The VA Endocrinology Saga continues...
Back in October, I had a "new patient" appointment with the Regional VA Endocrinology department in Aurora, CO. I wrote about that previously.
I met with my Primary doctor here in Pueblo. I explained to her that I did not trust them because they wanted to change my prescriptions without reviewing my medical history or even ordering lab work. I also explained that driving for two hours one-way for a one-hour appointment (and they were 45 minutes late), plus another two-hour drive home, was not something I could do. With my lower spine problems and fused vertebrae in my neck, it is too painful.
She submitted a referral for me to be seen here in Pueblo. The consult was sent to the Care In The Community Coordinator, where it sat for weeks. I finally received a call from the Regional Endo clinic in Aurora. They cancelled the consult and set me up to do a TeleHealth appointment with them by phone... in March 2026. GRRRRRR.
I spoke with my therapist about this, and she pointed out that veterans can refuse TeleHealth appointments in favor of a face-to-face appointment. Yay! So my Primary doctor resubmitted the referral to Care In The Community. Meanwhile, the Regional Endo Clinic changed the status of my hormone prescriptions from "Active" to "Pending".
Fortunately, before I left South Dakota, I had my gynecologist renew all of my prescriptions. They shipped them out right away, which gave me a small stockpile. But it also gave me two more refills. So when I saw that some of my meds were showing as "Pending", I found the older prescriptions with the refills available and placed the order.
😁At the end of October, I received two letters from the VA confirming that my referral to a local Endocrinologist had been submitted. Another couple of weeks went by, and no appointment. Then I got a call from the CITC Coordinator telling me the nearest clinic they could send me to is UC Health in Colorado Springs. She said they have no one in Pueblo, so I agreed.
Another week goes by, and I get a message from the CITC Coordinator that they need to know when my appointment is scheduled. I told them that no one has contacted me, and they said someone will soon. So I wait. On Sunday, I got a message from CITC telling me that I need to call UC Health and schedule an appointment within 48 hours.
Not on Sunday, they are closed.
Today, I went online to get the phone number for UC Health Endocrinology. Guess what? They have a clinic in Pueblo, within walking distance of the Pueblo VA Clinic. What the
I called that clinic first. They said the referral was sent to Colorado Springs, so they can't help me. The referral would need to go directly to them.
So I called UC Health in Colorado Springs. Yes, they received the referral and denied it. All "gender-affirming care" is done at their clinic in Aurora! Well, the VA will not refer me to a clinic in Aurora since they have their own clinic in Aurora, which is where I am trying to get away from.
So I sent a message to the CITC Coordinator informing them that my referral was denied, and apparently no place in Southern Colorado that can see me.
So while our favorite electrologist was stabbing me in the face with electrified needles, a plan began to come together. When I got home, I called the Women's Health Clinic in Rapid City, SD, and left a message for my gynecologist. I said that, as an existing patient, I would like to continue my care with her via TeleHealth. Then I left a message for my Primary doctor that, since there is no endocrinology clinic available to me in the area, and the only way to be seen without driving to Aurora is via TeleHealth, I have a preferred provider that I would like to resume care with.
Everyone at the Women's Health Clinic, except my gynecologist, her nurse, and scheduler, assumes that I am there being treated for menopause due to my age. I was reminded of this during my mammogram appointment here last week. So, technically, I am not receiving "gender-affirming care" through them as that would offend the VA's sensibilities. I just don't understand why they can't do it the same way here. We will see.
Now, everyone is out of the office for the holiday, so I doubt I will receive any replies from anyone until next week. But a plan is in motion.
