn't have a cell phone.

[AGibbsGirl]

When you get back online, know that you've been in all of our thoughts and prayers Mike.

(I went to the ER about a year ago thinking I was having a heart attack, it got worse and worse even as I was in there. Turned out to be Pleurisy from my RA. I was never so relieved in all my life-but that HURT! Hoping for something equally "minor" for Mike)

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

Definitely praying for you, Mike!

[AGibbsGirl]

I also left a message on his FB, maybe his wife or someone will check in there and let us know how he's doing.

[Skins7ny]

Just got back to my office. Hopefully this is just a false alarm.
Be well, Mike. You are in my prayers.

[redskin_rich]

My prayers are with you, Mike. I hope everything is alright.

[AGibbsGirl]

Dang! Anyone else starting to freak out a little bit? Not like Mike not to be on here each day....

[NCskinsfanatic]

Hey Lorri I spoke with Mike and he wanted me to let you and everyone else know he's back at home resting. He wasn't able to be seen by the VA and has a couple of weeks before he can be seen by the local doctors. He wanted to thank everyone for the concern and that he no longer pulls for the Tarholes :). Ok so I made the last part up lol, but seriously he appreciates everyones' concern and he'll update us all himself when he knows more or gets to feeling better, whichever comes first.

[SweetBubbaT]

prayers sent

[Dept_of_Defense]

Get well soon Mike! Give us an update as soon as you can!

[flave1969]

Thinking of you Sir.

[AGibbsGirl]

Hey Lorri I spoke with Mike and he wanted me to let you and everyone else know he's back at home resting. He wasn't able to be seen by the VA and has a couple of weeks before he can be seen by the local doctors. He wanted to thank everyone for the concern and that he no longer pulls for the Tarholes :). Ok so I made the last part up lol, but seriously he appreciates everyones' concern and he'll update us all himself when he knows more or gets to feeling better, whichever comes first.Thanks for the update, sorry to be such a Mom with the worrying, but you lugs are my family.

Glad he's feeling better, but I don't like that he has to wait to be seen about something that may be serious...

[Passepartout74]

My mom has lupus and knows the feeling. Be in thought and prayer for you. And with your loved ones. Hope you can get to a doctor asap my friend. Maybe that is what you need.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

It has been a few days, so I hope you are feeling come comfort Mike. Get well!

[CarMike]

First off. I'm truly sorry for being away for so long without an update. I'd like to thank Eric for giving you guys an update on my health.

Here's the latest. Yesterday morning I couldn't take it any longer. So we went to the ER around noon. Release around 7 PM last night. First off, they ran a EKG to see how my heart beat was doing. After that they gave me an IV and did some blood work. Then they took me off for some x-rays of my chest. Final conclusion is that it was indeed due to acid reflux. Can't tell you how relieved I was to the Dr. say that. Everything came back normal. They also checked to make sure I wasn't having any thyroid problems. Blood work was good. x-rays were good. The only pain, besides the chest discomfort, was when the nurse took the tape off of my arm where the IV was located.

Secondly, I want to thank each and every one of you guys and gals for having me in your prayers. Can't even tell you how much I appreciate it.

Third, I felt pretty let down Monday evening after I was turned away from the VA hospital. Because my wife and I made too much money last year, we weren't "qualified" to be seen. Never mind the fact that I've been laid off for a year and a half so I don't have any health insurance. Not much else to say about that. Really disappointed though....

Lastly, once my insurance kicks in on March 1st, I'm off to try to find a PCP who'll recommend me to a GI doctor so they can check my stomach and esophagus. I forget what they call it, but it's where they put a tube down your throat to check things out. Something scope I believe.

So again, I'm sorry for not getting back sooner. And I'm sorry to make so many people worry for way too long.

[dj_stouty]

First off. I'm truly sorry for being away for so long without an update. I'd like to thank Eric for giving you guys an update on my health.

Here's the latest. Yesterday morning I couldn't take it any longer. So we went to the ER around noon. Release around 7 PM last night. First off, they ran a EKG to see how my heart beat was doing. After that they gave me an IV and did some blood work. Then they took me off for some x-rays of my chest. Final conclusion is that it was indeed due to acid reflux. Can't tell you how relieved I was to the Dr. say that. Everything came back normal. They also checked to make sure I wasn't having any thyroid problems. Blood work was good. x-rays were good. The only pain, besides the chest discomfort, was when the nurse took the tape off of my arm where the IV was located.

Secondly, I want to thank each and every one of you guys and gals for having me in your prayers. Can't even tell you how much I appreciate it.

