| Donna Sims |
12-14-2018 10:04 AM |
Neuropathy from frostbite amputation
My husband, age 56, worked for a grave service for 20 years. Last December, 2017, there was an unprecedented snow and ice storm here in West Georgia. My husband worked for 3 days in 12 inches of snow and frozen mud for 12 to 13 hours a day, pushing concrete vaults up hills and setting up graves sites. There was no way to even dry his one pair of work boots during the few hours between services. After the 3rd day his toes were dark gray and quickly turned black. The frostbite turned into gangrene and he had to have all 10 of his toes amputated. He now has permanent neuropathy from the amputations and isn't able to tolerate riding in a car without his feet up on the seat and even then the vibrations of the car and any bumps are painful. He can't tolerate sitting in a chair with his feet down for more than a few minutes. He walks as much as he can but it's always painful and the more he walks the longer it takes to get the pain level back down to it's resting place of about a level 5. The pain is burning, stabbing, aching and his feet are very sensitive. Problem is the Worker's Comp adjuster doesn't believe he has pain and is trying to prevent the insurance company from having to pay for his pain management and for the psychiatrist for his resulting anxiety, depression, and insomnia. We are raising our teen granddaughter and trying to survive on the pitiful $200 a week that WC comp WAS sending up until this month. They owe him 2 checks now plus two mileage reimbursement checks and here it is Christmas and we're behind on our bills because of it. A friend suggested that I reach out for others who may be having a similar situation.
|
