HELP...I HURT - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Leisa · 07-18-2001, 05:41 PM

I have been a machinist for almost three years now and the past year I started experiencing severe pain in my palms, wrist, and arms radiating up into my shoulder and neck. I was fired two weeks ago when I told my boss I needed to see a Doctor. This pain started gradually and over the course of the year it has gotten very extreme. I bought Braces for both hands in January and continued working ( I should have stopped but I needed my job) now I think I am almost crippled. The pain is so severe it hurts to eat, drink, brush my teeth, put on makeup or anything. I am scheduled for a EMG in August. Exactly what is a EMG??? The Doctor I am seeing is a plastic surgeon but he does hands too. I'm really scared after reading some of the things I have read. I don't have insurance so I am trying to get a financial loan to pay for everything. They said the EMG is going to be $1500.00 and up? The surgery depends on the test results. I also wonder if wearing the Braces did damage also, my fingers started swelling up after I would take them off? Can anyone tell me the cost of some of the surgeries they've had. Is it worth it? I am desperate, I feel like cutting off my hands. Thanks......

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Leisa

Tanneuby1 · 07-24-2001, 03:29 PM

Hello there! My first suggestion is to get yourself a lawyer. There are lawyers out there that don't charge a fee unless they take your case and actually get you some compensation. They are under attorney's probably in your yellow pages and make sure you ask if they need any money up front. If they do move on and call another one.
Your boss had no right to fire you for needing to see a doctor. Secondly he does have the responsibility to see that worker's compensation pays for your EMG and any of your doctor's bills. So get the lawyer first. Then see what your options are.
And as a quick PS. The EMG is NOT as bad as everyone makes it out to be. An EMG consists of electrical shocks delivered to your hands and arms. Then they use a very fine needle to poke you in your muscles. The needle has a miniscule microphone attached to the end of it. They are checking for nerve conduction and muscle response. It's not fun and it is uncomfortable but I cry easily (hallmark commercials?) and I didn't cry at all. And when it was over I was a little more numb and tingly then usual but it went away by the next day. One more thing. My fingers also swell! You should only wear the braces at night while sleeping, unless your doctor tells you different. If you wear them all day long you aren't using your muscles. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. I'd be happy to talk to you or help if I can. -Tann

[This message has been edited by Tanneuby1 (edited 07-24-2001).]

Leisa · 07-24-2001, 04:59 PM

Thanks for your reply. I have spoke to several attorneys and the problem is that my boss did not carry workmans comp insurance or any private insurance either...the attorneys I spoke to don't even act interested because he doesn't have any insurance so now I am still searching ....I know there has to be something I can do to get him to pay for my medical bills.I sent a letter to OSHA and the EEOC but haven't heard anything yet! I guess I will have the EMG done and go from there. I am so tired of this.. It is so painful. Anyway thanks again, hopefully I'll get my hands fixed some way or another. Leisa

Carol · 07-25-2001, 06:12 AM

I agree, the EMG is nothing..everyone told me it would be so painful. I had it done on both my hands. one was alittle more sore then the other but I think it was because he dug so deep to test my nerve. I didn't feel it at the time but the next day it was alittle sore and bruised. no biggie. Good luck with the lawyers and your hands.

JB* · 07-25-2001, 12:00 PM

Active Release Therapy helped me. Chiropractors do this technique. It only took 4-5 sessions for me. Scrounge the money and see if you can find a chiropractor who does this technique.
JB
Search Dr. Leahy, Active Release Therapy for more info.