In Reply to: seeing Lawyer today posted by Shawn Marie on December 18, 2000 at 11:41:02:
: Hi I am just writting mostly because I am stressed and feel depressed today. I am going to see my lawyer about my workmans comp case for the first time today...and I am full of anxiety...I have never been to a lawyers before...Its a little over an hour a way and I am in lots of pain today...There is about 6+ inches of snow everywhere and I am just afraid to go...I think I am afraid that he is going to tell me something like I don't have a case...I have never been a pestimest before..but ever since my accident i am really negative...I also looked for something to wear...I have been in sweats for so long that I didnt realize just how much weight I have gained since my accident and it is alot...I know that I sound like a whinner...I just need some words of encourgment or some advice on how to deal with lawyers...I am going in blind and I feel vulnrable...Thanks Shawn
Dear Shawn: I am very sorry things are getting you down. With what you have been going through, it is understandable. Don't feel bad for venting. That is what we are all here for; to support each other and help each other get through this mess of back pain, etc.
First, to answer your question about my neck. I still do have some pain, but it is less than what I had prior to surgery. Vaccuuming is really bad for it. I can only push it now, not go back and forth like I used to. I can't look down for too long either. However, the numbness is gone. That was really scarey, when things were going numb, as that meant (in the neck) my main spinal nerve was getting pressed on. I was so afraid of being paralyzed. My nose used to feel numb and cold. My finger tips are now more sensitive to cold. I do take pain meds all the time, as I have low back and neck pain, and may have pain the rest of my life. My neurosurgeon told me that due to the damage, the nerves are just sort of "tweaked". (She didn't say that word, but that is what she meant).
I know this is hard for you, dealing with an attorney. If you can, try to handle it with as much emotion as you would paying for an item at a cash register. I am a very emotional person, so for me, that is difficult, but if I set my mind to just going into the attorney's office with my story, I can somewhat do it. The attorney understands a lot, I swear sometimes they have to be counselors, too. Attorneys deal with emotional issues all the time. They do understand that pain and suffering can bring out tears or anger. Remember, the attorney is on YOUR side.
Also, I don't know if anyone has mentioned this to you, but I've read on these boards before that depression with injuries is common. It is like you are mourning a loss, because you have lost something. AND YOU HAVE! Shawn, you WILL get through this. I pray a lot, just to help me deal with life. Actually, it is because of depression I got on these boards. Why? To try to help others. (I've never admitted this before) I never consciously mourned my loss of my healthy spine either. I have read that people go through tough situations in life to learn compassion and to help others go through the same thing.
Please take care of yourself, Shawn, and try to have a nice holiday season. PatG