In most cases, outside insurance companies will not pay for any medical expenses related to a wc case. They will tell you wc is paying, it's their thing, not ours.

A wc case is not completely done until you accept a settlement from them and not before. They usually try to make people go back to work regardless of capability sometimes. Just because they force you to go back does not mean they won't be paying for your care because they have to pay.

Depending on your wc laws, when a settlement is paid out, you are fully responsible after that for your own care. If you live in a state with lifetime medical benefits and that is part of the settlement, then wc has to pay for your medical expenses related to your case. In florida there is no lifetime medical, so when I settled I then had to pay for everything myself.

Hugs,

Karen

Dubious mentioned warm bath and then a walk, I have found that gentle exercise helps greatly. After a suggestion from my orthopedic surgeon (who first suspected I had CRPS) I have been doing water therapy. For basically the same as the $20 per visit insurance co-pay, I go to the YMCA and do their water rehabilitation. I have a rehab specialist who has gone to training to do water rehab. She works for the YMCA after approaching her wish my diagnosis she did research as to what would be best for me. She is very knowledgeable on gentle exercises, you get the great weight bearing exercise in a 85 deg pool. I highly recommend it especially if you miss a lot of physical movement/exercise. Hope this helps!! Best wishes for a pain free day!

i know it was mention about the epson salt i use this alot. i have full body rsd .. and it helps. for me i have to get the water as hot as i can stand. and sit in it as long as possible. for the arm i would try to do the same thing. also water therapy is good idea i do it also at the Y and it does help.

the spreading. there really isnt anything that i have found to stop it.. IMO .. i know some say blocks etc.. well it doesnt do it for me. i would fight for pain meds to control the pain. because here is the problem with the RSD once you get into that horrible pain and you have no back up plans for it.. its very hard to get it under control. i went a couple years with out any meds period. and i know how tuff this can be.. i have tried it all ..

try the bath .. it may help..

carrie

Sorry you are having such a difficult time; I am allergic to most oral pain meds, and I do use lg doses of ibuprofen. Don't overdo, keep in touch with your doctor, and drink plenty of water. Ibuprofen can damage your kidneys if you take too much and it can cause your stomach to bleed, so be aware and be careful. I take three or four at a time; it usually works best if I take it right before bed. Try propping your painful limb on something soft; chenille throw, super soft pillow, etc. Not sure if this helps, but good luck to you. Suz

I think to adequately stop it from spreading you have to go into remission from the treatments you've been getting, the treatments that actually work for you.

Even then, years down the line, it can suddenly resurface, just like that.

i know what ur dealing w/w.c. - so am i! for a yr and half now. they're paying my salary still, all meds, all dr's visits, OT.... BUT i do have much stress (w/them) which sends me 2 the moon! don't know how much longer i can go w/o an attorney! thinking bout all of u!