How to manage work comp
 

Katie I believe you need to emphasis to work comp that you need another exam by a neurologist who specializes in CRPS. Stress to them the level of pain that your in and tell them directly but nicely that you want to see a neuro doc when being evaluated for this disorder. That a foot doctor is not a neuro doc. Also document document document everyday how your life is. Keep all records from the docs. Build your case so it can't be denied unless their blind which in that case find out specifically why they stated you were ineligible then address those issues head on. And no most people don't loose their nails. Have you ever heard of Dr. Swartzman? He is a brilliant doctor in Philadelphia you might want to go see.

I so totally understand that workers comp doctors do not tell the truth. I am fighting it myself. I lost my job due to a workers comp doctor saying I could go back to work full duty. Went back to work and got fired because when you are a bus driver and your rsd is in your right leg the two do not mix. Wish I had answers for you. Find an attorney that understands RSD is my best suggestion. I am currently searching for a new attorney. I know it is frustrating. Hang in there. It will get better.

Hi Katie,
I feel for you girl.
I was an O/O over the road trucker and really miss my truck, job and just the freedom of being independent.
It sure can be frustrating to seem all is lost of your former life and now being stuck dealing with this monster. The last thing I ever expected was ending up in a wheelchair and taking meds all day.
Remember this! It's not how you got knocked down that's important, it's how you get up!
It also helps knowing that someone is always here to listen and maybe help so vent away...:hug:

The other part of the WC issues is even if you have a dx of injury, you still have to pretty much prove it was caused by the job or on the job.. or it was caused by the initial injury..
That is what makes it so hard to prove a claim..:(

If you are 100% fine and healthy , then get injured on the job, then later on develop RSD or some other condition related to the injury- that is a bit clearer time line wise...

If you had some health problems before it muddies the water so they (WC) can try to blame other issues for the worsening..:(


Perhaps you can file for SSDI now too.. if WC doesn't work out you'll have a jump on the SSDI side.. You can ask more about that option on our SSDI forum.
Or maybe your atty will have some info about that..

You don't have to settle for crap doctors
 

Guess what? I went through the EXACT same thing with workers comp. Still going through it to some extent, but here is what I found out (and what no one tells you). If they send you to some a**hole that does not believe you (mine accused me of putting my foot in a bucket of ice before my appointment. Nevermind it was 90 out, we drove 80 minutes to get there, sat in his waiting room for 25 minutes, and he watched my foot change colors in front of his eyes) - he also threatened to throw my husband and I out of his office for being offended at his accusations and treatment of me. Twice. A real charmer. He then went on to say he would not prescribe pain medication for me, but he would perform the spinal injections. What? So my new pain management doctor REFUSES to handle my pain? Huh?

Here's what no one tells you - when you speak with WC, insist on another doctor. Tell them why. Make SURE you have an attorney, and that they know you do! I did this, WC called me back and said "we are going to send a nurse with you to your next appointment". I said "no, you're not. You do not seem to understand. This man is not TOUCHING me." And voila - new doctor. And suddenly, after telling me there was NO doctor in my area that handles RSD (hence the 80 minute drive, and I live near NYC) - they found one that is 15 minutes from my house. And this one is amazing!

So stick to your guns - this is YOUR body. Remember, WC works for your employer - they are interested in saving them money and avoiding lawsuits. And CRPS is SERIOUS. So a good attorney will have them wetting their pants.

Oh, BTW - I never heard of nails falling off. But not treated long enough, a lot of ugly things happen.

They are trying to make you give up, by the way. That is part of the game. Do NOT give in - fight for yourself. Again, this is your body and this will effect the rest of your life.

Stay strong, hang tough, and stay connected.

Pix

Sadly, it seems Dr. Swartman retired last year - As soon as I saw this post I looked him up because Philly is not so far from me! I just wanted to throw that out there in case you didn't know......

Hugs,

Pix

I'm deeply sorry ,beside rsd, wc is the worse thing we can face.
I'm also a rsd patient as a result of a job injury , I recently went to court ,three times ,the AME gave me a disability percent no too low but wasn't enough for me to claim medical benefits for life ,but my dr and my attorney battle and when we went to court ,the judge immediately disagree with the defense and grant me with more percent of disability and also medical life term for my foot and ankle and rsd as well, I got what I need ,medical coverage for life ,nothing is more important than fight and keep fighting for what is right and what is fair for you,keep the fight ,no matter what the attorney or defense said ,you are the only one who can define and decide what's best.
AME are many times agree with the insurance but sure if you Appel to the wc board you will get something at your favor ,keep the fight ,:grouphug:
Hope soon things get better and have faith and hope ,it can change for good ,I'm sure ,Jesika .
You need to be strong and be very demanding ,might sound bad but there is not other way but be aggressive and defend yourself ,change dr make your attorney look for other options ,you can do it!!!:grouphug: