Hi Jim,

As I said I would ask my PT what this test was all about. He knew what I meant as soon as I said it. What he said is it is a test they use for disability cases, WC, etc. He stressed that they have tests they use that are designed to see if the person is really disabled or not they try and catch the patient doing something they should not be doing or stated they couldn't. He said they get a report of what was stated on the original papers that your wife filled out and go from there. This sounds like a very unfair test. I told him is was for a goverment employer and he said they are the worse. He also stated that not all PT Facilities do it because it is very timely and most don't want to get involved.

I wish you guys all the best with this one.

Gabbycakes

Thanks gabbycakes. Suzy's original report would be several years ago. She wasn't a government employee but a government contractor instead. Either way she can't do much and the stress is a killer for her. I can see what is going to happen even before it begins. I would think a good lawyer with access to 8 years of history with this condition should be able to debunk it. This whole process makes me ill.

I'll also add this doctor has stated my wife has RSD. She has treated my wife's swollen limbs, referred her to major hospitals for infusions etc....on and on and on. It seems this doctor is very disappointed that Suzy has not improved much better than she has. Now, several months ago Suzy did mentioned to the doc she did cut her meds down because of the cost of them at the time (over $1000 a month) in which the doc respond with drug tests. I was not aware of this cutting down but I did notice increased pain with her.

How can a test like this trump everything that was done these past 8 years dealing with a chronic incurable, progressive disease. I'm totally baffled.

If it is the cost of meds that is the reason she is cutting back and no ins - many of the drug companies have programs for discounted or even free meds.

One is called needy meds I believe.
And the manufacturers have programs set up also , so you could contact them directly, if you want to find out more.

found it-
http://www.needymeds.org/

more info on rx help-
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=...9d13023017841d

Thanks Jo*mar, we've done just that. Our out of pocket costs with meds have dropped a bunch. In reality our costs are less for her treatment now then when we had BC/BS. I do not have coverage because there is no money to spare. We are now at the wire and if it breaks we will have to sell the house adding more stress to a most stressful situation. If everything turns out ok then we can then spend a little money preparing the house for sale in a better market in my area next spring. I always think ahead and have already contacted a real estate agent just in case.

Yesterday was a great day to end my work week and the beginning of the holiday weekend. Not only did I find out my wife's SSDI hearing may be back on schedule, I talked personnally to my wife's doctor for a half hour yesterday and what a good talk it was! It appears the only reason the doc requested the FCE test was in reaction to the complex form sent to her by my wife's representitive. The doc made a copy of it and it is infact very complex requiring a test of some sort. Her doc's reaction was in order to fill out this form a test needs to be done, not by her but by another PT of our choice. The rep told me all she really needs is a cover letter indicating the progression of her RSD. So, I will talk to the doc and most likely a test will not be necessary at all but a letter instead. It seems all the praying from us, our family and friends and our friends from NeuroTalk are being heard.