[Patti_Christmas]

My auto insurance adjuster is being a pain in the butt. I've gone over her head a few times, and she really doesn't like it (who would), but she has a job to do so she should do it. How hard is it to email back a quick answer? If I "neglected" to let her know how things were going she'd have a fit.

Anyway, she has been trying since Dec 2010 (after my 2nd stim surgery) to get an IME for me. She has been unable to find a doctor that would do this for her. I did have an IME prior to the stim implant, and the doctor did state that I have RSD, am obtaining reasonable and necessary medical treatment and the worst part for the insurance company - that I do need attendant care (at that time, it was 8 hours a day). Ironically, the doctor that did the IME was the doctor that actually did the surgical placement of the paddle in Dec, so I guess now he wouldn't be a "neutral" IME doctor. Honestly, I would be comfortable having him do the IME again, I took the chance of "conflict of interest" when I agreed to have him do the implant, so why can't the insurance company? Gee, I know why - it's because he would not provide them with a report stating that I no longer need help, that I am all better. Guess what - I'm not, and I am not "exaggerating" my condition...

So, she had the case assigned to an outside case nurse. Apparently, I am too complex for her alone. It actually took her from Dec to March to either assign it or for the nurse to get through my file.

I talked with the nurse for almost an hour, I told her everything that was going on - how the surgeries that were thought would help didn't, how currently I am worse now, how I am doing everything the doctors say, that I am even researching on my own, that even though the stim messes with my heart I still run it at least for an hour or so. I told her how I only go to and from the doctors, how the drive is extremely painful, how I have even emailed the adjuster asking about different possibilities (Heavy Metal Toxicity - testing is very expensive and I can't afford it, but with the meds I'm taking it can prevent kidneys and liver from removing any type of heavy metals and increases the problems.) and received no response from adjuster as to whether or not they would cover it. She asked about Physical Therapy because it "has been awhile". I told her that I am continuing the leg strength exercises that I had learned in P.T prior (I was in PT for almost 2 years!!). I also told her that with the implant of the stim in Sept and then again in Dec, and then the spreading/flaring of the RSD, that the doctors were trying the injections but were considering therapy (pool, wax, etc) but wanted to get things under control a bit more (especially with the funky things going on with my heart and chest wall).

I again told her that traveling was hard, that getting through the day was hard at this time, that I don't know how to swim (I did get into our pool last summer prior to the stim, and walked around with floating devices and liked it). I did forget to tell her that I have a water phobia (I can't even stand to have water splashing on my face in the shower). I told her right now, I can't even have my legs "shaved" and that bugs me.

She asked me about a second opinion. Gee, like I hadn't thought of that ever. I told her that after my first stim was implanted, that based upon the condition and problems, that I would not be able to find a doctor in my area to even look at me. The liabilities on "me" is such a huge risk and who is going to take that chance? Also, how is my doctor going to react to that? I told her that I have contacted UofM in Ann Arbor and how they will not see anyone without a referral, and how we did tell my current pain doctors that if they can't do anything, to refer me. Right now, we have to get things under control, I have to be able to travel and I definitely don't want to anger the doctors that are currently seeing me because if I have to do a re-programming or an "emergency" appointment, who is going to help me locally?

She kept saying Cleveland because that is where her "network" is saying I could possibly benefit from. Um, I've considered going there or to the Mayo Clinic, but again - I CAN'T TRAVEL. I told her that it's not a matter of not wanting to get better, I do. It's been almost 4 years - right now I'm such a mess, my kids can't even hug me, not to mention any "attention" from hubby. Who wants to live like this? What can Cleveland do for me? If I get down there, I know I am going to be in such a bad state, is it going to do more harm? I told her that we are so desperate, that there have been times when hubby says he'll throw an air mattress in the back of the van and take me into the hospital. I point out that it's not safe, and I have panic attacks when I'm sitting in the car (hit head on), and I don't think I'd be okay laying down in the back.

I guess she's going to call me again on Wednesday, and is planning on meeting up with me at my next doctor's appointment. I honestly don't know what she's going to "bring to the plate", especially since I have been actively searching and asking about many different treatments. I'm not nervous about her, like I said, I am not exaggerating my condition. I know what "her job" is - she is there to state that I can do things, that I'm fine. I know this is her job, but some days it just makes me mad that insurance companies (or SSI) tries anything and everything to deny.

End of rant. I have to get ready for my granddaughter to come see us