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Vaping in VA hopspital

I just registered for a long term care at the VA hospital in Tomah, WI and they told me that vaping was outlawed unless it was gas station cartridige crap. They said vaping was more dangerous than smoking. So obviously big tobacco has already gotten the VA.
 

BigNasty

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Considering the total shit care, outright veteran abuse, and filthy conditions the VA is more of safety threat to ones health than a fucking tobacco cig.


I did my clinical training in the north shitcago va.... I would rather go down on a Krokodil addict than go to the VA.
 
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USMC8497

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My Dr. at the VA (Arizona) was very happy to hear that I had quit smoking with the aid of vaping. He encouraged me to continue to vape, as he knows about my many failed attempts to quit smoking. He even said that vaping will also keep me from all the other chemicals found in cigarettes. I have had some 'dumb ass FNG Dr's' and some who were 'seasoned veteran Dr's' that did know their ass from a hole in the ground. I have also had some very good Dr's (young and old) that knew what they were talking about, or honest enough to say "I don't know. I am going to send you over to XXX specialist." I have to respect those type of Dr's that will give me an honest answer. What ever you do, what ever the issue or problem is remember this. THE VA WORKS FOR YOU and DO NOT GIVE UP ON GOING TO THE VA. Do not let them put you into the mind frame that they are doing you a favor. They are not doing you a favor by not doing their job and THEIR JOB IS TO PROVIDE MEDICAL SERVICE FOR YOU. The squeaky wheel gets the grease as the saying goes. If you give up on the VA, they will simply move on the veteran that is making more noise than you.
 

RMarcusY

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I see on the news a lot of bad things about the VA hospitals in this country. I guess I'm lucky that the one here in OKC is some of the finest care. I get quick appointments, good service and everything I need/want.
 
They don't have their shit together, my VA Dr. did not lecture me on vaping because he was happy I quit smoking something we had been working on for over 12 years, I say take your vape with you and if they give you grief they should at least offer you the patch
 

fratervapor

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Considering the total shit care, outright veteran abuse, and filthy conditions the VA is more of safety threat to ones health than a fucking tobacco cig.

My providers at the main Dallas VA hospital are exceptional. Better than any commercial hospital I've ever been to. I don't mean to discount the experiences of others when I say this.
 

hotrod351

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well when your vaping you look like your smoking. so i already figured out no place is going to let anyone do it. you could actually vape in a store and argue that it isnt smoke, but its not worth it.
 
Please pardon the following wall-of-text, but this issue is a tricky one.

So, several years back (around when the Blu e-cig was hitting the market), there were TV commercials telling people that they could pretty much vape wherever they wanted because it was not smoke.

Curious about this, I went to my leadership at the VA and asked what our policy was. I was told at the time that there was no official policy but to expect it to conform to smoking regulations eventually--and to conform to then current non-smoking policy.

At the time, my co-workers, mostly angry non-smokers, were REALLY against having vaping allowed in public spaces... I understood the rationale (if irrational), and even as a smoker I always supported non-smokers rights and endeavored to be a conscientious smoker. I still do this today as a vaper.

I have been able to educate some folks here and there but I have avoided proselytizing where possible, and believe that the crusading should be directed towards political advocacy and not defending my right to vape in public--especially getting into ego battles with non-smokers who have their minds already made up.

Anyway, the Healthcare profession has a lot of money and time invested in the many-decades long effort to get rid of cigarettes... And it took a really long time to even get to a point where the general public was functionally onboard. Same with the Federal Government really. It's taken place in steps covering decades.

When I first started working for the VA we actually still had a smoking section designated in the canteen/cafeteria. You could also smoke just about anywhere you wanted outside of the hospital. it took years for all the regulation to go into place that has lead us to where we are today--no smoking ANYWHERE on the VA campus.

Now this came about through Federal as well as State and Local regulations. Much more recently, folks have been scrambling to include vaping, I believe, because they fear that not doing so could undermine the work that has already been done. It's a shame really as these folks should actually be natural allies.

The problem is that the VA does not typically establish these kinds of policies so much as adapt to and enforce Federal, State, and Local regulation and or SOP. In this case VA is playing it safe. Individual doctors cannot officially establish policy, however there is nothing saying that a given Doc has to tout the party-line in terms of recommendations and or support of various smoking cessation strategies. This is why some medical professionals support vaping and some don't, but it has nothing to do with the policies themselves which are determined politically unfortunately.

Probably not saying anything folks don't already know here, just putting my opinion out there.

It's really unfortunate that the early advertising campaigns for cig-a-likes were taking the short-term view and marketing based on creative interpretation of smoking regulations and Smokers anxiety/frustration about them instead of taking the longer view. Quick cash marketing and politics just suck and really frustrate the piss out of me...*Sigh*... I feel strongly that the disrespectful way in which early E-Cig marketing campaigns worked, helped light the fuse early on for vaping to be seen as a threat to anti-tobacco legislation.

