You all are going to LOVE this one!

You know how I have been saying for months that I would love to have one doctor go to bat for me against Wyoming Work Comp and actually prove to them that I deserve a chance to try the stimulator. For the last 5 years 7 doctors have told me and WC that the Spinal Cord Stimulator would be the best thing for me to relieve my pain. But WC has been very adamant about the fact that the Stimulator's do not work and are an expensive useless solution to pain control. Even though there are countless people in the U.S. that have these machines implanted in their bodies that are living useful lives and have had their lives given back to them because of this machine WC of WY still has decided that they do not work.

Now with that said my last psych evaluation was promising but WC turned it to their favor. The Psychologist said that if I had gone through several weeks of biofeedback, counseling, as well as some other things that he would consider the stimulator to be placed. But WC turned that and said that he did not actually say that he would agree to it and told me that he denied it. Don't know where they got that from but it really ticked me off. Ok so I have been on very strong medications for the last 5 years straight and of course they have been increased through the years. My new doctor has looked at my newest Mylogram, plus my records and determined that the stimulator is our best shot for a 50% decrease in my pain. Now I know that anyone in this forum would love a 50% decrease in their pain, hell I'd settle for it going from a 8 which is what it is on a very good day to a 6. But we are talking going from a 8-10 to a 3-5!

Here is where it gets very interesting. My doctor put the paperwork in for my stimulator. He got a reply...no a demand back from WC stating that they wanted the following to happen before the trial was to take place:

1.) Patient is to go through Nerve Conduction Study.

2.) WC wishes to see a 50% decrease in medications in one week before the trial is done.

3.) WC would request that they have their own questions for the psych evaluation.

My doctor got really mad and shot back a reply at once and here is what he replied;

1.) Nerve conduction studies are not 100% conclusive in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for a neuro stimulator nor do I see a reason to put this patient through such a painful test. There is conclusive enough evidence that I have shown stating where the patients nerve damage is located and I feel that this is her best chance at getting the best pain relief. (it was actually more tech but I kinda ironed it out a bit)

2.) (here it got rather hot) I do not understand why you would wish the patient to decrease her pain medications so abruptly in this manner when it would be better and more tangible to decrease the patients medications over the course of time. By doing so there is less chance of withdrawals and best chances for patient to recover fully from this procedure. (I toned this one down cause he was real mean about his words he actually called them ignorant to the medical side of things)

3.) I'm not sure exactly what it was that was said here but I'm sure that Dr.Parks really got on them hard for this one.

He was not happy with the whole letter that they had written, in his eyes they were being unreasonable and were dragging this whole thing out for their own benefit just so they would not have to deal with doing the trial. In the end he gave them an ultimatum which frightens me something horribly. He told WC that either they allow him to treat me in the manner that he feels is best for me or that he would let me go to find a new doctor.

So....the ball is in WC's court and we shall see what they decide. Keep your fingers crossed gang that things don't fall in a bad way for me. Of course there is another side to this......I am released from Dr. Parks.....and I go find another doctor only to be told the same thing the Stimulator is the best course of treatment then WC has to do something. But I do have a recourse here.....I have a Wyoming Senator on my side!

Hugssss

Scarred

I have been dealing with work comp for 16 years so I understand your plight. Sadly my feeling is that there is a good chance they will let your Dr. walk.

I finally settled a few months ago. I accepted a low but half decent amount of money because it was written up as to be tax free. I have medical on my neck for life.

If they refuse to pay for a procedure the signed settlement states that they will also have to pay my attorney fees to ensure I get the needed medical help. After 30 days of them refusing a medical option my state law is that my own personal insurance will have to provide the care.....at that point my attorney will bring the issue to court for my ins to be reinbursed.

Do you have an attorney? From your post it does not sound like it. Do you have your own personal insurance and a state law similar to mine?

Any questions?

Andrea

Scarred,


More hugs to you,

PaLady

Hi Scarred,

I'm sorry to hear about your continued problems with WC (I don't think I've ever heard of anyone who hasn't had problems with them, come to think of it, although some have it worse than others & they seem to be particularly nasty to you), but I'm happy to hear that one of your docs is standing up for you! That is wonderful that he won't take those stunts from WC & is advocating for you with all his might. Hopefully your new doc will do the same thing! And I cannot believe they demanded a 50% reduction in pain meds within a week! Obviously the don't know, or care, about what decreasing that quickly will do to you! Geez! Are these people really human? Where is their compassion? I guess it's all in the money... I'll say some prayers that WC will listen to your doc & do what is BEST for YOU!

Hugs,
Skeye