Yesterday I saw my PM and just minutes before he came through the door my RSD foot/ankle got on board the Budapest Criteria Train.

I was prescribed Tramadol for emergency pain and given more Aqua PT, but I am not sure how this PT request will go over with WC, since they denied me more PT sessions.

I did read they can be penalized for denying medical care if the ailment gets worse due to the denial. This is exactly what happened to me. But is PT considered medical care?

How best can I document my ongoing gastritis and headaches? I know these are CRPS related.

I have decided to demand lifetime medical and a doctor's letter stating, because I have CRPS ( mine is obviously not in remission as I hoped) I will need lifetime PT if I am to retain my mobility. The big problem I see by keeping my file open is if there is a change such as moving to another state could be problematic.

My ortho gave me exercises to do and told me to ditch the PT, as he was doing more harm than good (8 months of PT and I came out atrophied, this was before my RSD was diagnosed & treated). So the ortho told me what exercises to do. The key was to exercise throughout the day, every few hours about 5 minutes. And that was enough! No 30 min. of wearing yourself out. Regular exercises throughout the day for about 5 min. and that literally saved me! Took more than a year though after extensive RSD treatment as well!

Don't get me wrong, I am still stuck with the RSD, but at least I gained some if not most of my muscles back (not their strength, but the "look" at least).

From what I understand based on what a WC lawyer told me two years ago, the WC pilicy that was held by the company you worked for when you were injured, is the WC policy that is responsible for paying all medical cost related to that injury. It does not matter if the company you worked for no longer holds that WC policy, you move, the company you worked for goes out of business, etc. It can become more difficult fighting for coverage under some situations, but unless they made some sort of lump sum settlement, they are required to pay all medical expenses needed over your lifetime that are related to the original injury. That includes PT, or any other rehabilitation that provide any gains or relief.

That is how it is in Michigan. Every state has different WC rules though. You could always talk to a lawyer to get a better understanding of the rules in your state. Just talking to a lawyer over the phone usually does not cost anything unless you sign an agreement or pay a retainer.

"But is PT considered medical care? "

If your doctor has to prescribe it, it is medical care.

"How best can I document my ongoing gastritis and headaches? I know these are CRPS related."

Are the gastritis and headaches related to medication you take or a direct effect of the CRPS? Do you have a report from a gastroenterologist for the gastritis and perhaps a neurologist for the headaches? WC is tough. The more documentation you have the better your chances. A lawyer is a good idea.

Good Luck
Shay

Shay,

Both the severe headaches and gastritis started immediately after I had CRPS. I was shocked to read that they are/can be related to CRPS. As you can see by my signature I take little medication. I blamed my first gastritis attacks on the anti-inflammatories, but it did not improve once I stopped taking them.

I had an endoscopy last fall that showed gastritis. I have to see a neurologist about the headaches. When one wakes me up from a deep sleep I can take an Ativan, which my PCP gave me for emergencies. Some headaches have been so brutal I vomit. I don't like to complain, because I feel fortunate to be on my feet.

Best,

Bio

It's not because you got it after getting CRPS that it *has* to be related to it. I got Menière's disease after CRPS, and I'm not going to blame CRPS for it. They are *separate* conditions.

I wish people wouldn't just link *everything* to CRPS.

At least that's my take on it!

When I saw LDN and aspirin listed in your medications I looked at them as a red flag for WC. I was on the very initial dose of LDN and had no side effects. My doctor then raised it slightly hoping to eventually get it to 3 mg. and that is when the heartburn and gastric upset started. My doctor told me to stop it and the symptoms went away. I had gastro difficulty with pain medications right from the beginning of CRPS. Most of us have been prescribed some type of pain medication when the pain started. Many of these drugs can result in nausea, heartburn, gastritis and other gastrointestinal side effects. I am not doubting your pain and suffering. I just want you to know that WC will look at everything to try and avoid paying more than they have to.

You also noted "brain aneurysm coiling and stenting." You will need a lot of documentation regarding the headaches and CRPS. A good WC lawyer could guide you.

Good luck with all of this, especially the physical therapy which your doctor obviously feels you need now.

Shay

Shay,

Good points. I had the stomach issues and headaches long before I was diagnosed and not taking much more than anti-inflammatories.The first severe headache I ever had with non-stop vomiting was a few months after my accident. It was so bad I was ambulanced to the hospital, they tried to say it was Meniere's, but I was not dizzy and my vitals were not consistent with an M attack.

Months later I was sent for a brain CT, with a finding of an asymptomatic brain aneurysm. This was confirmed by two top neurosurgeon's and the PM doctor, they all concurred that the headaches have nada to do with my aneurysm.

I am going to see if I can find a neurologist who understands CRPS.

I wrote to a poster on this site, who is local, asking her to share the name of her lawyer, whom she is pleased with, but she did not respond. I did this, because I have no clue how to find a good one.

Researching Lawyers Before You Choose One

I found this info useful.... That whole forum is useful for worker's comp stuff.

Dr. Hooshmand, a CRPS specialist, says gastritis and headaches are part of the CRPS cycle. I am not linking everything to CRPS. I also developed dysphasia,which he lists as well. http://www.rsdinfo.com/Various_Compl...n_Syndrome.pdf