I got good and bad news.

I've def got tinnitus of both ears, a ear infection and fluid built up behind my right ear. I've got PCS, and I was referred to a Audiologist and a neurologist. I was given more meds.

The bad for me. I was told he could not with hold me from work. But he out my restrictions as no driving/operating heavy equipment. I'm a truck driver.

I'm scared, I don't think i can deal with all this at work. Non climate controlled warehouse, probably mowing and doing paperwork all day. How do I get to work? I'm on fioricet, omnicef, phenergan and deltason. So I'm gonna be out of it. I'm not allowed to drive at all. I can't imagine the torture :-(

Can they make me go back if I can't drive myself? I don't have a ride otherwise!

Call your work and tell them your restrictions. Tell them you have no way to get to work since you can not drive. Ask for their suggestions.

I was told WC Adjuster would get with my employer and then with my lawyer pertaining to the situation but I'm not driving I can't.

Let your lawyer deal with this. Your employer's liability insurance probably wouldn't want someone in your condition fumbling around the workplace.

I'm going to contact my attorney ASAP. The insurance company would probably do anything to get out of paying me. But set aside my scrambled head is going to kill me working how do I get back and forth? How can a doc not with hold me from work???

I'm beginning to think I will never win this crazy battle

Hang in there and don't be forced into work or a work environment you cannot deal with. I assume your attorney can provide some guidance on how to handle this situation. If you can't even wash dishes in your own kitchen, really what kind of work assignment is going to work for you at this point in time?
As for all the meds the doctor has you on, this is a slippery slope and may cause additional problems. Get a second opinion, again your attorney should have a referral.

In general though my advice is:
Rest (get at least 8hrs/day) + reduction of stimulation are critical for recovery.
Avoid alcohol.
Get some good earplugs (I use Hearo's Water Protection Series).
Get a sleep mask.

5-HTP for depression (careful this can increase BP in certain individuals).
Pharma GABA (400mg) + L-Theanine (200mg) X 2/day to relieve stress and anxiety.
Melatonin (2.5-5 mg) + L-tryptophan (1500 mg) for sleep.

Reduction of stimulation: Reduce activities drastically (yes, it is boring); NO loud noises, even moderate noise can be detrimental; NO bright lights, favor dim lighting). Basically you want to put your brain on "park" until any symptoms are dramatically reduced and don't recur on reexposure to "normal" levels.

Clean up the diet and water as best you can. So consume few to none of the processed/packaged/fast foods. Get some detoxifiers: milk thistle; curcumin; chlorella to help. ( I can recommend brands if you like).

Document EVERYTHING!!
Get copies of your medical records (Examine state statutes re medical records in Indiana).
If you want a particular test done like an MRI or appropriate neuropsych testing (and this latter is itself an area of controversy) request it verbally. If you get no response make a written request!

Have someone you trust contact WC, personal injury(for the blast effects on yourself) and possibly medical malpractice attorneys.

follow your restrictions and don't let anyone pressure -or trick you - to do anything beyond what that dr note says..

Have you had to go to an IME (dr hired by the w comp ins?? be careful at those as they are biased for the wc & employer- even tho they are supposed to be independent...

You can read more about work comp at our comp forum here -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum30.html

not super active but the sticky threads and searches will find info

All the doctors I've seen are a WC as my lawyer said I had to see their doctor first. Seems like my best option at this point is to get into my nuerologist ASAP. I feel like he would with hold me from work. I will def try vitamins. My currents meds are for headache, nausea, ear infection and closed ear canal is what was explained to me. I just can't get fired, it's just ironic because in fl the WC doesn't pay until day 8 which would be when doc wants me to return on light duty. What a mess, can't sleep I wake up constantly with nightmares of being blown up again. Just a bad feeling!

On the good news front, the WC doctors are conceding that you have PCS. Your symptoms must be glaring if even they aren't willing to lie about that. Heck, those WC wonks would dig up your great grandma and declare her fit for the Olympics.

When you see a REAL doctor, I'm sure he/she will document a list of injuries and deficits a mile long.

Hang in There

Hockey,

I really needed that laugh about grandma in the Olympics. The way I feel this morning that made my day. I'm hoping the neurologist will be the one to get me in the right direction.