[twinzmom+2]

I had my rib resection on valentines day this year, at first I was told this was not work related by the WC people (of course) but my PCP just wrote a letter about how this is a direct result of my job...can anyone please tell me where to go from here? My position requires me to type and 10 key 99% of the time, I am off for post op until at least 4/1, but the docs do not know if I will EVER be able to go back. I dont know where to go now HELP

Shannon

[Jomar]

I suggest getting some free consults{ and interviewing} with wc attys.
Ask as many questions as you can and get as much info before choosing one. Ask if they keep you updated as the claim goes along and if they reply to any questions in a timely manner.
{Many have trouble getting responses when a question comes up.}

TOS is complicated so not a do it your self wc thing.

finding good wc atty post-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post98018-4.html

and you might read on our work comp forum too- to learn more about the system as a whole -
the WC useful sites thread -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1117

[DiMarie]

I would also suggest to check the doctors list at the to[ of the forum for a TOS specialist in your area. There are only a few considered TOS, but powerful advocates for fighting workers comp. They know that a surgery is not going to FIX you to go back to the job that developed your TOS. But a PCP is poweful, knowledgable enough for a deposition to explain this for your case. Did w/c pay for the surgery? If not run not walk to the nearest attorney to advice and open a comp claim. You are going to need this income to help while you heal, retrain, reivent your life and learn how to not have the presurgery pain assult you.

TOS is life ling even with surgery. it is always about learning to live with it even if it is in remission. Your keying was likely thought to be CT and a quick surgery and back to work. It does not work that way. With TOs it is in the hands but the typing position, ergonomic, letting supervisors know you had pain, using sick days to see doctors for pain or releif, wearing braces to work that they knew you were hurting are all relevent.
Keep good recors, try to start a time line. Did you happen to recall maybe one day the straw that broke the camels back or was it ongoing reinjurying yourself every day at work. A good attorney that works with repetative injuries, or at best had prior whiplash TOS cases is best.
Keep us posted, and any other way you could use a hug or thoughts,
di

[cherie1955]

Originally Posted by twinzmom+2

I had my rib resection on valentines day this year, at first I was told this was not work related by the WC people (of course) but my PCP just wrote a letter about how this is a direct result of my job...can anyone please tell me where to go from here? My position requires me to type and 10 key 99% of the time, I am off for post op until at least 4/1, but the docs do not know if I will EVER be able to go back. I dont know where to go now HELP

Shannon

Hi Shannon, My suggestion is to get a WC Attorney. I have one and it has been a great help.

Cherie

[astern]

Welcome to Shannon!

[finz]

Welcome Shannon !

Definitely get a good WC attorney ASAP. Best of luck !

[tshadow]

I was a work comp defense attorney.

Everyone is giving "spot on" advice.

Yes, get your FREE consult(s) and find someone who hopefully either has done a TOS case or at least "repetitive upper extremity disorders" as these are no longer the rare things they once were - sadly, there are MORE each day.

I'm in CA, and I know of three immed. admitted cases, one denied, and the rest had to have a hearing to fight for it, then on goes the case...

I am just finishing up mine, took 5 years, but I've finally gotten care after hearings, etc., and it IS worth the time cuz I've progressed so badly I need daily care by a home aid.

So PLEASE do not listen to the ins. co., and get your consults and get it going.

Go to the work comp thing here and search all of my threads, as I wrote a lot when this thing first got started. Now, my memory is too bad.

God bless.

[LinJane]

Shannon Welcome! I hope you find some relevant information here to help you. There is alot of important information and lots of support. Best of luck! Linda