Winter 2006	Special Care for Combat Wounded
At Ease — Overcoming the challenges of life after combat Readjusting to civilian life after being in the military — particularly active combat — isn’t easy. It’s common and altogether normal for it to take time to feel like your old self again. Talking to someone who understands can help. Contact your local VA or one of these Points of Contact if you or someone you care about has the following symptoms: irritability or anger difficulty sleeping or concentrating loss of appetite feeling emotionally detached or withdrawn lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy feeling on guard, such as reaching for your weapon feeling hyper-aroused, such as checking overpasses for snipers self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much, taking drugs or driving recklessly Albany Jennifer N. Audette (518) 626-5335 Bath Bruce Tucker (607) 664-4513 Canandaigua Khamkay (Ky) Chitaphong (585) 393-7237 or (585) 463-2591 Syracuse Joseph Abbott (315) 425-4427 Western New York Katherine Smythe (716) 862-3111 Polytrauma Team provides help after homecoming Seven soldiers are wounded for every one that dies. Many suffer two or more injuries—called polytrauma—and require specialized care once they return home. VA has created Polytrauma Teams to ensure these men and women have access to the care they need. In upstate New York, the Syracuse VA was designated to help combat-wounded soldiers transition back into the community. Patients referred to the Polytrauma Team are screened by Polytrauma Case Manager Heidi Kinnally, R.N. This initial consultation can be done by phone and is used to create an individualized care plan. The case manager will arrange for appointments and consultations with doctors and specialists at the closest possible VA center. Treatment may include physical or occupational therapy, prosthetic devices, eye care, counseling and other specialties as needed. Patients needing inpatient rehabilitation would be referred to the Syracuse VA. This new program was started to serve the lifelong rehabilitation needs of polytrauma patients. As the program continues to grow, Points of Contact will be named at each VA medical center to enable patients to have a case manager closer to home. Who needs polytrauma care? If you were recently in a combat zone and knocked out, dazed or “saw stars,” or were involved in or near a blast incident and now have recurring headaches, memory problems, ringing in the ears, sleep problems, dizziness or other changes, the Polytrauma Team can help. Ask your primary care physician for a consult, call the Telcare phone number at 1-888-838-7890 or contact Heidi Kinnally at (315) 425-6567.
Winter 2006 Wishing You a Safe and Happy Holiday! | Keep Your Vision Sharp | Healthy Holiday Fare Keep Your Joints Limber | Incontinence | Easing the Transition Home Special Care for Combat Wounded | VA News and Updates | Wellness Programs

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