[Dump-Ed]

So the main doctor (work comp) who is treating me for crps has told me he has never seen a case of it spreading. I had a traumatic injury to my right index finger almost 1 year ago. It took several months of negative lab tests, to be diagnosed with CRPS. I always presented with the appearance of CRPS in the injured finger. Not sure if that made sense (Bone scan showed increased uptake, thermogram and QSART negative) Anyway, my finger has been the main issue.

For the last few months I have had a burning pain throughout my arm into my shoulder and also in my leg. No shiny skin or swelling just an always present burning... sorry for the rambling the last two days have been the worst yet. I'm getting ready to get fired, MMI is coming up, how will I find a job in this condition? Ughh... The only thing I feel like I have going for me right now is that hopefully the pain will die down soon.

Meanwhile I can't get an answer to why my arm and leg are on fire...

[Russell]

Ed,
Welcome to the forum. Don't just visit, join.
Sorry about your condition. I notice the doc says he never SAW it spread. A lot of WC doctors will say that. But it does!
Keep in mind you have the right to a second opinion. Find a neurologist who has dealt with RSD and you'll find out it does.
Once your nerves get RSD it can spread anywhere.
Mine started in my left wrist/hand and has spread up my arm, left side of my neck and head and is now starting in my left foot/leg. You'll find most folks in here have some spreading going on.
If a doctor says RSD doesn't spread he/she is the wrong doctor...

[Dump-Ed]

I will be seeing three neuros soon. Too bad the only reason I am being sent to them is for a pension eval. Throughout the whole thing WC never sent me to one.

[Dump-Ed]

The pension eval is from a seperate insurance company then the WC company.

[LIT LOVE]

Purchasing a NOLO WC book for your state would be the first thing I'd do.

Do you have a WC attorney?

You need to learn your state WC laws and aggressively advocate for yourself, or you'll need to hire an attorney if you don't already have one. Be very, very careful with who you hire, if you go that route. At least in Cali, it's a problem replacing a bad one since both (the original and replacement attorneys) have to split the fee.

I'd do lots of research first and then interview at least 3.

[Dump-Ed]

Wow 4am, even my lower back has joined the burn... I talked to several lawyers. No one wanted my case becase it was just a finger and wouldnt bring them much money. I ended up with someone who seemed somewhat familiar with crps and was willing to take my case because it was the right thing to do.

[alt1268]

Ed,
You definetley need your own doc. WC doc. work for the carrier and your employer, they will never tell the complete story. If you look under pictures on this site. There is a diagram that talks about spread. You need a dr. who will document and treat all the areas. So when you go for your MMI hearing that is included. When you get your new dr. you should discuss SSDI.
I have to agree with Jimbo and Lit love, you should have an RSD atty. I have struggled with mine personally (not sure if its my meds or just a clash)
But I have heard of people getting screwed by wc and their atty.
Anyway, Welcome to the group. It's a great place to talk, rant or rave.

[Dump-Ed]

Thanks, I'll look for the diagram now.

[catra121]

Just want to add that if the work comp has never SEEN it spread then can you ask for a referral from him to a doc with more experience with CRPS? If he hasn't seen it before then he's not really the most qualified because he is admitting that he is inexperienced with it. Just an idea in case you are unable to switch doctors with it being work comp (not knowing the laws in your state I don't know what your available options are).

If I were you...I'd see if you can find a WC attorney who specializes in RSD/CRPS. With ANY WC injury you are entitled to compensation for all injuries caused by the work accident, and that would include the spread of the RSD if you got RSD because of the work injury. If you hadn't gotten the RSD, then it wouldn't spread. But you should see if there is an attorney in your area who is familiar with RSD because they will be better equipped to fight for your needs and rights.

I am so very sorry to hear that it is getting worse. You really need treatment ASAP in the new areas if the RSD is spreading.

[catra121]

Oh...and MMI should not be coming up soon if there is the possibility of spread. You need to advocate for yourself on that point with the doctor.

Also, you mentioned that you are getting ready to get fired...can you explain this? It is illegal for them to fire you if it's because you filed a work comp claim. Is it just that you will be unable to perform the job now because of the injury? Because that would need to be taken into account with the work comp claim, as if you cannot perform the job that you once did they may be required to pay for retraining for something you CAN do or pay the pay differential between the job that you CAN get compared to what you did before.

And also...be wary of settlement offers. If you settle...your medical care through work comp ends. With RSD you will need continued medical care and with a settlement that cost will be on you after the settlement. The lawyers sometimes forget to mention this or take into account how this can impact someone who NEEDS ongoing medical care even at MMI.