After 2 yrs,I feel like giving up

[hairdresser]

Hello everyone!I am almost to the point of giving up with worker's comp.It's been over 2yrs.and I am finding it's a vicious cycle.I have gone through work hardening twice,physical therapy,occupational therapy.

[Krankie]

I've been doing this wonderful W/C thing now for 3 years...it will be 4 in Feb.
This is what they want you to do..give up!!!! I've been in and out of work, acroos the state for tests and exams and have been threatened 20 times to have my benefits suspended. But I finally realized about a year ago that they want me to give up; cry every time I get a letter. And I realized that I am strong enough to fight them...I didn't ask to be hurt and I need to fight for myself !!! I just turned 30 and have a husband, two kids, a mortgage and a car payment....and I have to fight hard to make sure I keep it all. It gets tough...and just when you tink you can't take it anymore, just remember what you have and how much you'll fight for it all!!!!!!! Someday it will be over and we'll all be able to sit back and think about all we've gone through and that this is just one of lifes many journeys that we survived!!!!!

[Jo*mar]

If you are hurting constantly and needing meds daily please don't give up.

I have borderline conditions/injuries but require no meds.
{mild now -but were pretty bad for 2+ yrs}

I haven't returned to any full time work, just for the simple reason that I would most likely add to my pain and end up escalating my symptoms, ie: the future.

I wasn't hurt enough to receive benefits or at least not at a clear provable level. {drs couldn't or wouldn't be clear and firm about my RSI injury becoming permanent /chronic and my W/C atty didn't "believe" in TOS}.
So due to lack of drs / atty knowledge on chronic soft tissue/TOS type of injuries I did bail out.
But I did at least get a disputed claim settlement amount to close the claim.

[LindaM]

HD, I can relate to what your going through all to well.
I was a waitress and fell at work over 7yrs ago and am now permenantly disabled and fighting for my SSD.
I fought WC for 4yrs and I won't even begin to go in to all the hell I went through being called a liar, a fake and a drug addict and the list goes on.
I swore I would not give up fighting because I knew I wasn't faking and that my injuries were from the fall I took.
I continued to work for 4 yrs after the injury and cutting back on days and hrs til I was down to one day a week and I would have to leave early that day,after WC got me down to where we were completly broke and in bankrupcy they took away the only thing they were doing for me my meds.
I couldn't take it anymore it was either lose my mind and everything my DH and I had spent our lifetime bulding togather or settle and let them win, that is what I did and when I did I made up my mind to let it go accept it for what it was and live my life the best as I could.
Since WC would not upgrade my claim to the severity of what my injuries are my private ins. picked up my care.
It really bites and I wish it would have been different and wasit fair NO, but at least I have what is left of my sanity and am moving on now.
By no means am I saying to do what I did I'm just saying I understand and I did what was right for me that doesn't mean it is for you.
I wish you the best of luck and if you ever need to talk I'm here, PM me.
LindaM(suede)

[HopeLivesHere]

Hi,
Please don't give up. That is what they want you to do.

I've been hanging on with no benefits for my care or disability payments each month. I get nothing and have hundreds of thousands of $$ in green liens (unpaid bills) They never pay for my meds. One pharmacy dropped me when my bill got to $100,000.

Do you have a lawyer? Mine hasn't done anything for me yet, but hopefully one day he will.
He is sure we will win. I don't know why he waits unless it is for a different govenor to come back to this state and undo the damage Schwartzenegger has done.

Do what you have to do to survive, but as for me, I'll pray they don't win over you.

