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Posted 1/5/2011 7:49 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Wasrn,

Just want to add my best wishes and welcome you here. I have a real understanding of your predicament with a dirty employer - I was on long term disability for 14 months before the insurer decided I was actually incapable of performing my job - then they decided to pay my benefits.

How nice, after I had sold or pawned just about anything that had any value to me. Sorry, didn't mean to vent.

Please do seek legal assistance and try to get friends and relatives on your side who will help in your fight. Keep posting here and, though I cannot speak for everyone, feel free to PM me if you feel the need.

Brian
Posted 1/5/2011 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
A big thank you to all of you.  Today, in a way, I feel as if something has lifted off my shoulders.  Maybe it's because I'm done seeing doctors for my back, at least for a while.  We know what's wrong, what I can and cannot do, no sense beating it to death.

I'm now waiting on appt. with a pain doctor and someone who may be able to help with my depression and anxiety.

I will keep you all posted.  Blessings to everyone; you're great! wink

Posted 1/6/2011 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Was,
I'm glad to read that your husband went with you and talked to your doctor. I'm really sorry to read that your career is done but what about expanding your knowledge and teaching new nurses how to be great ones? Or using your knowledge to improve working conditions for those who come behind you? What about using your talents and knowledge to inspect those nursing homes that aren't in compliance?
My husband is a cop, been one for 23+ years, and also has his LPN, and works part time in a nursing/rehab facitilty. They use their RN's and LPN's for improving conditions as well as direct patient care and for ensuring compliance with regulations.
It may be that your path may take on an unexpected new direction, but it doesn't mean that you are out of the playing field, unless you choose for it to be.
I am relieved that I was wrong about CES, but as I said, any damage to the spinal cord or nerves impacts those functions below the injury, which is why you are experiencing the problems with your bladder and bowels. You should consider those to be warning signs that you are doing too much or compromising your spinal cord space if you start getting worsening symptoms or they start appearing more often than you are currently.
Listen to what the surgeon told you, and you might want to consult with a thoracic spinal surgeon just to confirm what this neurosurgeon told you. It is a more invasive surgery, and at the same time, I know several people who have had thoracic spine surgery who have done very well with recovery and outcomes, so it is a possibility if things worsen.
Sandi
Posted 1/17/2011 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Update, and I sure could use some advice.

I have an IME appt. this coming Friday.  Have no idea what to expect.  How long does it last?  What do they do? What should I say/not say?  I'm totally in the dark.  Help, please confused    And really, I think IME really pull for the company, not the patient.... or am I wrong?

Posted 1/18/2011 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi RN.
How are you doing? I brought all of my MRI's, xrays, CT scans, Myelograms and reports with me to mine , as well as any other results from other testing, like my EMG's and simply answered the questions he asked.
He will most probably do his own exam, ask some questions and then make his recommendations. He is supposed to be independant but they are hired by WC's companies to see how fast you can return to work. I am fortunate that the ones that I had were truly there to make their own decisions and they did.
Sandi
Posted 1/18/2011 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
You're not nuisance, not all all. Everyone here is living in pain and we use the forum to vent and share ideas. I have C-spine problems and other issues that cause nerve pain, muscle twitching, muscle soreness. I'm about to ask for an MRI of the thoraic and lumber areas too, just to see what is going on there. I just did the neuro route with EMG and nerve studies. For me, all I got out of the experince was, "you don't ahve ALS" and we don't know what's wrong. It wasn't comforting because I have no idea what's wrong, that's stress alone. Go and do the nerve studies and see if she can find some more ammo for your case. Don't let them scare you off either, you can't fake a real injury so go forward with the pride that you know you've spent your life helping others and, like it or not, you're the one who may need some help this time, your employer owes you that much. I'd be thinking about a workers comp lawyer if they really push you against the wall. You don't deserve that treatment and anyone who has read your posts can feel that just from the tone. I hope you get the proper treatment you so deserve.
Posted 1/18/2011 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you.  I do have an attorney; this is not a WC case because my employer is self-insured (they have their own "WC", which is a BIG joke; as my attorney says, their Plan "sucks", lol

I just do not know what to expect from an IME and I am nervous about it. shakehead

Posted 1/18/2011 11:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Was, yes do get all of your films & reports and take them with you to this appt. as Mrs 123 said. Usually on an IME the dr rarely ever tells the patient anything, at best he may say he will be sending his report in. Other than doing an exam that is all he will be doing. Just answer any questions he may ask the best you can. Try to calm down I know its nerve wracking attending these stupid appts.Its just part of the game.