Third, I felt pretty let down Monday evening after I was turned away from the VA hospital. Because my wife and I made too much money last year, we weren't "qualified" to be seen. Never mind the fact that I've been laid off for a year and a half so I don't have any health insurance. Not much else to say about that. Really disappointed though....

Lastly, once my insurance kicks in on March 1st, I'm off to try to find a PCP who'll recommend me to a GI doctor so they can check my stomach and esophagus. I forget what they call it, but it's where they put a tube down your throat to check things out. Something scope I believe.

So again, I'm sorry for not getting back sooner. And I'm sorry to make so many people worry for way too long.

I'm glad to hear it wasn't as bad as you originally thought, Mike! We are all very relieved...

[BurgundyNGold]

First off. I'm truly sorry for being away for so long without an update. I'd like to thank Eric for giving you guys an update on my health.

Here's the latest. Yesterday morning I couldn't take it any longer. So we went to the ER around noon. Release around 7 PM last night. First off, they ran a EKG to see how my heart beat was doing. After that they gave me an IV and did some blood work. Then they took me off for some x-rays of my chest. Final conclusion is that it was indeed due to acid reflux. Can't tell you how relieved I was to the Dr. say that. Everything came back normal. They also checked to make sure I wasn't having any thyroid problems. Blood work was good. x-rays were good. The only pain, besides the chest discomfort, was when the nurse took the tape off of my arm where the IV was located.

Secondly, I want to thank each and every one of you guys and gals for having me in your prayers. Can't even tell you how much I appreciate it.

Third, I felt pretty let down Monday evening after I was turned away from the VA hospital. Because my wife and I made too much money last year, we weren't "qualified" to be seen. Never mind the fact that I've been laid off for a year and a half so I don't have any health insurance. Not much else to say about that. Really disappointed though....

Lastly, once my insurance kicks in on March 1st, I'm off to try to find a PCP who'll recommend me to a GI doctor so they can check my stomach and esophagus. I forget what they call it, but it's where they put a tube down your throat to check things out. Something scope I believe.

So again, I'm sorry for not getting back sooner. And I'm sorry to make so many people worry for way too long.
Awesome news, man. Acid reflux can be damaging too, of course, but I was starting to worry about your other suspicions when we hadn't heard anything. Whew!

As for the VA, I thought those benefits were available to you as a vet regardless of how much you make or what other health insurance you have. I mean, if that's not the case, what's next? Vets who make too much money to have the option of being at a national cemetary? Vets who make too much money don't get the GI Bill? Vets may or may not use those things but having those services denied sometime in the future sure as hell wasn't the deal when they signed the papers. It should be *your* option, not theirs.

[Keino]

Awesome news, man. Acid reflux can be damaging too, of course, but I was starting to worry about your other suspicions when we hadn't heard anything. Whew!

As for the VA, I thought those benefits were available to you as a vet regardless of how much you make or what other health insurance you have. I mean, if that's not the case, what's next? Vets who make too much money to have the option of being at a national cemetary? Vets who make too much money don't get the GI Bill? Vets may or may not use those things but having those services denied sometime in the future sure as hell wasn't the deal when they signed the papers. It should be *your* option, not theirs.

When people who talked to Mike relayed his VA experience, it really pissed me off, and I have never served. The way we take care of those who have is deplorable.

O/T but I recently saw a story about Desert Storm Vets who had their medical records intentionally destroyed by the military (because they did not have the capacity to take them back to the states...really?!) and now the VA denies all their claims including those who were known to serve where the Iraqis released nerve agents. It's really disgusting. It's not like the soldiers lost the records, the people responsible for the records are also the ones responsible for the coverage.

[nicefellow31]

Hey Mike,
glad to hear that is was not as serious as you thought it was. If you don't mind, please explain what happened to the VA. I'm an Air Force retiree and I don't recall them talking about your financial status when it comes to health care. Thanks.

[cal_junior]

Final conclusion is that it was indeed due to acid reflux. Can't tell you how relieved I was to the Dr. say that. Everything came back normal. They also checked to make sure I wasn't having any thyroid problems. Blood work was good. x-rays were good.

I knew it. Those dirty, dirty self-diagnosis sites are the devil, lol. Glad to hear the news.

[CarMike]

When people who talked to Mike relayed his VA experience, it really pissed me off, and I have never served. The way we take care of those who have is deplorable.

O/T but I recently saw a story about Desert Storm Vets who had their medical records intentionally destroyed by the military (because they did not have the capacity to take them back to the states...really?!) and now the VA denies all their claims including those who were known to serve where the Iraqis released nerve agents. It's really disgusting. It's not like the soldiers lost the records, the people responsible for the records are also the ones responsible for the coverage.