Hope

[hairdresser]

Hello everyone!Thanks,I have a doctor's appt.tomorrow. rehab meeting is next week,really they are just trying to push me out the door now.I went back to the clinic last week,the doctor realizes I am having a bad flare-up he increased my meds,I am suppose to relax and take it easy.Pretty hard to relax when your in all this worry about your pain and wondering what will ever become of me?Thanks everyone for your support I really needed it.I will see what happens,hopefully I will here something from him soon(good or bad).
Thanks,Hairdresser

[JDPhD]

The system allows the opposition to delay and deny. If you can't work, how can you give up? You need a lawyer, sorry. The main objective IS to have you give up, it saves them so much money! What you need from your doctor is MMI (percentage of ability Maximum Medical Improvement.) After 6 months ? of this, you are entitled to permanent disability (I assume you are still temporary.) Their bottom line is money. That's it. They cannot consider what you need, or they will lose their job. The only thing that scares the opposition is the ruling of a Judge against them. It's a long haul. It's a bad system. :) TC. JD

[hairdresser]

Hey everyone I'm still hangin in there.I still haven't gotten a reply to my letter yet.No lawyer, must go through appeals first.I need a decision in order to appeal.rehab meeting next week to see if there is a job I can do safely.I am not going alone,I will have a witness with me.It will be interesting to here of these jobs I could do with all my restrictions.Really who wants to hire someone thats under the influence of pain killers,wearing a tens machine,totting an ice pak instead of a purse.LOL.

[JDPhD]

Please don't try just any job under those conditions. Remember, at least in the USA, the job is supposed to be comparable to what you used to do. I'm worried that, in your desire to get over this, you will give in to the system's fantasy that you are fine and can work. If you really can't, don't do it.

[hairdresser]

JDPHD
I keep thinking maybe it is possible,work or school.Reality hits,driving my car causes pain level to increase.So acceptance is hard.How could I work?How would I even get there?How long would I last?How much pain is enough before a fair decision is made?What other hoops are there to jump through?I am really bummed out tonight,I live outside of the city and I drove for half an hour to visit my mom and dad today and half hour back and tonight I am in alot of pain.I can't stay home all the time,it's not good mentally,but driving hurts.
take care hairdresser:confused:

[JDPhD]

That's exactly what I mean. If you can't, then the only reason you would try is to give in to their fantasy about you working (and them saving money.) Once you make this decision, it may be difficult to go back. I had to jump through some hoops, going to the unemployment office looking for work for a few weeks while the attorney got some things straight. Of course, there is no work LIKE what I was doing, and NO ONE could afford to hire me anyway as it makes their worker compensation insurance rate skyrocket.

Just realize this is a ploy that they make you go through. Delay and deny, remember? This allows for a delay in their compensating you properly. They also intimidate. (Yes, in USA they actually take a course in their lawyer degree "How to intimidate the client." Stay strong. You don't have to accept your disability (with a good therapist you will) but you must DO things that make it look like you do. TC. JD

[Noble]

You have been given some really good advice in the above posts. Don't give in and don't give up! They play such a nasty game of intimidation that insurance adjusters usually don't use their real names for fear of reprisals by angry victims. They get paid to make it just as unbarable as possible on injured employees. It's just about impossible to be employed after being on workers com. with a serious injury. Your will most likely be left with only the abillity of working for yourself.

[hairdresser]

You have been given some really good advice in the above posts. Don't give in and don't give up! They play such a nasty game of intimidation that insurance adjusters usually don't use their real names for fear of reprisals by angry victims. They get paid to make it just as unbarable as possible on injured employees. It's just about impossible to be employed after being on workers com. with a serious injury. Your will most likely be left with only the abillity of working for yourself.

Hello Noble: Thanks for your support!I am getting nervous,not sure what is going to be suggested in up coming metting.I accept I am unable to work.It was hard but I am here now.I am worried that if a job is suggested that they will make me try it,hence whole lot of pain.How can I work if I can't even drive there safely.I really would not be able to get in a full or even half a day.Can I refuse to try or will I have to?I worry that they will say I am not cooperating.Any way we will see soon.I guess.:confused:

[Jo*mar]

be sure to keep mentioning the driving issue- will they pay for a taxi? ect.
but if they know you drive to visit family - they will say you can drive to work. I know it stinks - even going in and out of the big doors at my work was a problem for me . but "they" never realized something so minor would be an issue as well as the drive to work.

