I injured my shoulder the end of september, MRI said R rotate cuff tear and super spanatus(sp?) tear. DR said it should heal on it's own w/rest. off for month. Increased pain. So he started me on PT 3x week and said if it didn't help surgery would be needed. 2 mnths more no work no improvement increased pain w/ numbness in hand. DR gives me a shot in the shoulder and calls for 4 more weeks PT. But calls it tendonitus, when MRI shows R C tear. So after that more increased pain, sleep distubances etc. Orders mri emg and xray for neck. Then releases me to work with a 20 lb lifting restiction. At this point I can't even wash dishes or open a jar. He says I cant hurt it any worse at this point. And it seems like he's not even treating the rc tear which is the injury, when I go see him it's like he doesn't know anything about the injury, when he's been treating it from the start. I spoke to someone in his office and she said he doesnt even have a dx written in my chart, it's been 4 months! I asked someone who could help me call me and noone is returning my calls. He is not treating my pain, or injury for that matter. What can I do? Am I screwed? I'm extremely worried about returning to work w/out more specific restrictions. I work in a rehabilitation/skilled nursing facility, and lifting, rolling, and other activities are part of the job, it's a risk to me and the patients if my shoulder gives out mid transfer/lift. I need help. Thank you. btw I'm in Oregon.
most state work comp systems have procedures and rules for changing physicians. You should find out what yours are and try to change doctors. Or at least seek a second opinion or consult.
Without knowing your state I can't be more specific.
I can't help you with state specifics, I guess 1171 didn't see tha tyou posted Oregon. I'm sure he'll be back. I can help with the injury. I was treated like this for 6 months before I had surgery. The waiting and PT made matters worse. Had surgery, alot was fixed , but it was not successful. Now i have all sorts of stuff going on in there. Also suffered a neck injury so it's hard to tell at times where the arm and hand pain are coming from. You need another Dr. as 1171 said, a second opinion. Another Dr. A specialist has to look at your MRI results and plan treatment from there. Tendonitis will go away int ime with injections and rest , then PT BUT a rotator cuff tear will get worse and worse. Be good to yourself, seek another opinion and I don't think it would hurt at this point to sit down with a WC attorney and get guidance or possible hire him on board. There first appt. is free, so it won't cost anything and it never hurts to have good legal advise.
CAP
thank you it helps to know I'm not alone in this
I can't help you with state specifics, I guess 1171 didn't see tha tyou posted Oregon. I'm sure he'll be back. I can help with the injury. I was treated like this for 6 months before I had surgery. The waiting and PT made matters worse. Had surgery, alot was fixed , but it was not successful. Now i have all sorts of stuff going on in there. Also suffered a neck injury so it's hard to tell at times where the arm and hand pain are coming from. You need another Dr. as 1171 said, a second opinion. Another Dr. A specialist has to look at your MRI results and plan treatment from there. Tendonitis will go away int ime with injections and rest , then PT BUT a rotator cuff tear will get worse and worse. Be good to yourself, seek another opinion and I don't think it would hurt at this point to sit down with a WC attorney and get guidance or possible hire him on board. There first appt. is free, so it won't cost anything and it never hurts to have good legal advise.
CAP
you're correct-i missed the last word. out of habit I went to the profile.
"You may change doctors two times. Additional changes require approval from the insurer or the Workers’ Compensation Division. If you do change health care providers, fill out Form 827 at your health care provider’s office. Check the box “Notice of change of attending physician.†If you are treated by a health care provider on an emergency or “on-call†basis, or if your health care provider refers you to a specialist but remains primarily responsible for your care, these do not count as changes. If you are enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO), your rights may differ. Contact the MCO if you have questions."
http://wcd.oregon.gov/injured_wkr/med_treatmnt.html#4
Good Luck, and baby that shoulder, babygaige.
Like Cap, I'm another bad shoulder person on the forum. Her's and my situation were about the same, with a not so good outcome. Yes, you need another doc's opinion. It was my 2nd doc that I wish I had initially do my surgeries...too late, he couldn't undo what the 1st one had done.
Take care, Lilly
From upstate NY, Had tear L shoulder, 3.5" L shaped. Sedgwick Ins refused MRI for
8 months, Yes I had a lawyer. Surgery was April 06 (doi 6/6/05) The surgeon had to repair damage done from waiting. One yr later, surgical failure. Do not let them get the best of you. I am still fighting 3.5yrs later. Push comes to shove notify the tv stations. They love a human interest story. GOOD LUCK, Bernie (get size of tear)
From upstate NY, Had tear L shoulder, 3.5" L shaped. Sedgwick Ins refused MRI for
8 months, Yes I had a lawyer. Surgery was April 06 (doi 6/6/05) The surgeon had to repair damage done from waiting. One yr later, surgical failure. Do not let them get the best of you. I am still fighting 3.5yrs later. Push comes to shove notify the tv stations. They love a human interest story. GOOD LUCK, Bernie (get size of tear)
sounds like I'm in for a struggle
there is no connection in behavior from one jurisdiction to another or one carrier/adjuster to another.
there is a similarity in worker expectations/assumptions.