Miami VA Medical Center — Local services in Miami

Hi,

I wanted to write a review about my experience at the Miami VA Hospital.

June 11th 2018 I had stomach pain, and thought it was nothing serious, and went to bed with the pain.

In the morning on June 12th 2018, the pain began to feel a little better, but by the afternoon/early evening, it started to get worse, and I knew something was seriously wrong.

I felt like I needed to go number 2, but when I would sit on the toilet I did not have the urge to go.

I thought perhaps I had a blockage or something, but nonetheless, I knew something was really wrong, so I drove myself to the Miami VA Hospital around 6pm-7pm that night, and went to the emergency room.

There were 3 people ahead of me, and I was seen by emergency personnel within 30 minutes.

The pain was increasing, I described my symptoms, I had a fever, they began to run diagnostics on me.

They wanted to do a Cat Scan with contrast, which they did.

The Dr read the results as a problem in my appendix, and they wanted to do surgery the next day.

I had surgery on June 13th in the afternoon, and when they went in, they found that my appendix had ruptured.

My surgeon said that he was able to get 100cc's of puss and other bacterial materials out of my abdomen and pelvic region.

My cecum was badly damaged where the appendix attaches to it.

My surgeon said that he had to resect more of the tissue than normal and used a couple rows of staples to repair the cecum, and there was a chance it would not work.

From the rupture I also had developed Peritonitis, but it was localized in 1 area.

I was very lucky, as this can lead to sepsis, multiple organ failure, and death.

My Surgeon and his staff were highly skilled, and because of their expertise and competence I lived, and I am starting to feel better.

Today is June 28th 2018, and it is 2 weeks and 1 day since the surgery, and I am so thankful for the staff at the Miami VA.

From the Emergency room personnel, to the Surgeon and surgery staff, to the recovery personnel, to the Dr's who are interns, to everyone else who cared for me, I owe my life to these people.

I am humbled and thankful for their help, and great care.

I am going to see my Surgeon on Monday July 2nd 2018, and can not wait to thank everyone in person!

These people work so hard, and do their best to care for the Veterans.

They are such wonderful caring people, and they try so hard to care for us Veterans.

Things have not been good for me for a long time, and if it wasn't for the VA System, I would not have health care at all.

I love these people like family members.

Thank you from the bottom of my...

The place was packed. Upon arrival the attendee stated I was in the computer, but they did not have me scheduled for an appointment. And yet there I stood . After a 4 hr. drive, an over night stay in Miami at an overpriced hotel, and not wanting to get caught in Miami's glorious rush hour traffic during my trip back to Key West . The Normal standard issue non communication problems that always seem to plague the VA is something I didn't need to hear about. I told the guy that if you couldn't get me in that was fine I would just leave because I wasn't going to stand around the VA all day those people couldn't figure out scheduling. He was staring at my name on the computer screen and I was standing in his waiting room. It seemed pretty self-explanatory to me. Somehow The attendee worked it out and apparently got me the appointment that I was supposed to be at. Abput an hour later, I was invited to a room about half the size of a broom closet and ask to change. Looking at the gowns that were overflowing in the trash can and not being able to identify the substance that was on them . I opted to change in the hallway. More room and a lot cleaner.

The procedure went well the staff was nice and I had a very nice attendee even escort me out to the front door. Because apparently I look lost. It went a lot better than I expected. But it's definitely not the five star service that Veterans of this great nation should be getting. Of course that could just...

I want to thank all the people at the Miami Veterans Administration hospital for the excellent care I received last week. I was admitted this last Wednesday evening after experiencing horrible pain in my abdomen. This occurred two hours after being released from a local hospital here for the same symptoms I experienced the day before. My Linda drove the 45 miles in heavy traffic (that in itself is an a real pain) - it took over an hour and a half but we finally made it. To say I never felt this kind of pain is an understatement. The emergency doctor ordered a shot of morphine to calm the pain and then had a CT scan performed to discover that I had gall stones obstructing my gall bladder. Friday evening my gall bladder was removed and I was discharged on Sunday. I want to express my appreciation to all the doctors that monitored my case and performed the operation. However, I want to also extend my sincere gratitude to the nurses that cared for me during my stay. Carida, Elsa and Marisa you are angels sent from GOD. Your professional attitude and the compassion you showed me helped me recover. Everyone at the VA Miami hospital treated me with respect as a Army veteran. In closing, anyone who tells you that the Veterans Administration does not do a good job does not know what they are talking about. GOD Bless the VA. I am happy to say that I am already feeling fine after returning home to my wonderful wife Linda and my two precious Shih Tsus -...