|
|
|
Not really sure how to start here.. In 1993 I was lifting a boat trailer and felt that familiar "pop" in the back and immediately lost function in my right leg. Being the foolish person I am, I hobbled around for 2 weeks and thought I felt a slight improvement until I twisted one day and it "popped" again. I have never experienced pain like that. After seeing my GP and then the NS they found the herniation at L3/4 and scheduled surgery. Like a fool, I continued to work as a supervisor for an insurance company until I just couldn't bear it anymore. Finally in June of 94 they did the laminectomy. It was immediate relief and took very well, I functioned 100% until Sept of 98 while working as a utility locator I tripped on a simple piece of sod and felt that all too familiar feeling all over again. This is the point that began the worst possible time in my life. I went out on work comp for about a month then because I was being called every day by my employer to come back I agreed to come back on light office duty. After hobbling around the office for 2 weeks I went back to field work. My third or fourth mistake....the first snow fall of the year found me on my rear in an icy ditch screaming in pain again....but continued to work the day out until I lifted a manhole lid and finally decided that was enough. ( A lesson here for the male sector, give up the macho stuff as soon as you feel a pop, its not worth it). Went back out on work comp but now work comp said it was a new injury this was now December, the OS prescribed surgery again. January found me still without one cent from work comp as they approved and then denied my claim. In Feb. they sent me for an independent exam and their doc agreed surgery was necessary. At this point I already had surgery scheduled for Feb. Again the work comp denied the surgery even after the exam. After my attorney blew his cork they finally agreed. I got my first check at the end of Feb. and now surgery couldn't be scheduled till April. Finally had discectomy in on April 6, 99. There was no immediate relief this time, began PT then work conditioning couldn't tolerate it. This past Sept the OS put me at max improvement with permanent restrictions of 30#, walking, standing, sitting 1 hour limit. Was put at 11% permanent disability, work comp agreed and offered the standard settlement which they have now changed their mind and are claiming only a 2% rating due to pre-existing condition..OS has now revoked MMI. This will go on for years... Returned to work in Aug began getting partial work comp as the office job paid much less than the field job. Worked until Nov 3 and again couldn't bear the pain. Was put out again and again didn't receive any comp til last week. OS says the only option left is fuse....had MRI Dec 11, see doc on 21st to schedule fusion. Sorry this is so long....didn't think I could write so much about myself.....guess pain
and anger get you on a roll. Won't even mention the financial
collapse.....Anyway,,,there it is folks.....thanks for the opportunity to share.......feel
free to email me with any questions....especially work comp....getting good at that..lol.
"docholiday101@hotmail.com", FYI
I have been married 22 yrs to a woman of steel nerves and patience of Jobe. Prayers for
all of you.... |
|
The Surgery:The Week Before * The Day Before * The Day Of * In The Hospital * Going Home * Let's Talk Pain * Home Again! Other Areas:Created and Maintained by Leslie Davidson.
|