Tag Archives: Agent Orange Registry

Agent Orange Registry

Took all morning, but I finally completed my medical examinations at the VA Hospital in Temple for the Agent Orange Registry today. No big surprises from the blood tests, but EKG and chest X-Ray results still to come. Presumably, I’ll hear about them later this week. Nice facility, the Temple hospital. The only problem I encountered was the vending machines I tried to use didn’t work. It was pleasant to be asked– whenever I was in doubt where to go next–by some passing employee if they could be of assistance. I don’t recall any such solicitude in a private hospital.

Friendly atmosphere

On my second visit to Austin’s VA Health Clinic I was impressed by everything: the friendly people, the clean facilities, the new equipment. Got a flu shot from a tech with a no-pain technique. The doc I was assigned to wanted to run me through the normal blood work, but I pointed out I was scheduled for the full deal, including EKG and X-Rays, Dec. 11 in Temple for the Agent Orange Registry. Did he want to duplicate it? Fine with me. He didn’t. I especially liked the ambience that everyone’s on the same page. I saw why my late father-in-law, a Navy retiree, preferred VA hospitals to private ones. PTSD questions in the med exam surprised me. I think they’re more for new veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq than Vietnam after so many years. Nevertheless. Nightmares? Check. Fear of loud noises? Nope. Avoid situations reminding of combat? Nope. Feelings of detachment from others? That one surprised me. I thought it over and said I would have to answer yes. Wondering now what the Temple exam will uncover in December.