OT: I am scared

[hugabearjo]

I just don't know where to turn for support so I thought I would ask my friends at DIS to pray for me and my family.

I had Carpal Tunnel surgery in Feb. 2007 and then got MRSA (the antibacteria resistant staph infection that has been in the news). The result then became a huge amount of scar tissue. I am a dental hygienist and my hand is what my career is about. My thumb barely works now, and I have no strength in my fingers. I have been working with a physical therapist but, I think that workman's comp is getting tired of me. This was supposed to be a 6 week recovery and here we are over 8 months.

I didn't realize how scared I am until last night when I couldn't sleep for anything. I leave today to go to Portland (about 3 hours from home) to have an independent medical evaluation. This is with a doctor that doesn't have a practice just consults so it isn't for treatment. I think it is the start of closing my case. I am so scared to never go back to a job I love, but also scared they are going to tell me to go back when I know my hand can't do the job well for my patients and know the pain I would be in if I try.

Anyone out there with words of wisdom? Thanks

Jo

 

[Doc CW]

Sorry no words of wisdom but you have my support and prayers.

 

[tinaluis]

I'm not sure if you have an attorney representing you on the Workers Comp. injury, but now would be the time to get one. If you truly are not able to return to your previous line of work, there is an avenue an attorney can pursue (at least here in Illinois there is) which would take into account a decrease in salary if you have to do another type of work. It factors everything into the equation, including the intervening staph infection which might require a third-party action. I realize that some people are reluctant to hire an attorney but with an IME coming up, you'll really need to document your treatment and bills from your own doctors, to counter what the IME Doctor is paid by the insurance company to say.

 

[hugabearjo]

You are right, I have been very reluctant to hire an attorney because I kept thinking I was going to get better. The thought of another career makes me very sad. I love direct patient care. I just got the name of an attorney from my physical therapist who thinks he is very good. I will call him tomorrow. A little to late before the IME but, hopefully not too late.

Thank you for your encouragement. I still have been putting off the call to an attorney ( I got the name a couple of weeks ago). I don't even know why, the whole process I guess just intimidates me. I am not a fighter and don't like to fight. Unfortunately, I also know you are right, this Dr is going to be paid by the workers comp company. I just pray she is honest.

 

[bumbershoot]

Have you looked to see if there are any "alternative" sorts of methods for decreasing scar tissue? I've definitely heard of acupuncture helping, as well as massage, though those were talked about in terms of scars on the abdomen. Could be worth looking into.

Also, have you ever looked into chiropractic? I know it sounds weird now, but back before your surgery, did you? When I am out from under chiro care, I will sometimes get carpal tunnel symptoms, and Im' quite sure that if I left chiro care completely I would get carpal tunnel problems galore. So, since you talk about having no strength in your hand right now, I can't help but wonder if there was an underlying problem that caused the carpal tunnel, and it's only gotten worse with time. I would definitely check it out, independently of all you are currently doing, b/c it might very well help you a great deal.

 

[mickeyluvr004]

You are right, I have been very reluctant to hire an attorney because I kept thinking I was going to get better. The thought of another career makes me very sad. I love direct patient care. I just got the name of an attorney from my physical therapist who thinks he is very good. I will call him tomorrow. A little to late before the IME but, hopefully not too late.

Thank you for your encouragement. I still have been putting off the call to an attorney ( I got the name a couple of weeks ago). I don't even know why, the whole process I guess just intimidates me. I am not a fighter and don't like to fight. Unfortunately, I also know you are right, this Dr is going to be paid by the workers comp company. I just pray she is honest.

YES get a good Workers Comp attorney I have been fighting my workers comp insurance for me to have surgery for 3 years yes having shoulder pain and (tendinitis in rotator cuff, shoulder, and wrist) and if i didn't have an attorney this would have ended 3 years ago me losing the fight, and suffering the rest of my life in pain. just went to see another IME (WORKERS COMP COMMISSIONERS) and he agrees with my doctor and now the work,comp insurance is now arguing to pay for the surgery again i am the one suffering all this time, my attorney has fought for me and again i couldn't do it with out him and here in connecticut you don't pay anything down you only pay after you win and when the insurance wants to settle, he/she will get you what you deserve and take their cut in the end,well worth it you will proably get alot more they know what to say, good luck and hope you take my advise.

 

[GoinToDisney]

(((Hugs))) and prayers for you! I understand how you feel about hiring an attorney. That is why they try to make you feel like a pain. They need to weed out the people who aren't as serious about getting treatment. You have to find that fighter within you, remembering these people don't know you and you will probably never see them after all this is done, so give yourself permission to fight for yourself and your career.

 

[bellebud]

no advice, but offering support and prayers. keep us updated!

 

[Stephres]

I know nothing about worker's comp, but I wish you all the best. It can't hurt to see the attorney, right?

 

[noahdove]

No words but many prayers

 

[kty]

An IME is an independent medical examination. The insurance company is attempting to get another opinion on your condition, as they may not necessarily "believe" that your current treatments are working, or that you are indeed as disabled as you say you are. I was a rehabilitation specialist for about 8 years, which means that I worked with individuals who were on workers comp/in auto accidents and attempted to return them to some form of gainful employment if they could not return to their pre-injury position.