[HopeLivesHere]

I am proud of you for hanging in there.....keep up the good work.

No one said it would be easy, but it will be worth it.

Hope

[hairdresser]

[QUOTE=hairdresser;27418]:eek: [QUOTE=hairdresser;27416]http://www.ciwa.ca (forum)
Disability Doc Examining Social Security Disability
http://www.disabilitydoc.com/work-descriptions/c
Please feel free to comment (Scroll down left side of the page)

[JDPhD]

Please remember that the system is supposed to rotate around YOU. If you are not in the picture, then no one else has a job. If you're talking about a mediation, feel free at any time to declare the mediation "OVER." You have that right.

I recently had an in home assessment where the WC Ot and nurse both said home help was medically necessary. However, at the mediation the attorney for the ins co dissed it and began talking about providing a rubber mat for my shower. I stood, and said this mediation is over and left. Now I wait, once again for the judge. Self advocacy is important. Remember it's all mind games to them. Don't let them win if you need the help. TC,

[RSI sufferer]

Hairdresser, take care -- I'm so sorry that you're going through this. Please don't give up! My thoughts are with you.

[bebop]

you don't have to wait for an attorney if you are on wc. you need an attorney from day 1 with wc. I didn't know this til I was released from the dr. then I got one. you need one now!

[hairdresser]

Thankyou for your support!I am in Canada,must go through worker's advocates for an appeal.My doctor is not releasing me to work yet!but wc advisor says I can work. Wc Evaluation results say I can work at a sedentary position for 40 hrs a week.I have until the end of Feb. for benefits and will be cut off.Their medical advisor has never examined me!
Thanks Hairdresser

[michael178]

Each state is required to keep track of all workers compensation claims, usually under the state's labor department. If you are being ill treated locate the state agency in charge and file a complaint. If you are treated poorly then others probably are too, and the only way to remedy the situation is to complain to the state. If enough complain, the state can refuse to let the insurance company write further business in the state, or penalize the company, if it is self insured

[hairdresser]

Hello to all; Just a short note to update this thread. I have been referred to physical therapy AGAIN!, by the Physiatrist I saw early in March. Still seems to be conflicting diagnosis by a surgeon @ physiatrist. The Physical therapist seems very nice(gentle). So far range of motion exercises for my arms, wrists,@ cervical spine only pain free range. I had ulstrasound a couple of times, which help ease the pain some.Worker's Advocate has taken my case on, we are appealing worker's comp. decision deeming I am able to work at a sedentary position for 40 hrs wk. My hearing will be sometime in August. Mean while I applied for a disability pension through the federal gov't, I don't expect to hear about this decision for a few months. I have one good day, do too much and flare up! Spring is finally here, boy my house needs a good cleaning! Hubby said he would do some painting this weekend. Wish I was like Samantha from bewitched!!!
Take care,
Hairdesser

[Julie]

Or at least a magic wand!

[JoAnnFunk]

I've been doing this wonderful W/C thing now for 3 years...it will be 4 in Feb.
This is what they want you to do..give up!!!! I've been in and out of work, acroos the state for tests and exams and have been threatened 20 times to have my benefits suspended. But I finally realized about a year ago that they want me to give up; cry every time I get a letter. And I realized that I am strong enough to fight them...I didn't ask to be hurt and I need to fight for myself !!! I just turned 30 and have a husband, two kids, a mortgage and a car payment....and I have to fight hard to make sure I keep it all. It gets tough...and just when you tink you can't take it anymore, just remember what you have and how much you'll fight for it all!!!!!!! Someday it will be over and we'll all be able to sit back and think about all we've gone through and that this is just one of lifes many journeys that we survived!!!!!