Just another step in the process. Take care of yourself.
Posted 1/18/2011 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you.  I've been reading some really bad experiences that many have had with IMEs,  who tell the patient one thing and write the report stating something totally different.  IMEs who minimize or downright lie in their reports - after all they get paid by the insurance company. confused   If he writes that all is fine with me and that I'm perfectly able to return to work, I know he'd be lying - and yet who's going to take my word over his?
Posted 1/18/2011 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
We all know who pays the IME so thats a given there will most likely be an unfavorable report written. I am basing this on 20 years of reading their reports and can count on one hand how many were in favor of the client. But, everyone knew this so it was nothing new. This is where your atty steps in and takes care of business.

We had a name for these particular drs but I cannot type the name here at the forum, lol. Take care.
Posted 1/18/2011 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome WASRN,

I'm so glad you found this site, it's filled with wonderful supportive people and loads of useful information.

You're story is heartbreaking. Nursing is a great profession and your employer should be doing whatever they can to help you heal and feel better.

I have that same pain your explaining, the pain in the right side of my neck, going down my arm, like they're is something crawling on my neck. You are certainly in the right place, there are many people here who are in the same boat and can offer words of wisdom, or just a shoulder to lean on when stressed or upset.

You're certainly not being a nuisance, that's what forums are for. communicationg.

As for having to "forget about nursing", you could always be a phone nurse, for a clinic, hospital. It's an option anyway. Certainly not as hands on as you're used to, but an option none the less.

Welcome, again.
Posted 1/19/2011 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all.  I will let you know what happens at the IME appt. this Friday.  :-)
Posted 2/9/2011 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry it's been a while, but my appointment with the IME was postponed twice.  Finally got to see him yesterday.  I couldn't believe how thick my chart was, must have been at least 2" shocked

He asked me a few questions, reviewed my MRI, said that one or two discs actually look worse from the first MRI.  He said he would recommend surgery, but he also added he didn't know if my ex-employer would agree/pay for it.  He suggested to lose weight (thanks, I know that and I've been trying....).  He also said I could end up as a back cripple, and then quickly added "Heck, you're a back cripple now!"  ... Just what my already deflated spirit needed to hear confused

Of course, being my employer's IME, he was very careful choosing his words.  Although he seemed to realize and acknowledge the extent of my back problems, I still do not trust anyone in this whole mess, including him.  He could be telling us one thing and then write a totally different report; it wouldn't be the first time an IME does that!

So anyway, this is the latest news I have for you, dear friends.  My husband is still looking for work, nothing so far, but I keep hoping; it's pretty much all I have left.  will keep you posted.

Oh, nearly forgot... received a letter from Soc. Dis. stating they will give me ample notice regarding a Court hearing date.

Thank you.  You all keep warm and safe! 

Posted 2/9/2011 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Was, wow I am shocked. The IME dr shared more with you than I have ever heard one share with a patient. And like you said, he can tell you one thing but write something different. Let's just hope this guy is a decent honest human being above all. I see you are still having problems coming to grips with the fact that you do have a bad back that's ok, denial is a normal process within reason.

I am sorry to hear that your husband has not found any work, but lets face it, him losing his job when he did was just not the time for something like this to happen. Jobs are in such a short supply and there are so many people applying for the same job. Is he by chance eligible for unemployment? I sure hope so, I know it does not pay much but something is better than nothing.

Are you going to obtain a copy of this drs reprt, I sure would. Take care and keep us posted on how you are coming along.
Posted 2/9/2011 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
I think I realize I have a bad back, but I suppose I don't think it is as bad as it sounds/actually is... so maybe there is some denial on my part?  I don't know.  

I too was surprised  he said that much, but the truth will come out in the report he sends to my previous employer.  I will let you know what happens.... can't stand this waiting game.

Do you know what, if anything, I could do if my Court hearing is unsuccessful?  I received a letter stating that a date for my SSD application will be set soon.

If the Court rules against me, does that mean I will never, ever be eligible to re-apply?  TIA  :-)  

Posted 2/10/2011 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi WAS,

I never got to read your thread before, until it was brought to the top today. So sorry for my late reply, but welcome to Healing Well!

I too have chronic pain in my back, also in my hips and my legs. My MRI does not look anywhere near as bad as yours and there are some days I can't walk standing up straight. I always walk with a limp due to the extreme pain in my right hip.

Anyway, you asked about the SSD hearing process. I got a letter in May of 2010 saying that my judge advocate hearing would be scheduled shortly, I am still waiting. I just recently got an attorney for it and he said that some ALJ (administrative law judge) hearings take up to 2 years to be scheduled from the date of request.

I also have depression and have been disabled since 2004. My husband lost his job in August of 2009 and has not been able to draw unemployment or find another job. We sold everything we had of value as well as used up my husbands 401k and our savings to keep the house out of foreclosure. We eventually defaulted on the house and just got foreclosure papers on December 28th. We also have cut off notices for electric and gas. We do qualify for emergency heap to help pay those bills. I have contacted an attorney for the foreclosure but I don't know if they will be representing us yet. I filed a motion for extra time to answer and was given a 30 day stay. We have until February 22 to answer now. I tell you all this just to let you know that you are not alone! There is light at the end of the tunnel even if you do not/cannot see it right now.

