My name is Terri J. Odom.  I am a disabled veteran and am one of the 1,812 veterans that were exposed to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV at the St. Louis VA Hospital Dental Clinic, John Cochran Division. I was informed via certified letter of the error on behalf of the VA.  I suffer from severe chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from Military Sexual Trauma while serving in the Navy.  So with my panic attacks and anxiety level already on over-drive, this terrible mistake by the VA has made me even more anxious. 

The phone number attached to the certified letter was a joke.  The people answering the telephone were rude and knew nothing more than I did.  I even called to verify my blood test, which was scheduled for July 6, 2010 at Jefferson Barracks VA hospital.  I called the 24/7 manned phone line on July 5, 2010 and the nurse actually laughed at my concerns.  She said it was such a "low risk,” and that I had nothing to worry about.  I asked her if the blood test being offered was because of ”zero risk" or "risk."

Looking back, now I realize something in the dental department was wrong.  After my first oral surgery, I had severe pain for 28 days straight.  We were taught in the military to suck it up and keep going.  That strive and toughness is still embedded in us veterans today. I had another oral surgery later and some teeth filled.  I did receive partial dentures from the VA, but after three visits they still do not fit, and my speech is bad with them.  I also remember when the dentist reached for the metal molding piece to make impressions for my partial plates; they appeared dirty and rusty. 

In February of 2010, I was scheduled for a colonoscopy at the St. Louis VA JC division, but had a severe panic attack on the table with extreme rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure.  I looked around the room, and it was beyond filthy. I didn't want the equipment being used on me.  Thankfully I was taken to the Emergency Room, and the procedure was canceled. 

While on a hospital stay at the St. Louis VA John Cochran division in 2009, I was unable to shower to the moldy and unsanitary condition of my bathroom.  The nurses were very nice and just said, “No honey, you don't want to dare use the dirty nasty shower."  I did offer to clean it.

There must be a change in the VA.  What has recently happened in St. Louis with the exposure is third world treatment, if not less.  And yes, we are angry and have every right to be.  The VA put our health at great risk!  There has to be some accountability!  This issue must not be just swept away like it never happened!

I already have major trust issues due to my disability, and now I feel that the very people who are supposed to have my back are trying to put me in harms way. WHY?  We deserve better than this.  We are not just veterans but human beings.  People make mistakes; I understand that.  But when you are dealing with lives, there is no room for failure.  I am outraged at the lack of seriousness the St. Louis VA seems to want to put on this horrible issue.  How would any of them like to wait in horror for test results and then again in 6 months to do it all over again?