So, in short it is not so surprising that VA is being very cautious about their approach to the question of vaping, and thus equating it, officially, with smoking. There is no way that VA can "Take a stand" and support Vaping because it is subject to far too many other influences, professional, legal, and medical--in terms of standards that is.

Additionally it should be noted that VA has, over the years transformed its image from that of a backwards thinking bureaucratic waste of taxes, into a fairly well managed institution of innovative care and progressive approaches to research and technology... It's been really interesting to observe the changes over the years. Not perfect of course but so vastly improved that it is pretty impressive.

No one in VA (at the Policy-making level) is going to go out on a limb for something that is as controversial as vaping--just not going to happen.
 

BigNasty

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@USMC8497 OK not giving up on the VA in fact I took your advice to heart and am getting my va shit together.
If worse comes to worse I get my vet card and call it good.
 

hotrod351

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couple months now for me vaping, love it. best thing i did was go into a vape shop, much better than simply buying a e-cig off the shelf at the smoke shop. i really dont think id of like them that much. when i saw all the devices you can get and be able to set them according to how you like. and the tanks too. best thing i ever did. now if in a month, year or more, they come out and say it worse than smoking, well then.
 

Renoyote

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I really can't understand why they would be OK with the gas station cartridge cigalikes and not the more advanced vape pens or even mods. However, lot's of things don't make a lot of practical since. I tried the cigalikes a few times. Was never impressed and I soon became frustrated with them. Now, I'm pretty happy with my inexpensive vape pens.
 

wally

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I was lucky when I was at hospital last year Jewish allowed it but, I was prepared to do it undercover literally! with a big smile on my face;)
 

sclobernocker47

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Im not surprised. Most of these health organizations are erring on the side of caution, and rightfully so. There are so many studies out there on both sides of the vaping fence. You can really pick which side you want to support and go find studies that back it up.

My wife works for the Dept of Health, and shes always coming home with flyers they have at the office. The latest is the popcorn lung fear mongering campaign. Yea yea, diacetyl is believed to cause is, and it is present in SOME flavors. We get it. But its not in all flavors. Nevertheless, vapors understand that vaping isn't HEALTHY. but its clearly healthier than smoking. Even their same diacetyl studies back that up (100x more prevalent in tobacco smoke). They still fail to recognize it as a cessation aid.

As far as being able to vape inside the VA, that cant really surprise you. Most places have put vaping under the same restrictions as cigarettes as far as where you can use it. Hell, most of the military (if not all) has changed their Smoking Policy to a "Nicotine Policy" that not only forces you outside for smoking, but for any nicotine ingestion. That's right. Vape, Chew, and even Nicorette.
 

formernuke

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I've both good and bad doctors at the VA. I didn't care for the one in Hartford CT and was disappointed with the care there. The one in Brockton MA though has been great so far. The doctors don't like me vaping but prefer it over smoking a pack and a half a day. I really can't argue with them, they want me inhaling no nicotine at all but we both consider vaping to be the lesser of two evils.
 

VapeVillian

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I actually was encouraged to start vaping at a VA smoking cessation class. They gave me some coupons to 2 of the local shops, 1 of which is ran by a veteran. 2 months yesterday smoke free from 2 - 2 1/2 pack a day smoker. I asked about the policy at the VA and I was told vaping was allowed anywhere outside, but not inside due to so many patients with different illnesses and/or allergies. The only exception is if you're an inpatient, then you can bring the clouds inside.

Happy Vaping
 

smacksy

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I actually was encouraged to start vaping at a VA smoking cessation class. They gave me some coupons to 2 of the local shops, 1 of which is ran by a veteran. 2 months yesterday smoke free from 2 - 2 1/2 pack a day smoker. I asked about the policy at the VA and I was told vaping was allowed anywhere outside, but not inside due to so many patients with different illnesses and/or allergies. The only exception is if you're an inpatient, then you can bring the clouds inside.

Happy Vaping
What VA location? I go to a couple here in San Diego but vaping is prohibited.. Except in designated smoking areas...

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ayersbj

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Remember when they used to promote smoking. Well not really promote it but reason I started smoking was because the only way you could take a break was to go smoke. Before they banned smoking to designated areas on the ship I didn't smoke at all. Then they went to designated smoking areas and literally my chief said you wanna break you go smoke. Well took my first stick and didn't look back. The VA I have looks at vaping same as smoking. Like other posters on here they will err on the side of safety even when safety is not the concern. Policies are usually written and enforced by people who do not do or use what they are enforcing. Even when education is involved the walk a mile in my shoes addage goes a long way. They will always sway to the report that closely governs or fits to their beliefs.
 
