Jumping Through Hoops (Or Even Just Walking)

Hello again, friends!

          Jason and I are on a routine prosthetics trip to Hanger in Oklahoma City. We just got off the phone after a disappointing call with the VA, and are trying to make the best of an unfair situation. It is so hard to watch the man that I love and whom I see literally sweat every day just to get around the house be treated so poorly. I understand that he "volunteered" to do his job in Afghanistan, and I know he is proud, as he should be, of serving in the military, but I am appalled at the way he is treated after the sacrifices he made for our country. What makes me even more furious is knowing the he is, by no means, the only hard-working veteran out there who is being neglected by our government. I wish I could do so much more! To explain the current situation, I will have to give you a little lesson on his amputations...

          Jason has been walking so much that he has lost volume in his left leg, so he needs to get refit and have his socket replaced with one that won't come loose every time he sits down or moves around. It's hard to explain these sorts of things to anyone who hasn't dealt with amputees, but to put it simply, a "socket" is the upper part of the prosthetic leg that attaches to whatever is left of the amputated limb. It is one of the most crucial parts of using any type of prosthetics, since everyone has a unique shape and size. Having a socket that fits correctly  is essential to keep the prosthetics attached and functioning. See? You learn everything new every day! But you're not done yet...

          One more lesson on understanding Jason's leg, and some others' as well. Jason has some extreme Heterotopic ossification, more commonly known as bone growth or "HO" on his left leg. HO is a process in which bone tissue forms outside of the skeleton. There are all sorts of different types, but Jason has serious issues with bone growth on his left leg. Almost the entire inner thigh is full of it, and even some of the most experienced prosthetists in the country have said it's one of the worst cases they've ever seen. The easiest way I can think of to explain it, is to imagine a clump of bumpy concrete. That's what his bone in that area feels/looks like from the outside. Now imagine stretching a thin strip of fabric tightly over it. That is what his skin in that area reminds me of.

          Stay with me, I promise there's a point here! Okay, so to wrap up this lesson on the anatomy of Jason, he has sockets that attach to both of his legs for prosthetics. However, on the left leg, we have struggled for a long time trying to find a socket that would not rip that thin layer of skin covering the HO. There have been dozens of times that the pressure from his sockets caused his skin to rip, exposing his actual bone on the left side. Last year, we thankfully began working with Hanger Clinic out of Oklahoma City for prosthetics. They have given us a new hope for progress, and have helped shine light into our world when things were looking pretty dark. Jason's specific leg prosthetist has worked over time many days to find creative and unique ways to help Jason with his tricky leg situation. After just over 9 months, Jason's prosthetist created the first socket to EVER work for him without ripping his leg up! That new fit had Jason walking almost every day during the end of the school semester.

          After all that walking, his leg lost some volume since he was using it so much, so we needed to return to Oklahoma to work on another functional socket. So, thanks to Wounded Warrior Project (who pays for our flights/hotel stays during these business trips), here we are in OKC ready to get some work done. Then, BOOM, disappointment hit. Today, we were informed that the paperwork for Jason's new socket has not been approved by the VA. We called the PT contact, and Jason's case manager at the Cheyenne VA, only to be told that they will not approve any "major changes" such as this new socket unless he comes into the Denver prosthetics office in person, even though we are out of state, and needing work done ASAP. The way we were spoken to on the phone was degrading and offensive, but the least of our concerns. Really, all we want is for Jason to be able to walk.

          The PT contact we spoke with continually said, "I understand your frustration/situation, etc..." as he continued to deny or help find any type of solutions. Finally, I lost it. I said, "Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, but until you are in a wheelchair unable to use anything but three fingers, please never tell me that you understand again." I'm just glad I was recording the phone call so that I kept my cool to some degree. Maybe I should feel guilty about this, but I don't. I don't feel bad for the times that I've been infuriated by the lack of VA care. I don't feel bad when we ask for people to do their jobs. I don't feel bad when we demand to utilize our rights. I don't feel bad for expecting more for our veterans. I cannot comprehend how it has to make my husband feel to have to fight for EVERYTHING he has..including wheelchairs, prosthetics, education, and dentist appointments. (The VA has recently also tried to discontinue his education benefits.)

          I can't think of many things that kill me inside more than seeing the lack of respect and appreciation so many people have for the sacrifice my husband and others made for THEM. Countless VA and other personnel have made it damn near impossible for Jason to access his promised benefits and care, even though he is one of the few who was willing to give his entire life to protect THEIR rights and freedom. I apologize for the venting in this blog, but I do hope that you will all read it, just to understand the VA system a little more, and to encourage you to assist veterans. I cannot even imagine what would happen if I were not around. Jason would rather walk away sometimes and settle for the bare minimum than make the dozens of calls it takes to get help, but as his wife and caregiver, I will not back down until he gets what he needs. So, that is precisely what I will do in this case as well, as always. I will do everything in my power to ensure that my veteran is treated with the respect he deserves, and to help him better himself- whether that be walking on prosthetics or going to school. I pray that each of you reading this will stand with our heroes, and reach out to veterans around you to make sure their voices are being heard, and their needs are being met. Please be someone they can come to and count on.

          I'm truly thankful for all the people in our lives who have been here for us, and have helped us in ways that the VA would not. Thank you to so many of you for helping us move, providing equipment to help Jason, and even for just showing him how much you care. The VA can say "they understand" all they want, but it's kind people like you, friends, who SHOW us every day through your sincere actions. Please know that we are forever thankful for your efforts, and that there are hundreds of other veterans, wounded warriors, and their family members who could use some extra help. So far, I've contacted two senators, and am waiting to hear back from the VA tomorrow in hopes of the socket approval that they have said is "in no way guaranteed." If it is not approved tomorrow, Jason may be off legs and bound to his wheelchair indefinitely. Please stand by us, especially Jason, in thoughts and prayers as we work hard to try to fix this mess by tomorrow. We know we can count on you, and we love you for that!!

Rachel Hallett

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."

Proverbs 3:27

       
       

The one and only Jason Hallett, who never gives up, and never stops fighting.