|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I am writing the following report on the above disease with the hope that it may help fellow Veterans’ afflicted with same or to educate those who do not fully understand the seriousness of it’s ramifications. In late 2006 and early 2007, I became aware of a ‘shortness of breath’ and a ‘nagging cough’, which I mentioned to my GP. Not thinking it anything serious, but he did say that there is a possibility that it could be COPD, which is a form of emphysema. He suggested we should have some tests done by a thoracic physician. I then decided to look at the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) (DVA) website to see what reference they had to COPD. There was none, but there was reference to ‘chronic emphysema’. I then “Google’d” COPD and finally found that one of the many hundreds of websites about COPD, made reference to ‘chronic emphysema’. After tests with my thoracic physician and visits to the Respiratory (thoracic) Laboratory at the Hospital, it was confirmed that I did, in fact, have COPD. DVA, at first, did not want to know anything about this report as it was not mentioned in any of their Statement of Principles (SoP’s) on the RMA website. I then had to go through these SoP’s to find the one that mentioned ‘chronic emphysema – SoP 30/04 section 5 (a). When I lodged my application, with the very able help of Advocate/Welfare Officer, Mr Dave Jeffrey, RANCBA Canberra, we made note that it was for COPD (chronic emphysema) and quoting the appropriate SoP, I think it opened a BIG ‘can of worms’, so to speak. After quite some time, Dave, with ‘great glee’ rang me to say “we got up mate” So history was made and how ‘bad news’ can sound ‘so good’ is hard to understand, but….. our application had been accepted. Now DVA knows all about COPD. Do not take this disease lightly, it can KILL you and does to many thousands annually. I have had two ‘life-threatening’ bouts since the ‘wonderful’ discovery. I contracted influenza ‘A’ with pneumonia during the first bout, which, due to the mess that my lungs were in, was frightening to say the least. The second bout, which I am still trying to ‘shake’, has been going on for over three weeks and I’m taking more pills and breathing through multiple ‘puffers’ and nebulisers which makes your daily dose of “Vitamin F”, as we use to call it, taste ‘bloody’ terrible! I should never have marched on Anzac Day (’09). My GP assessed me as a “46 pack years” person, worked out by when you started, how many you ‘burnt’ daily and when you gave up and all cases are different. But, unless you are over a “10-15 pack years” person, don’t bother. DVA is getting a little ‘picky’ now and they will probably just send you to a physio! Hope this has been some help to SOMEBODY. It’s not good news, but …………..
'Keghead’ Weaver R49533
|