I just registered for a long term care at the VA hospital in Tomah, WI and they told me that vaping was outlawed unless it was gas station cartridige crap. They said vaping was more dangerous than smoking. So obviously big tobacco has already gotten the VA.
I am also a disabled veteran and go to the VA in Dublin GA. I don't live there but I do vape there. I haven't had anyone say anything to me yet but most of the time I do it outside. I don't go to the smoking area because I am not smoking I am vaping.
 

Georgetheturtle

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Considering the total shit care, outright veteran abuse, and filthy conditions the VA is more of safety threat to ones health than a fucking tobacco cig.


I did my clinical training in the north shitcago va.... I would rather go down on a Krokodil addict than go to the VA.
There's a great Facebook page called Dysfunctional Veterans you should check out. Anyway they sell a bunch of different shirts, one of 'em says something like "The V.A. Giving Veterans a Second chance to die for their country since 1930" lol.
 

BigNasty

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There's a great Facebook page called Dysfunctional Veterans you should check out. Anyway they sell a bunch of different shirts, one of 'em says something like "The V.A. Giving Veterans a Second chance to die for their country since 1930" lol.
It has been 20+ years and I still have nightmares about that place. Jumping Jesus in 93 that place was a serious hellhole of misery.
 

Georgetheturtle

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Funny, you'd think with all the fair weather patriots running around, whipping out their flags 3X a year for the holidays AND with the 22 a day number getting thrown around right & left SOMEBODY would fix the fucking hospital, but no. We're gonna get Hilary because life fucking hates us and the millennials are over vaginated and fuck you science for taking away bacon. Annnnnnnddd that's all...... I think.
 

PreparationHero

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I just registered for a long term care at the VA hospital in Tomah, WI and they told me that vaping was outlawed unless it was gas station cartridige crap. They said vaping was more dangerous than smoking. So obviously big tobacco has already gotten the VA.

I'm surprised they didn't tell you that you could only vape ibuprofen.
 

Ding

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just got done with second surgery last friday at portland oregon VA and they saw my vape gear in my bag,the anesthesiologist made sure my lid was tight on bottle of ejuice.said it was loose and leaking.asked what it was,that it smelled good.told him it was mountain oak vapors classic country.nurses came over and promptly said a no no in here.anesthesiologist told them I was going home today and not to get their panties in a wad.I elect to crawl outa the VA before I stay in house.
 

Vapedude

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I live here in Boise,id and was in the USAF ..Vaping here iat the VA seems to be no problem ive never got any attention from it except those who whant to know what I'm doing...its even led to a few converts...so all is good here
 

sharkly

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Started vaping 5 months ago after 50 years of pack a days. I was surprised to hear from Drs. that my lungs have cleared. Most VA Drs. favor vapes over tobacco. Yes I was going to show my nurse but she told me it was strictly forbidden But another advantage is smoke is not easily detectable. so I sneak small hits in the john and back of the bus. Here in NY they do give tickets to smokers.
 

ToxicSludge

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just got done with second surgery last friday at portland oregon VA and they saw my vape gear in my bag,the anesthesiologist made sure my lid was tight on bottle of ejuice.said it was loose and leaking.asked what it was,that it smelled good.told him it was mountain oak vapors classic country.nurses came over and promptly said a no no in here.anesthesiologist told them I was going home today and not to get their panties in a wad.I elect to crawl outa the VA before I stay in house.


I go to Roseburg VA,but right now I'm using the Choice card down here in the Medford area.They kept trying to make me go up there to Portland VA and I refuse.I ain't driving all over hell and back when I can have stuff done,and done right,right here in the Rogue Valley. Vaping at Roseburg VA,only outside at the designated smoking area.I just leave my stuff in my van when I go up.I can go without for a couple of hours.
 

Ding

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I go to Roseburg VA,but right now I'm using the Choice card down here in the Medford area.They kept trying to make me go up there to Portland VA and I refuse.I ain't driving all over hell and back when I can have stuff done,and done right,right here in the Rogue Valley. Vaping at Roseburg VA,only outside at the designated smoking area.I just leave my stuff in my van when I go up.I can go without for a couple of hours.
yup,lived in grants pass awhile ago.went to white city/roseburg/portland..long arsed drive to portland from there.if taking the short bus,be on it at 04:00 back home at 20:30 hrs.Here,they refuse the choice card so I'm stuck running back and forth.
 

ToxicSludge

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yup,lived in grants pass awhile ago.went to white city/roseburg/portland..long arsed drive to portland from there.if taking the short bus,be on it at 04:00 back home at 20:30 hrs.Here,they refuse the choice card so I'm stuck running back and forth.


I don't ride no bus.A long ass trip is just that whether I'm driving or not,so it ain't happening for me.I went to White City for almost 3 years.That is the single worst VA I have ever been too.And I've been in the system since 81.I transferred up to Roseburg almost 3 years ago now.