In addition to the suggestion to obtain an attny(which i would also recommend), also keep in mind the following - If you cannot return to your pre-injury position, many times the insurance company will want to get you back to work in any type of position, just to get you back to work. Do not just settle for any old job. The insurance company may also pay for your tuition to return to school to be trained for a different occupation that when completed would have your earning as much as if not more than your current position. hope this helps

 

[hinodis]

First a to you. I actually know how you feel. I was in a car accident 4 years ago and I injured my left arm and hand and I am partially disabled for life. I have spent alot of time with physical therapy. What ever exercise they give you it is important to keep it up. I have seen some improvement over the years. I too am very limited with what I can do for work. I am fortunate to work for my DH so I can call in sick when my arm hurts. I think you need to speak with an attorney. Just remember he/she will be the one fighting for you. I wish you luck.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I wish you the best for a complete recovery... whatever your Physical Therapist says to do - DO IT.. My daughter is a Physical Therapy Assistant and they have a lot of classes and clinical experience before they can ever take their State Board Exams - they really do know what they are doing!!

 

[mousefanmichelle]

I am sorry to hear about your hand. Can I suggest that instead of physcial therapy - look for occupational therapy. OT specializes in the hands and wrists as far as up to the shoulder and there are certified hand therapists out there that really know about this stuff.

I work in an OT/PT dept at a hospital and I can tell you that PT's are good but not as good as OT's when it comes to the hands and I would say the say about the knee for PT's vs. OT's. Go to where the specialists are especially if you love what you do and want to return to it sooner rather than later.

Good luck to you!

 

[hugabearjo]

Thank you, Thank you for your support...... Your posts are so comforting and remind me that I have done somethings right. I went to the Dr. before surgery and he wanted to do it straight away. I insisted on MRI and chiropractic care first to make sure it wasn't something else. I had nerve conduction testing done to make sure it wasn't pinched higher up my arm, shoulder or neck. etc. My Physical therapist is actually an occupational therapist and he consults with a certified hand therapist from a different location.

I made it back from the IME. Boy it sure seemed like a waste of travel. I was with them for about 30 min. Did the same testing that my physical therapist does all the time. They made me sign a paper that I understood that they couldn't discuss my condition with me they would only send a report to the requesting agency or person. In my case the workman's comp adjuster. Very frustrating, so now I wait. She said it would probably take a week to get the report to my adjuster. I really don't feel like she "examined" my hand, wrist, etc. just did different tests.

I appreciate the support. I will call the attorney tomorrow and see if I can get an appointment and how it works. Is there any questions you would suggest I ask him?

So I guess I am just in the waiting mode now.

If you have more suggestions, please keep them coming. I know this will be a long long week of waiting.

I am so thankful for my Dis friends.

 

[Joanna71985]

I don't have anything to say, I just wanted to send you prayers and well-wishes.

 

[AUdisfan]

No advice from me either. Just good feelings and prayers.

 

[mickeyluvr004]

Thank you, Thank you for your support...... Your posts are so comforting and remind me that I have done somethings right. I went to the Dr. before surgery and he wanted to do it straight away. I insisted on MRI and chiropractic care first to make sure it wasn't something else. I had nerve conduction testing done to make sure it wasn't pinched higher up my arm, shoulder or neck. etc. My Physical therapist is actually an occupational therapist and he consults with a certified hand therapist from a different location.

I made it back from the IME. Boy it sure seemed like a waste of travel. I was with them for about 30 min. Did the same testing that my physical therapist does all the time. They made me sign a paper that I understood that they couldn't discuss my condition with me they would only send a report to the requesting agency or person. In my case the workman's comp adjuster. Very frustrating, so now I wait. She said it would probably take a week to get the report to my adjuster. I really don't feel like she "examined" my hand, wrist, etc. just did different tests.

I appreciate the support. I will call the attorney tomorrow and see if I can get an appointment and how it works. Is there any questions you would suggest I ask him?

So I guess I am just in the waiting mode now.

If you have more suggestions, please keep them coming. I know this will be a long long week of waiting.

I am so thankful for my Dis friends.

Hi again make sure that you get an attorney who specializes in Workers Comp they know everything and if you don't get a good vibe with the one your in with ( i fired my old one as he wasn't doing anything) just remember there are others out there i absolutly love my new one and wouldn't trade him for nothing. go with your gut and IMO i think that you did right i had allthe same done and cortisone shots to i truly hope i get my surgery soon as the pain is getting worse, but again if you are sitting in his office and just don't feel right don't sign anything tell him you want to think about it and find another one but on the other hand if it feels right sign and let him get the ball rolling things change when you have an attorney they (the attorney) do all the talking and compromising and thats the great part they can't bully you any more good luck and please keep us up to date as we all care

 

[Aristomommy]

I work in an OT/PT dept at a hospital and I can tell you that PT's are good but not as good as OT's when it comes to the hands and I would say the say about the knee for PT's vs. OT's. Go to where the specialists are especially if you love what you do and want to return to it sooner rather than later.

Good luck to you!

Sorry this it OT, but there are both PTs and OTs that are hand specialists. I would definitely suggest a hand specialist in eiher discipline. You may also look into vocational rehab/counseling if you feel that it may be difficult to return to your previous occupation. I would also suggest looking for a pain management specialist that can look into your nerves if you haven't had them tested since the surgery.

 

[hugabearjo]

I called the attorney and I meet with him next Tues. Please help me know the questions to ask. mickeysluvr004- I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I do know that I am by far, the rare one that has problems after surgery. I am sure you will sail right through it.

The little we visited on the phone he gave me the name of a voc. rehab. coun. that he wants me to request from my adjuster. I feel like that would mean giving up. I have thought about it all day. I guess I am just afraid to give up. Is there a way I could word a letter requesting that if it comes down to me needing one then this is the one I want. Will that work? or is that too wishy washy?

thank you so much for all the support, thoughts and prayers it sure helps to know that people care. You are the BEST!!!