Workers Comp and my surgeon....what a pair they make! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

firefighter_101 · 06-30-2003, 06:27 PM

Hello All,
I wanted to give everyone an update from my workers comp claims examiner. He called my surgeon today and like my doctor told me, he also told the examiner that I was 100% ready for work with no restrictions. How can a doctor say that when it's not true? My family doctor said I needed to be off for at least 4 to 6 weeks longer.That I needed time to heal and hopefully the gastro doctor will have my throat repaired my then. (I'm scheduled for a EGD wednesday, I sure hope he can help me swallow.) My family doctor wrote me an excuse from work and the claims examiner said .... and I quote..." I'm not concerned with anything your family doctor says". I thought a M.D. was a M.D.but I guess I was wrong. I went ahead and hired a lawyer this afternoon because workers comp is stressing me out to the point I can't stand it. My lawyer said your family doctor can't excuse you from work, only my surgeon or another neurosurgeon. That seems crazy to me but that's what he said. So, I'm going to work the morning of the 8th, hurting, swollen and confused but making workers comp happy.

I'm sorry to vent but I had to tell someone. I'm amazed how you can be treated and you apparently don't have any recourse. Thanks for listening.
Harvey

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Three Level C 4-5,5-6,6-7...Fusion, Grafts and plating.Bone Growth Stimulator worn all the time.

ladyblue · 06-30-2003, 08:10 PM

Firefighter,

Hope you got to hear some good advice from Mr. Mickel. Did you call him? I am amazed that you are going to work. Its really sad that w/c makes us go thru this type of stress when we least need it. I have two weeks to wait until my face off with my NS. He dont know it yet, but he is SO fired. Now even more so than he was last week since I find out he did some stuff in there and didnt bother to tell me or anyone about it. But he is gonna anwswer question first.

I know you are frustrated big time and I know you are still hurting. Be patient and be kind to your self. Do something nice for your soul this week.

Lisa

firefighter_101 · 06-30-2003, 09:19 PM

Hello ladyblue,
Yes, I called him and I think he'll be able to help me. Thank you for telling me about him.

Who did your surgery? I sure hope it wasn't the same guy or he's going to be busy answering questions. lol

How are you doing? I don't see you on the board much. Well, take care, it's getting close to my bedtime. Have a great night.
Harvey

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Three Level C 4-5,5-6,6-7...Fusion, Grafts and plating.Bone Growth Stimulator worn all the time.

DebbieMc · 06-30-2003, 11:21 PM

Holy Cow Firefighter! That is absolutely insane. I hope you get things worked out and don't injure yourself while under the care of those clowns. Doesn't anyone care about the patient anymore? Can't your family doc take over your treatment once comp releases you? As far as I know, your family doc should have the power to disable you. You'd just go on disability instead of comp. Just a thought.

Good luck and try not to hurt yourself! Hopefully there are some sedentary duties you can assume until you get this straightened out.

Keep us posted. I'm very interested in your story. I'm very interested in Lady Blue's story too. You're right, we haven't heard much from her lately and after reading the "Paul Harvey" on her story....

Anyways, take charge of your healthcare and good luck to you.

DebbieMc

firefighter_101 · 06-30-2003, 11:59 PM

Hello DebbieMc,
I'll keep you posted. I really just want to laugh at how crazy it is. I'm hoping the new lawyer can get things straightened out for me.

What are you doing up so late. You've got a big day tomorrow! Everything will be fine with your surgery, I just know you'll do great. I'll be thinking about ya and let me do the worrying for you, you just focus on recovery. Good Luck!

Harvey

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Three Level C 4-5,5-6,6-7...Fusion, Grafts and plating.Bone Growth Stimulator worn all the time.