When I first got injured, I had to see a workers' comp doctor, and he made me feel like there was something terribly wrong that I wasn't better yet. I knew that I couldn't go back to work.

But he made me feel guilty - like I should tough it out. As I said, I wasn't capable of working. I was feeling too lousy. I had horrible headaches. I couldn't tolerate noise. I was nauseous. Etc., etc., etc. But I tried to volunteer. I was a teacher, so I went in to help the substitute.

However, I couldn't last more than an hour. I would usually get dizzy and get a headache and have to leave. And then I had headaches for days.

Luckily, I eventually found this site and I realized that my symptoms were real, and I realized that I had to listen to my body. I wonder whether it would have made any difference if I didn't go in to volunteer at the beginning.....

What I am saying to you is listen to your body. If you are not ready to go back to work, don't let anyone tell you that you are. It will only set you back further.

Unfortunately this is not an illness that you can "push through". I have learned that. I have also learned that if you have to see a workers' comp doctor, you have to be an advocate for yourself. You have to find treatments.

The doctor that I saw only gave me Motrin for my migraines, and Motrin gave me stomach problems. They don't even pretend to try and help you. They just want to get rid of you as quickly as they can.

There are doctors who care - even if they may not know how to help you. I think that it's all a guessing game. They really don't understand our illness. So we have to keep trying to find out what will help us.

This website has been a godsend. At least there are other people who are going through the same type of thing that I am going through. And I realize that what I am feeling is normal for this type of injury.

My best to you.
ShellyK