Hey Mike,
glad to hear that is was not as serious as you thought it was. If you don't mind, please explain what happened to the VA. I'm an Air Force retiree and I don't recall them talking about your financial status when it comes to health care. Thanks.

I believe if you're retired, you can be seen no matter what. But the lady told me that in 2003 they changed it over to how much income that house made the previous year. I'm not sure, but I think if you make over $36,000 total, they will not see you. A buddy of mine from my Coast Guard days retired as a E7. He gets $2,000 a month from retirement. On top of that he makes around $35 dollars an hour at his job. He goes to the VA and everything is covered since he retired.

Along the lines of Keinos thinking, I don't think any Vet should be turned away if they have a life threatening illness.

[shally]

I believe if you're retired, you can be seen no matter what. But the lady told me that in 2003 they changed it over to how much income that house made the previous year. I'm not sure, but I think if you make over $36,000 total, they will not see you. A buddy of mine from my Coast Guard days retired as a E7. He gets $2,000 a month from retirement. On top of that he makes around $35 dollars an hour at his job. He goes to the VA and everything is covered since he retired.

Along the lines of Keinos thinking, I don't think any Vet should be turned away if they have a life threatening illness.

we OWE our Vets at least that much and more for their service.. ridiculous policy...

[AGibbsGirl]

When I was diagnosed with GERD I couldn't believe it. I told the doctors that I’d never had "heartburn" before. But once I got on medication (You'll probably have to try several before you find the one that works) all of these other things I thought I had went away.

I no longer had asthma, or sinus issues, or a scratchy voice that would "give out" on me when I talked too long, or choking on nothing at all. I also stopped clearing my throat all the time after I ate. Shocking how much GERD affects your life, it's not just a little heartburn!

Happy that you're doing better, the test they'll do isn't bad at all.

[CarMike]

Yep, GERD is what I have as well. And thanks AGG.

When I was diagnosed with GERD I couldn't believe it. I told the doctors that I’d never had "heartburn" before. But once I got on medication (You'll probably have to try several before you find the one that works) all of these other things I thought I had went away.

I no longer had asthma, or sinus issues, or a scratchy voice that would "give out" on me when I talked too long, or choking on nothing at all. I also stopped clearing my throat all the time after I ate. Shocking how much GERD affects your life, it's not just a little heartburn!

Happy that you're doing better, the test they'll do isn't bad at all.

[BurgundyNGold]

I believe if you're retired, you can be seen no matter what. But the lady told me that in 2003 they changed it over to how much income that house made the previous year. I'm not sure, but I think if you make over $36,000 total, they will not see you. A buddy of mine from my Coast Guard days retired as a E7. He gets $2,000 a month from retirement. On top of that he makes around $35 dollars an hour at his job. He goes to the VA and everything is covered since he retired.

Along the lines of Keinos thinking, I don't think any Vet should be turned away if they have a life threatening illness.
If that was a change moving forward, then that's something for those who signed up to serve from that point forward to evaluate before signing the papers. But they should have grandfathered all previous contract service vets and active duty personnel because that's not the contract they signed. I'd be surprised if they didn't. If they didn't, I'm even more surprised that they haven't been sued for breach of contract.

[justinskins]

I can't say I'm glad you have GERD, but I can say I'm very glad you don't have heart disease!

I've been suffering with acid reflux myself for several years. I don't think it's as bad as yours; however, mine can still be extremely uncomfortable or even painful at times. I've been controlling it for a while using over the counter medication and changes in diet (most significantly, I've completely stopped drinking since August, which really helps--cutting out the fatty/greasy/spicy foods and eating an early dinner are also a big help for me, when I'm disciplined enough to do so). Of course, I'm sure the doctors have already suggested those things to you.

Best of luck with your treatment. Be sure to take full advantage of whatever medical help is available to you (something that I haven't always done in the past and regret). But more importantly, try not to worry about it too much! Don't forget that stress can increase your symptoms.

[RedskinsDave]

we OWE our Vets at least that much and more for their service.. ridiculous policy...

I disagree. Free health care for the rest of your life after serving four years would be a little much. I am as pro-military as they come but their policy is to see you but charge something if you make a certain amount depending on the number of dependents. I feel bad for Mike and I hope they didn't say they wouldn't see him at all because that's not their policy.

My wife's uncle served in the Coast Guard and just got a discounted heart defibrillator put it because it was cheaper than using his own health care. Also, he's tight.

[WarEagle]

I disagree. Free health care for the rest of your life after serving four years would be a little much. I am as pro-military as they come but their policy is to see you but charge something if you make a certain amount depending on the number of dependents. I feel bad for Mike and I hope they didn't say they wouldn't see him at all because that's not their policy.