They are doing the same thing to me. I have had 2 postponements. I am on pain meds all the time. I can hardly walk or sit. My legs go numb and my feet. They are now trying to force me to go back to work or they are going to fire me. I have had absolutely no treatment except for pain pills. i am very afraid I am going to fall again as I stumble a lot. I have no one to help me and have to walk to the store which takes me hours to go a couple blocks. The work comp doctor has been horirble and my social security has been denied. It took me 2 moths to get the doctor to take an MRI. It showed that there was a bilaeteral bulging disk and lilateral foraminal enchrochment. Which causing the numbness and tingling in my legs feet, and at times my arms and hands. The work comp doctor made me come to her office immediately and sent me to a surgeon and upped my pain med. dose. Now she says there is nothing wrong with me and actually told my work that I am faking. The last time I saw her she was extremely rude and nasty. Without my knowledge she set me up to return to work for 20 hours per week. never gave me that statement and was surprised by a registered letter ordering me to return to work immediately. I also 3 weeks after the fall began having chest pains and also am on nitro pills. Which my work says they have no knowledge of. They are assuming the chest pains are from stress. it almost gave me a heart attack. I knew the second I was injured there was going to be lots of trouble.

[JoAnnFunk]

They are doing the same thing to me. I have had 2 postponements. I am on pain meds all the time. I can hardly walk or sit. My legs go numb and my feet. They are now trying to force me to go back to work or they are going to fire me. I have had absolutely no treatment except for pain pills. i am very afraid I am going to fall again as I stumble a lot. I have no one to help me and have to walk to the store which takes me hours to go a couple blocks. The work comp doctor has been horirble and my social security has been denied. It took me 2 moths to get the doctor to take an MRI. It showed that there was a bilaeteral bulging disk and lilateral foraminal enchrochment. Which causing the numbness and tingling in my legs feet, and at times my arms and hands. The work comp doctor made me come to her office immediately and sent me to a surgeon and upped my pain med. dose. Now she says there is nothing wrong with me and actually told my work that I am faking. The last time I saw her she was extremely rude and nasty. Without my knowledge she set me up to return to work for 20 hours per week. never gave me that statement and was surprised by a registered letter ordering me to return to work immediately. I also 3 weeks after the fall began having chest pains and also am on nitro pills. Which my work says they have no knowledge of. They are assuming the chest pains are from stress. it almost gave me a heart attack. I knew the second I was injured there was going to be lots of trouble.

[JoAnnFunk]

I have been fighting for 8 months and that seems like you know what. I can barely walk. They are saying I am faking also. Even with the MRI reports they are still saying I am faking. I am about to lose my apt. and everything I have. I am alone and have no one helping me. My SSD was denied yesterday and don't know what I am going to do. I spend lost of my time taking pain pills and laying down. My walk is getting worse everyday and am hunched over and walk in a semi squatted position. My steps are about 6 inches long. My wc doctor sent me to a surgeon as sonn as the MRI results came in and wd senied me before I could even get to the appt. The results of the MRI are as follows. I have bursitis in one hip. I have a sist on my siatic nerve on the left side. That was before I fell. Now theres this. After are as follows There is a central disk bulge, and there is a bilateral foraminal enchrochment at L4-5. Causing numbness to my legs and feet. I also have numbness and tingling to my arms and hands. I have had no treatment except for pain pills. And the wc doctor was giving me a bad time about that. This is after the fall. I am getting very depressed and have lost all my medical insurance through my work. At this piont I have no insurance at all. And I have dgenerative disk disease. I have become very depressed. I thought that I was the only person this was happening to. I was very glad to find this site and able to read other stories like mine.

[hairdresser]

Welcome to the forum JoAnne. I am sorry to hear you're having such a hard time with pain. An injury certainly changes your world. Do you have a family doctor? Is he or she helping you to cope? You really need someone on your side. This forum has and is a good form of support and some have excellent advice. Soon others will add to this and welcome you too.