Usually there are local agencies that can help with disconnect notices. They can help you pay the bills to bring them current to the next month. There is emergency heap if you qualify and 2 local charities that I know of in our really little town. It is just necessary to ask around. You can even ask your utility companies (especially if they are local). Our electric company is run by our village and they told me about some of the services.

You can come through this! It sounds like your attorney is pretty confident to win his case. They usually only do contingency fee if they think they will win.

Good luck and keep posting!
Trudy
Posted 2/10/2011 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Trudy.  I am trying to be optimistic, but you know that it's so very difficult at times.  I appreciate your words of encouragment. :-)
Posted 3/26/2011 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
I promised I'd keep you updated on this seemingly never-ending saga, lol - so here's the update....

Went to see the IME and he told us (my husband was in the office with me) he would recommend surgery.  He added he didn't know if they (my previous employer/insurance Co.) would pay for it or approve; he said he didn't know "how these workmans comp cases go" (which I thought "BS").  He did suggest losing weight (thanks, I've been trying for the last 15 years), and then at some point he told me I was a "back cripple" - talk about rubbing salt in an open wound!

Never heard again from his office or from the insurance company until yesterday.  They claim the IME has ordered/recommended a CT myelogram, again at a location that's over a 3-hr drive away.  I told my legal counsel "No, that's it".  nono

Sorry, but at this point I will no longer undergo these stupid tests that are nothing more than stalling tactics.  There is no more need to diagnose.  I had x-rays, 2 MRI, a nerve velocity study - that's it!  I refuse to be injected with radioactive crap (that CT would amount to having roughly 400 "ordinary" x-rays), and what it spinal fluid leaks out and I need a blood patch? Why put myself through that risk and pain when we already know what is wrong with my back?!

If they want to know more about any possible nerve damage (I guess they do not believe the NCV test results), I am willing to undergo an EMG, but as far as a CT myelogram, they can stuff it!  They cannot tell me that I am refusing treatment because the CT isn't treatment, it's a diagnostic tool which I believe I need like a hole in the head.

Still haven't received a cent from these fine folks, and I'm still waiting on a Court date for the disability claim.

I am so sick and tired of all this, but I suppose that is exactly their intent, to demand this and that, keep you waiting, etc etc, hoping I will get fed up and go away.... it ain't gonna happen.

Oh, nearly forgot... I called the IME's office requesting a copy of his report; left a voice message, left a fax number.  No-one called back, no fax.  So I called again today and left the same message.  Don't I have the right to a copy of the report?  Are they ignoring me?

what I want to do is take the advice of the neurosurgeon I saw a few months ago.  He agreed it's a delicate and risky surgery, and said he would just leave it for now and "watch it"; hopefully it will not get worse.  He told me what to watch for and said that if I should experience the symptoms he described, to call him right away.  Physical therapy and pain management would do for now.  I don't see how anyone would try to force me into having surgery; I'm the patient, right?  Don't I have the right to decide what's going to be done to my body? 

As always, your input is greatly appreciated.

Posted 3/26/2011 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Wasm

It is so nice to meet you. I am a newbie member that joined just this week. Everyone is so nice and we will give support for one another. I got hurt working for an airline last Oct and I have 2 more surgeries to go through then a lot of physical therapy.
Hang in there anfd keep in touch.

Soft Hugs

Betsey Ross
Posted 3/26/2011 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, Betsey!

You're right, this is a great community to join.  They're more like family, and you don't feel so left out, managing your situation all by yourself, with no-one to offer any empathy.

I hope you didn't have to experience the nightmares many of us had to go through, and hope your back feels better.  In my case, I would exhaust all my options before going under the knife, but that's just me.  I only know of one person who feels better after a back surgery!

well, welcome to the forum; you'll make many new friends! :-)

Posted 3/27/2011 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Was, I think with you being a nurse you know that a patient cannot be forced to submit to medical treatment. Would it look bad if you refused certain medical treatment on your claim, maybe, maybe not. This something to discuss with your atty. Apparently the IME dr felt the myelogram and Ct was necessary from his standpoint if you were his patient. When there is nerve damage involved it is not uncommon for this test to be ordered because a myelogram is like a road map with the nerves. Has your atty requested a copy of the medical report from the IME dr, he should have. Once he gets the report he should be able to give you a copy.