My wife's uncle served in the Coast Guard and just got a discounted heart defibrillator put it because it was cheaper than using his own health care. Also, he's tight.

The Florida VA hospitals were/are swamped with Snow Birds (in their big Cadillacs) who discovered how cheap the prescription drugs were. They served for a few years and sit on huge nest eggs, of course.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Really excellent news Mike!!

[BurgundyNGold]

I disagree. Free health care for the rest of your life after serving four years would be a little much. I am as pro-military as they come but their policy is to see you but charge something if you make a certain amount depending on the number of dependents. I feel bad for Mike and I hope they didn't say they wouldn't see him at all because that's not their policy.
If free health care for life is one of the benefits that the armed services uses to lure you into service -- whether that be a 25 years career or a 4 year tour -- then the DoD has to honor that commitmnet. Period. They can't change the rules after the fact any more than the soldier or seaman can change the terms of their service to only work on weekends or at certain duty stations. A contract is a contract. If the the DoD (and the US government) cannot or will no longer honor its agreements to its soldiers then I'm not sure how much the flag is worth fighting for anymore.

[RedskinsDave]

If free health care for life is one of the benefits that the armed services uses to lure you into service -- whether that be a 25 years career or a 4 year tour -- then the DoD has to honor that commitmnet. Period. They can't change the rules after the fact any more than the soldier or seaman can change the terms of their service to only work on weekends or at certain duty stations. A contract is a contract. If the the DoD (and the US government) cannot or will no longer honor its agreements to its soldiers then I'm not sure how much the flag is worth fighting for anymore.

I am pretty sure free health care for life isn't promised anywhere.

[BurgundyNGold]

I am pretty sure free health care for life isn't promised anywhere.
Benefits (some through VA) for mortgages, GI Bill, health care, retirement, a cemetary plot at a national cemetary and a number of other things were part of my contract, contigent upon honorable discharge completion of service. Though I haven't really used my benefits, it is a breach for the DoD to go back on them.

[RedskinsDave]

Benefits (some through VA) for mortgages, GI Bill, health care, retirement, a cemetery plot at a national cemetery and a number of other things were part of my contract, contingent upon honorable discharge completion of service. Though I haven't really used my benefits, it is a breach for the DoD to go back on them.

I don't think they have taken any of those away. Granted, some just simply aren't that great. My point is that I don't think there is any guarantee of free health care for life unless you retire from the service or are medically discharged.

[BurgundyNGold]

I don't think they have taken any of those away. Granted, some just simply aren't that great. My point is that I don't think there is any guarantee of free health care for life unless you retire from the service or are medically discharged.
I think if you were active duty and were honorably discharged (or retired) you qualify for VA health coverage. I'm not sure about reservists unless they were called up to active duty or have national defense citation, in which case I think they are covered too. As for prescription meds, I have no idea. In any case, I think it could be more clear to those who have served post-Vietnam and to those who are contemplating service.

[WarEagle]

For guys like me who served a few yrs and got out, near as I can tell, for 2011: Net worth of less than $80k, annual income less than roughly $30k, you get the Free VA Health Care. You make less than roughly $12k, you get free 'scripts, too. The exceptions and multiple veteran categories can make your head spin, but that's the general rule.

Note that all "lifers," or retired military folk, have access to the VA, of course. Many are in second careers and choose to go with their employers' plan, the belief being that your private care was superior to VA care.

Hope I didn't screw this up...

[SkinsfaninNJ]

For guys like me who served a few yrs and got out, near as I can tell, for 2011: Net worth of less than $80k, annual income less than roughly $30k, you get the Free VA Health Care. You make less than roughly $12k, you get free 'scripts, too. The exceptions and multiple veteran categories can make your head spin, but that's the general rule.

Note that all "lifers," or retired military folk, have access to the VA, of course. Many are in second careers and choose to go with their employers' plan, the belief being that your private care was superior to VA care.

Hope I didn't screw this up...

Does percentage of disability play in as well? In other words, if you are determined X% disabled, you get free health benefits?

[WarEagle]

Does percentage of disability play in as well? In other words, if you are determined X% disabled, you get free health benefits?

I believe so, but check with VA or your local Vet Services Rep Officer. Every town has one of these reps. In a common scenario, a Vet medically discharged with a bad back should be able to file a claim with VA each year to cover his back medication 'scripts and his chiropractor fee. His annual income won't come into play.

[guess88]

Speaking of military benefits, I really think they should put in some sort of clause for citizenship. One of my good friends served in the Marines for 4 years, and I found out that he's not even a citizen! If you're willing to enlist and potentially risk your life for this country, they should at least grant you citizenship after a certain amount of years.

[joethefan]

Mike, I pray that GOD heals and provides you with the stregnth to go through.