Insurance review
 

I was worried when I got the call that I would need an insurance review. I am in no way able to return to work full time or even part time... So, when a walk brought on a week of headaches I wasn't really upset, since it meant I would be doing my testing WITH symptoms, rather than symptom free (rest keeps me symptom free for the most part)... I woke yesterday with no headache, so I did a few pushups and voila... headaches... Not the best way to do it, but I figure doing all these dang tests with symptoms is far more accurate than without...

My first appointment last week was with a physiatrist... He seem surprised I hadn't been referred to anyone by my own specialist except massage therapy. This was repeated by the neuropsych yesterday, and the neurologist today. I am frustrated and upset. I knew I wouldn't fare as well on the tests with headaches, but I was surprised how badly I did do... Short term memory was horrible, and on the first go through of fifty pairs of images I got really frustrated that I could barely remember any of the originals. The second run through was better, but I am not sure by how much. The test that was the worst was the five abstract shapes. I couldn't remember those AT ALL. I was in tears I was so frustrated.

NP indicated I should be seeing someone to help with headaches and concentration, neuro said the same thing. I cried when I told the neurologist today that I would take any therapy they recommended... that I was afraid that now I've hit the year mark that I would basically stay this way... his reply "Yes, with proper therapy where you are at a year is likely where you would stay, but it's clear that you've not had the proper treatment at all..."

I have one more meeting with a physiotherapist... Hoping he is as supportive as the other reviewers have been, and that any recommendations for therapy are passed on to me so I can finally get on with recovery...

don't get me wrong, I am not horrible anymore. For the most part, as long as I have a sedentary lifestyle I am good. No lifting, no walks, no exercise. I can read (although slower than I used to be), I can write (again takes me much longer to get my thoughts out on paper), and I am generally headache free. But this is no normal life. I don't do the groceries, my sex life is radically different, I've gained 40 lbs (lost ten by adding in a lot of fibre, so only 30 more to lose), and I'm always worried that someone is watching thinking "Oh, she can do that but not work?" It's frustrating. I want my life back. I want to be as normal as I can.

Anyways, all three reviewers to date have said they will recommend more therapy, so I am thrilled. I just pray something works and that I can gradually get even a little closer to "normal".

Hi Camyam, Sounds like we're almost at about the same place symptom wise (and the same age I think if 73 is 1973 ;) ) I'm really curious to know what treatment they think you've missed out on. Please share with us any suggestions they have for you. I'm only at 9 months but my insurance company is starting to wonder about return to work also and I'm nowhere near ready or able.

It sounds like you've had some good and informative appointments. I hope what they put in their reports is the same things they were saying to you. Are you in the US or Canada? Just curious because you said insurance review and not Worker Comp.

Good luck with your review with the physiotherapist and please share any words of wisdom you are given!

Thanks,
CC

Camyam,
Its good to read your update, I have been thinking of you and wondering if you still came to this site or not. I thought of you when I hit my one year anniversary, as I knew yours was close to mine. I was hoping you were doing much better, I am sorry to hear you are still struggling and things are not right in your world.

It is good you are able to manage your symptoms with rest, that's encouraging in some ways, even if its not leading a normal life, maybe that will come back a little at a time?

I am glad that all the reviewers are suggesting more therapy for you, that must come as a relief. When you find out what they will suggest for you, please post, I am curious what their recommendations will be.

Sending you good thoughts and wishes. Good to hear from you. :hug:
Starr

Thanks Starr... Today my own physiatrist recommended either at home therapy with an OT, or a day patient therapy to help improve. I also will be doing physio, on top of my RMT. I've been given a script for gabapenten... anyone have any feedback on using this to help? Not sure I want to delve into drugs as a way to regain activity...

Cyclecrash - I'm also in Ontario. Barrie, but travel to Toronto for all my appointments...

Will let you know what else is recommended... Looking forward to maybe actually being able to resume at least some activity.

Gabapentin is an easy med to take. I have taken as much as 1200 mgs. I have taken 900 mgs for the past 5 years.

What is the doctor prescribing the gabapentin for ?

What is the OT going to treat you for ?

Mark - I think the OT and physio is to help me build up to some physical ability... Same with the gabapentin... the doc thinks that if I take the gabapentin, I can slowly start adding in some exercise without having the huge headaches I've been getting... I'm worried that it's not quite going to work, but at this point, I'm almost willing to give it a try...

Any idea how long before getting preggo one should stop taking it? We're on a break now (had another loss end nov, beginning dec) but when I am ready, I want to be sure my system is good to go.