Has your atty indicated how long it may be before you get a court date? I know most court systems are really back logged with older cases and they control the docket. Hang in there and know we are all hoping the very best for you.
Posted 3/27/2011 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, Straydog

The person helping me with the disability claim isn't the same attorney; it is actually someone who used to work for that dept, so hopefully he knows what he's doing.  He and I received a letter stating the forms have been received and that we will be notified of a Court date; it also mentioned that it may take well over a year to set a date.... wow!

about the CT, I still maintain we have enough info. to be over 90% sure there is nerve involvement.  And if they're going to say they will not accept the diagnosis of nerve injury because I refuse the CT myelogram, so be it.  My back is messed up bad enough as it is.  Seems to me they are grasping at straws...

Thanks, Straydog; it was really nice to hear from you :-)

Posted 3/27/2011 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi WasRN,
I know that having a myelogram isn't the most fun of tests, but I've had three and never wound up with a spinal headache. If you do what they tell you to, post myelogram and drink lots of coffee, tea of caffeinated drinks, you won't get one either unless there is a spinal leak. If you stay at less than 30 degrees, you won't usually get one either.
It does show injury to both the cord, and the spinal nerves far better than any other test.
Anyway, I do understand your fears about the test and feeling like they have enough to decide your case and hope that you are right.
Sandi
Posted 3/27/2011 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Sandi

Glad you did not experience problems with your CT myelograms.  I was reading various professional articles, and - in addition to making a case for way too many CT myelograms ordered by doctors (especially ER doctors), - one radiologist said that one single CT myelogram can expose the patient to the equivalent of over 400 "ordinary" x-rays - depending on areas, of course.

My husband said, "Well, it doesn't seem that bad; when you work in a mine, you must have a chest x-ray once a year..." Obviously he did not really stop to calculate, lol.   Let's say one starts working in a mine at he age of 20 and retires at the age of 70; that would be a total of 50 x-rays over a lifetime; with the CT myelogram it can be over 400 in one sitting, so he said, "Oh, yeah, I see now what you mean... that's quite a bit more, isn't it"; guess he was trying to make me feel better - didn't work, rolleyes

Time to quit wasting my time by requesting additional diagnostics and putting me through more hell.  We know what's wrong.  I'm willing to have less invasive tests (though I still believe unnecessary at this point), but as far as the CT myelogram is concerned, they can just forget about it. 

Let's see what happens now.  I should have more news by the end of this coming week - I hope.

Posted 3/28/2011 5:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi WasRN,
Yes, I know the potential for more radiation exposure is there with the myelogram and CT test. In fact, I will tell you a funny story. For my first one, I was so scared, that I was shaking from the time we got in the car to go, all the way through registration ( here they take you in as a day surgery patient, so you have to go through all of the paperwork, nurses intake and the room) anyway, I was terrified and that was an understatement. I was thinking about running- seriously thinking about it. Anyway, there was a delay of course, and the longer I sat there waiting, the more I was ready to leave.....finally they come and take me down, on a stretcher and all I can think about it running like hell......LOL
Anyway, to make a really long story short- I was waiting on the stretcher , my husband trying to convince me to stay and get it done~ and just as they come to take me into the room~ I ( who had my socks on in case I decided to run) jump down off the stretcher and start to run as fast as I can down the hallway!!!!!!
The radiology tech, my husband and the radiologist all coming after me........LOL
I really must've been a site- flap of those hospital gowns showing me in all my glory because you can't wear your underwear for the test- flapping in the breeze.....my husband finally catches up to me......and turns me around to go back.....my still saying that I am withdrawing my consent and I am leaving....the poor nurse is trying to convince me that I need to get the test done.....finally I give in.....still shaking like a leaf, only now my whole body is trembling from the pain in my back and legs, nerves and anxiety......well the radiologist and neuro guy are NOT happy with me.......and the Neuro guy says, if I am going to be a baby, he's not doing the test......the nurse tells him that if he will let me do it to him, then he can tell me that I am being a baby, but until then to shut the hell up.....LOL
The nurse gets an order for valium for me to get through the test.....the neuro tells me that he has never hit the cord or the nerves and never caused a spinal leak......I am not convinced, and sure enough, he does hit the nerve and my leg jerked up and hit him right square on the jaw!!!!!!
The nurse stayed with me , since she was the only one who could convince me that I would be okay......she busts out laughing......the neuro really was not happy with me now, that much I am sure of........
But , I am like you now, I've had three, there is no reason for any more, I also have emgs', at least 6 of them that show injury to the spinal nerves and I am not ever going to consent to another CT/myelogram.
In fact, I am going to see a neuro surgeon because it appears that I have Cauda Equina Syndrome for the 2nd time, only this time, at a higher level than before and I appear to be facing yet a third surgery in the very near future.
I hope that your news is good news.......since the IME agrees that there is significant damage to the spinal nerves and spine, you shouldn't have any problems getting the disability approved.
Best wishes to you RN, I hope that it all goes well.
Sandi
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