Chronic Illness Can't Stop Army Vet with VA Support
For U.S. Army Veteran Ken Bond, life took an unexpected turn in 1977 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the beginning of his military service.
“I was really excited to enlist,” Bond said. “I was proud to serve my country and I wanted a career. So, it was tough to have it taken away that quickly.”
The long-term, chronic condition, which causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, led him to an honorable medical discharge and the need for lifelong health care.
“It got so bad and depressing after my discharge,” Bond explained. “It was tough because I couldn’t make my own decisions [about my career]. And since there is no cure, it was really tough to accept.”
Throughout the New Yorker’s decades-long struggle with an illness with no cure, Bond sought medical care through private practices. It wasn't until eight years ago, when he became self-employed with independent health insurance, that he turned to the VA for assistance. Initially apprehensive due to negative stories he had heard, his experiences surpassed his expectations.
“The VA is second to none. I think the care here is amazing,” said Bond. “The ease of scheduling appointments, the efficiency of urgent care and primary care at the Beaver Dam clinic impressed me very much.”
At the Madison VA Hospital and Clinics, he discovered a support system that he continues to lean on. It was not just the quality of care that left a lasting impression—it was the people.
“My gastroenterologist, Dr. Ryan Smith, is just a down to earth, regular guy, but so helpful. All the doctors and nurses have been highly skilled, but also compassionate and dedicated professionals.”
During his first appointment at Madison VA West Clinic, his diagnosis took an unexpected turn. Dr. Emilia Ruiz, his attending physician, recommended an endoscopy to gain a better understanding of his condition. Not only was Bond suffering from ulcerative colitis, but he had developed primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
“It felt like a death sentence,” Bond explained. “The daily symptoms can be so horrendous. When I was diagnosed with PSC, I didn’t realize how serious it could be until I had a flare up like I’d never had before. This disease was what ultimately made me give up my truck driving career.”
Like ulcerative colitis, PSC is an autoimmune disease, but it also affects other areas of the body including the liver and bile duct. While there are treatments for ulcerative colitis, unfortunately no treatments exist for PSC.
“I found solace in the fact that I was putting my life in the hands of remarkable individuals who worked tirelessly to improve my well-being,”
Living with PSC has its share of obstacles. At one point, attributing his symptoms to the flu, Bond developed blood poisoning which led him to seek urgent care at the VA. Despite occasional inpatient stays to help control the debilitating effects of his illness, Bond remains resilient and continues to navigate his journey, but he’s not alone. The Madison VA staff is right there fighting alongside of him.
“Who knows where I’d be without them. They’ve been great to me.”
For more information about the Madison VA Hospital, visit www.madison.va.gov, www.facebook.com/MadisonVAHospital and subscribe to our newsletters.