Okay,you weren't with the 5th.How about the 75th? Papa or Kilo co.? We worked very closely with them.I even evaced out one ranger from the side of a mountain out near the A Shau.Too steep for the slicks to get in,and since we have a small rotor disc,was able to pull him into the back of my loh and evac him back to Evans.
 

5150sick

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The trick would be buying a smaller pen style device and some higher nic liquid than usual.

A non tobacco menthol should work.

That way you can stealth vape away.

Just bring some vicks vapor rub so if they smell it you have menthol vapor rub to blame it on.

As long as you aren't in there trying to practice for a cloud comp with some max VG milky fruity flavor I can't see how you would get caught.

If you aren't getting anything done that would leave you bed ridden even better because theres a bathroom with a door on it.

I'd ask for the patch (or bring nicotine lozenges with you) anyway for during the day when people are up your ass every 10 minutes and cut out and vape when ever you have time.

Telling them you vape is the worst thing you can do because then they know to keep their eye on you.

If you don't want to be pegged as a smoker tell them when you switched but just tell them you switched to their masters' NRT products.

They will be congratulating you even if you tell them you've been chewing nic gum for 10 years.

Fucking hypocrites.
 

PreparationHero

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The trick would be buying a smaller pen style device and some higher nic liquid than usual.

A non tobacco menthol should work.

That way you can stealth vape away.

Just bring some vicks vapor rub so if they smell it you have menthol vapor rub to blame it on.

As long as you aren't in there trying to practice for a cloud comp with some max VG milky fruity flavor I can't see how you would get caught.

If you aren't getting anything done that would leave you bed ridden even better because theres a bathroom with a door on it.

I'd ask for the patch (or bring nicotine lozenges with you) anyway for during the day when people are up your ass every 10 minutes and cut out and vape when ever you have time.

Telling them you vape is the worst thing you can do because then they know to keep their eye on you.

If you don't want to be pegged as a smoker tell them when you switched but just tell them you switched to their masters' NRT products.

They will be congratulating you even if you tell them you've been chewing nic gum for 10 years.

Fucking hypocrites.


You just reminded me of this comic I saw on reddit today.

IbYAP2x.jpg
 

r055co

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I have Civ friends that their doc told them to smoke over Vape
Tell them to tell their Doctors that they may want to see what the Royal College of Physicians say about that. It's not like they are one of the top Medical Organizations in the world and only been around 500 years.

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inspects

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The trick would be buying a smaller pen style device and some higher nic liquid than usual.

A non tobacco menthol should work.

That way you can stealth vape away.

Just bring some vicks vapor rub so if they smell it you have menthol vapor rub to blame it on.

As long as you aren't in there trying to practice for a cloud comp with some max VG milky fruity flavor I can't see how you would get caught.

If you aren't getting anything done that would leave you bed ridden even better because theres a bathroom with a door on it.

I'd ask for the patch (or bring nicotine lozenges with you) anyway for during the day when people are up your ass every 10 minutes and cut out and vape when ever you have time.

Telling them you vape is the worst thing you can do because then they know to keep their eye on you.

If you don't want to be pegged as a smoker tell them when you switched but just tell them you switched to their masters' NRT products.

They will be congratulating you even if you tell them you've been chewing nic gum for 10 years.

Fucking hypocrites.
Even flavorless with a high PG content, pretty simple to stealth.
 

Erk469

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I live in upstate New York and the nearest VA hospital is about an hour and a half away in Syracuse. The are stricter on smokers than vapors at the VA. I don't know why that is but hey I'm not complaining.
 

ToxicSludge

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I live in upstate New York and the nearest VA hospital is about an hour and a half away in Syracuse. The are stricter on smokers than vapors at the VA. I don't know why that is but hey I'm not complaining.


I'm originally from the Dansville/Wayland area.Had some surgery at Syracuse VA back in the early 80's.Was a nice VA,but the parking,( or lack thereof) sucked bigtime.
-george
 

pete67

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I spent 8 days in the Memphis VA hospital for lung surgery and vaped the whole time I was in there with know problem.
 

wally

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I was at VA hospital a few weeks ago and vaped although I did keep a low profile during my stay.
 

Train

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For any hospital stay, I think I'd pick up on of those "pod" devices.
Tighter draw, less vapor and easy to hide - and some of those things run FIFTY mg/ml, so an occasional stealth puff would probably do it...
Juul, Myjet - those things...

14592103_337700929920886_289525871432171520_n.jpg
 

bomatt

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Yea, they consider it smoking and must be done in designated smoking areas only. But, if you can be discreet you can get away with it.

I can pull it off in stairwells that aren't used much. But if you ask me, if you're able to get outside then do it. If you piss off the VA cops enough you can end up with a pretty hefty fine and/or a federal charge. Not worth it for a little nicotine.
 

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