Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

I have a lot going on this month and am trying to think things thru, but I could use some suggestions on what direction to go.

I have an appointment with the surgeon on the 24th of this month for the 1 year post surgery appointment on the replacement.
I expect to be placed at MMI at this appointment.

At this time I am waiting the judges decision on adding the back and carpal tunnel to the claim, along with additional treatment to the right knee.

The problem is I have a judge that is known to take months to make a decision, and mostly after the judge has been reminded by an attorney that a decision needs made.

Once I reach MMI I will receive a return to work slip which I will take to the HR Department of the college where I worked as an Early Childhood Teacher and haven't worked since 5/06.

My employer has me on medical leave, my employer will only work me if I have no work restrictions and am able to lift 100 lbs 1/3 of the work day. I also need to pass 3 different health physicals in order to return to work.

I am a little confused on what happens once I take the return to work slip to my employer, and what I need to do.

Do I inform my employer about my other medical problems and can this be used against me.

I am on SSD so if the TTD checks stop I will be okay.

I need your thoughts and experiences, not for sure what direction to take.

Your employer will already know about the other conditions since you are asking them to add them to the claim right ? And won't your RTW slip advise against heavy lifting ? I would imagine your TTD would stop when you are MMI'd on the current allowance until maybe other conditions are allowed on the claim. But the reality is that you are never going back to that job right ?

BK....be prepared....in my state of Michigan, as soon as I became MMI...I was fired from my job on that day. This may have been due to company policy or state regulations......hopefully it won't be your case. i just want you to be prepared if it was to happen.

Lilly

I think Cycler somed it up.

MMI, Knee replacement. The issue is, the knee replacement has a lifting limit of 40 pounds of lift. So to say 100 pounds needs to be lifted, your not allowed to return, for there are restrictions right off the bat. This meaning, if employer says no to restrictions, one of two things takes place. TTD is put on hold till judge says different, or they keep TTD going and start you on Voc Work Rehab.

There isn't much more to add.

I understand the restrictions I will likely have, with the stryker knee is is a 50 lb weight limit.

Should I have my primary care physican complete the paper work for the health physical required of my job and have it ready for the 24th if it is needed?

Just not for sure how the MMI works when waiting on the judge's decision for additional treatment on the right knee and adding the back and carpal tunnel

Remember, however, that joint replacement surgery will not allow you to do more than you could before you developed your joint problems!


Also the range of the lift in pounds is measured against our weight. Like me, I am a big guy, I weigh in at a normal 230, and range up to 270 from time to time, thus putting me at a 40 pound lift. The lift weight is to protect the (Poly) or bearing that is in the middle of the joint that is metal. This is what you need to protect for a long lived joint replacement. If you gained weight, and the Joint is rated at a 50 pound lift, you need to calculated the added weight to the max lift pounds, thus lowering that weight lift. Another thing is also, your max range of motion on the self moving knee bend with out pulling it. I'm past the 120 degree mark, and straight leg is normal. Now, if you have to add in the other knee like me, it then again just might lower you weight lift again.

You would need two reports for work.

1) From the Surgeon

2) From your Doctor

Bad Boy

Not positive of the numbers of the range of motion numbers, I believe I am 105 on bending the knee, and minus 10 on straight leg, this was In Dec 08 measurment by the IME doctor.

I have lost about 15 lbs since the replacement, my mobility has improved.

I do have problems with the other knee, pain, lots of giving with problems increasing the more I am on my feet.

Lilly I do expect to be terminated once I reach MMI. According to HR policy an exit meeting should take place with the reason for termination put in writing, that will be interesting and will only make a stronger case at settlement.

Thank you Still In Limbo for your thoughts.