Medical update

[GT2000]

I've been busy/stressing all week, gathering all my medical records from visits since my injury last month, 12+ visits..

Finally had an appointment with an orthopedic specialist this morning, and he's quite convinced that it was indeed a work related injury (well no shit, I handled that ladder like it was my bitch all day up until I hurt myself), so he said he's going to try and help me out on the workman's comp issue, it's a damn relief to actually feel like someone is trying to help me out right now, first time I've felt that way since this all started, god I've been stressed...no idea.

I'm turning in my paper work for short-term disability today, have to get that going regardless, to make sure I'm still getting paid even though I'm not working (and you'd think I'd be psyched about that..).

I have an EMG scheduled for April 4th, then back to the orthopedic doc the 6th for the results, he's point to the same thing, long thoraxic nerve injury, but the EMG will be a better judge of it, still a chance it could heal on it's own as it generally takes 8-12 weeks, but we have to be sure, plus he needs a proper diagnosis in records if he's going to help me with this bullshit.

Argh.

[johnny]

strong, daily doses of alcohol will get you feelin' better in no time, donnie.

but seriously, hopefully that quack of yours can help you get that business straightened out. :)

[GT2000]

Yeah, I actually haven't been drinking lately, after I turn that disability paper work in today however, I'm taking a break from all this bullshit, up until my next appointment not this monday but the next.

Drink I shall.

[thecreeper]

they better give you worker's comp man, that's shit. glad to see someone is working for you though.

[GT2000]

I FINALLY just got to talk to the claims adjustor of the insurance agency my company deals with...

She said the initial report conflicted with everything, she says I stated that "I don't know what happened".

I don't remember exactly what I said..but I think it was a case of me more like saying "I don't know how it happened...I was swinging the ladder back up on my van, and I didn't hear or feel anything pop or tear or shift, but I had a ton of pain in my shoulder once I extended my arm."

These fucks at the worker's comp clinic aren't too bright..well, the doctor's at least, the one guy kept prescribing me motrin, even after I had already been prescribed Vicodin and Flexeril (I was later givin' Darvocet too).

I told her the orthopedic doctor I'm using now said it's quite obvious to be a work related injury, and his report will back that up, she asked if I had the report yet, told her it's on hold until after my EMG, etc. She told me to fax it to her, she seems like a nice person talking on the phone, unlike the initial thought I had after reading her notice of "you're paying for this yourself".

And a little more weight is lifted from thy back..

[malta]

Thats nuts. Congrats on hopefully not having to pay for this.

[GT2000]

Yeah...she tried calling me back about an hour after we spoke, missed the call, past office hours by the time I saw it on my cell..I'll call her yet again tomorrow.

The biggest worry I have right now, is, if this injury turns out to be something serious, as in, requiring surgery + a lengthy healing period, and I can't go back to work, just how long will my job be held for..ya know? If it's back on workman's comp, I can have a much better shot at holding my position in the downtime.

As long as I retain my medical coverage, I'm not sure how much of this will be covered, and how much I will have to pay out of pocket (besides all the $15 co-pay office visit fees), but that's minor on the threat scale atm.

[GT2000]

I just got back from my follow up with the orthopedic dude. EMG shows no nerve damage/injury, very good news. So the only thing which could be causing my problems, would be direct muscle injury/trauma.

He told me it takes anywhere from 12-16 weeks to fully heal, so he went ahead and wrote me up a return to work form with the proper restrictions for the next 10 weeks, and will start to contact the people involved in getting my workman's comp coverage approved, hopefully that works out, and I'll be able to return to light duty, and then return to full duty around the end of June.

[thecreeper]

good to see things are starting to work out for you donnie.