[jennyk38]

hey all, didn't know this forum was here! have been on another one for rsd but glad to hear everything you all have to say. i have been dealing with w/c for 3yrs and 2mos! recently had my benefits discontinued because their "independant" medical exam doc said i was perfectly fine and their physical therapist said i was magnifying my symptoms, of course this was before i was diagnosed with my current condition. now i have to go through it all over again. i too am on butt loads of meds and have constant pain and other symptoms as well that basically prevent me from working. applied for social security but not holding breath! i have been paying out of pocket for pain management doctor, meds and physical therapy but now the well has dried up and i don't know what i'm gonna do either. sad story as follows: single mom, two kids, house payment and usual bills. i can't believe what a crock the w/c system and honestly the medical system is! i am a licensed nurse and would never have dreamed of treating anyone the way i have been treated. if i hear the word malingerer one more time i think i'll choke. it would be hard for me to "make" my body do the things it is doing just for a check, arm mottling, racing pulse, muscle twitching, etc. i would have to be houdini! i would love nothing more than to be well and go to work and have a normal life, unfortunately they would rather believe that we all are just trying to get over on the system. give me a break! anyway, glad i found this forum because any advice/support appreciated. take care and good luck to all, jenny

[hairdresser]

Hi Jenny, Welcome to the forum. Please know that your not alone, I truly understand the way you have been made to feel. I felt the way I was treated was inhumane. Honestly going through voc.rehab took any quality of life away I could have had. When the final letter came telling me benefits were discontinued, I really felt violated. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you find useful links and lots of support and advice.

[bebop]

anything happening lately with your case?



My dr also said I could work doing really light duty stuff. like sitting for 8 hrs! is he nuts? I have a site that tells how many pounds of pressure things put on the spine. sitting is the worst you can do for spinal injuries..

[hairdresser]

Hi Bebop; Thanks for asking. I'm so tired and fet up. I'm still going to physical therapy twice a week. My Doctor has filled in cppdisability reports. The last I heard they too need more medical evidence. I also talked to my advocate that took my case for my appeal with wcb she also says more medical evidence needed. My mri is booked for the first of August for the cervical spine. The Physiatrist(rehabilitation Dr.) doesn't sound like she believes in tos?? The surgeon that did the bilateral cts said I had tos, but honestly after 3years now why is there no concrete diagnosis. I have gotten worse. The gabapentin was great for the burning pain in my neck and left arm but as the dose as increased I'm retaining fluid, by the end of the day my ankles are looking very big. It seems it worked for awhile, but I can see where this is going, I will need more and more. I suppose next they will want me to take fluid pills, no no and no.

I was told about a Vascular and thoracic surgeon in Halifax, I guess it may be my next move to ask for a referral to see him. Honestly how can you come up with the proper treatments if there's been no concrete diagnosis.
I am a kept woman for the first time in my life. I have no income, only my home care allowance. I'm grateful I have a good husband and family support and of course support from all of you. Take care

[magilligar]

don't give up. we have been fighting for 9 years. wcb cut my husband off for 4 years and left us to find our own diagnosis. they thought he was lieing and not in any pain at all. I had to go to work at a gas station to support us and our two kids. We finally won our appeal with alot of hard work going over his files. We could not hire a lawyer couldn't afford one so my dad help and went over his files and found all the lies and discrepencies. So hang in there it does get better.

[lightbright101]

never give up keep on fighting we just may make a difference

[finz]

Hey everyone I'm still hangin in there.I still haven't gotten a reply to my letter yet.No lawyer, must go through appeals first.I need a decision in order to appeal.rehab meeting next week to see if there is a job I can do safely.I am not going alone,I will have a witness with me.It will be interesting to here of these jobs I could do with all my restrictions.Really who wants to hire someone thats under the influence of pain killers,wearing a tens machine,totting an ice pak instead of a purse.LOL.

