Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Med

We came to the emergency room because my husband's legs were swollen, and he couldn't lay down to sleep and was having a hard time breathing when he came up from the basement. Of course, he never wants to go to the Doctor but, he was not gonna hear the end from me if he didn't. I love the fact that my husband uses the VA, because all of his information is in the system and everywhere he goes they can see his medical history. So, he's at the hospital with said issues and after being admitted, finds out...OMG, he was in congestive heart failure and had that fluid, that was in his legs, was also in one of his lungs...ugh! The doctors and nurses were very informative and knowledgeable as well as caring and considerate. Once all the fluid was removed and the tests were ran, we were told that he had a calcification of one of the hearts valves and needed surgery...open heart surgery. There were other options that were not feasible for his condition and even though they were not going to use those options.They still informed him of them. They, of course, ran down the pros and cons, risks, and rewards. He has had the surgery now, 4 days ago. I am glad that all went well despite how long it took for him to come off the ventilator. But I even heard that was normal. Thank you, Cardiac team! The communication from all that nurses but especially Mary Ann Cunningham was superb. She is so thorough that she saw that I wasn't feeling well and knew that I would be taking care of him when he got home. She persuaded me to go to the doctor to get checked out from what I was telling her about my symptoms. And yes, I had the flu. She wanted to make sure I was well enough if I was gonna take care of my husband when he came home. I know people complain about the VA and its hospital and doctors, but not today. It's not the fanciest place. But the meals are good. The nurses do seem to care and will assist if you need their help, and there are plenty of resources, if neededcheck with your caseworker. Mary Ann helped with getting my husband's FMLA papers back to his employer. She is a great resource to have, Not only is she knowledgeable, but she shows that she cares and has an eye and passion for what she does. Her "bedside manner" is unmatched! There were no "dumb questions" with her! She gets back to you and informs you of any updates. She is really busy, but she will get back to you. Seeing that I couldn't come back to see my husband due to my flu diagnosis that communication was invaluable to me. I hope the new administration sees the benefit of funding our VA medical hospitals, clinics, an it's staff. A BIG thanks from me and my husband! Updated photo: 9 months later, after surgery. Thank God for the VA, heart team!!!

Usually in and out quickly for appoi tments

Turned in a couple of blue maintenance shirts that I had picked up at my building from a veteran who I met.

I was just at the John Cochran VA facility on the ninth floor today. As soon as you get off the elevator, there is a high smell of mold and mildew. I caution all veterans and patients to wear a mask when visiting the ninth floor. Once again, please use caution and wear a mask. 08-25-25

Very beautiful and I love it 💞🤩

I was not very impressed with the area, parking, or the care offered here. Staff was pretty nice and helpful but you can tell the VA doesn't seem to put alot into this building or into the services offered at this location. Jefferson Barracks are much nicer!

Lets keep pushing back treatment. It's only cancer. Pam in scheduling should be fired. Waited 2 months from consult to reach out. Had to have provider get with supervisor to call. Glad to get letters about scheduling from 2 months ago with stamps from mailing 2 months past the date on the inside letter. My providers are great but these annoying scheduling department is what keeps causing issues. Ask questions? Oh bad idea. They yell at you then hang up.

A wonderful place for Vets to receive assistance.