LOL. When you find that job and transportation to it (God forbid the cops find out you took pain meds if they stop you.......and I guarantee they'll ask when they see you hooked up to the TENS), make sure to get me an application too !:p

[finz]

Please don't try just any job under those conditions. Remember, at least in the USA, the job is supposed to be comparable to what you used to do. I'm worried that, in your desire to get over this, you will give in to the system's fantasy that you are fine and can work. If you really can't, don't do it.

I just got another rejection from social security. They agree that I can no longer work as an RN, but suggested that I could be a school bus monitor (who can't turn around, lol) If this process weren't so sad, it would almost be funny.

[EVANGEL]

Hello all,
wow I'm shocked to hear your stories, I'm new to workmans comp and have been off work for 6 months now. To hear you guys have been off years scares me. I have lost my home had to file bankrupt and I am so angry at the system. I feel I'm being punished for being a good worker and just happy while I was working. I have never been on workmans comp and don't even know what to expect from them, yes I have an attorney I have a deposition in 2 weeks and I'm nervous I also feel like they think I'm faking.

Evangel

[finz]

"They" think we are all faking Evangel.

You know what you can do and what you can't. Just tell the truth.....and pray....a lot !

[googndoog]

I was a stylist/make-up artist, I got hurt in Sept. 05, my right shoulder and neck. I tried physical therapy 3 types, accupuncture, chiropractic, had one surgery. They are now doing nerve blocks and sending me to ucla for another surgery consult. My benefits w/insurance just ran out and my edd has been exhausted and the attorney is not in any hurry to help correct the situation. This is my first time posting on this site-but I can relate, my heart goes out to anyone who get hurt. All you can do is relay on those who care about you and try to remember it can always be worse. :)
This to shall pass-right?


Hello everyone!I am almost to the point of giving up with worker's comp.It's been over 2yrs.and I am finding it's a vicious cycle.I have gone through work hardening twice,physical therapy,occupational therapy.

[TNpain]

I went on WC when I got hurt on the job in 1982, it took almost two years to get my first check and it only happened that fast because I called them every week without fail. I had an attorney and he was content to file the papers and just wait, I wasn't. I called them every monday morning, started dialing 5 minutes before they opened the office and just kept hitting redial until I got through. I had plenty of time on my hands being laid up on the couch with a bad back. I think when you call them that often they realize you are not going away. Every time I called I asked for the status and what I could do to help move things along. There were times I found out things that needed filed or something else done that my attorney wasn't on top of and I would call him right after I got off the phone with WC. I did 99% of the work and the attorney still took his 1/3rd which I felt was a ripoff since all he did was file the forms, I did the rest.

Jerry

[oldsteve]

Jerry,

It is possible to sue an attorney for legal malpractice. Just something to think about.

[lefthanded]

I have filed a post in another thread here (Sweating over case closing) with some information about W/C. I was a senior claims examiner before going out on disability.

[hairdresser]

Hi just a note to let you all know how my case finally ended. I just got my judgement this am through a registered letter. It says that my appeal is accepted. I know must do an independant fce, and based on that....

[thursday]

Hi just a note to let you all know how my case finally ended. I just got my judgment this am through a registered letter. It says that my appeal is accepted. I know must do an independant fce, and based on that....

Does this mean you are officially accepted as Permanent and Stationary andno foolin-for-real disabled? Congrats on being believed!!! I hope you are able to take your medical care into your own hands and get the treatment that WC wouldn't accept as necessary :hug:
If you have any concerns over what to expect at the FCE I started a thread http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=39361&highlight=functional+capacity+evaluation
And I also have a blog and I detailed what I did for my FCE. I haven't officially diagnosed with TOS but I've got many other RSIs in both arms so maybe your FCE might be similar. Here: http://rsi-wc-california.blogspot.co...03/my-fce.html
I wish you all the luck in the world and I hope the close of your case opens up new treatment possibilities thru the freedom of being out of the WC quagmire :heartthrob: