Today's visit

[hurt back]

First of just want to say sorry for long post but want to give all details so I can get you opinions.

Went back to my 1st treating Dr. today which is an orthropedic surgeon. When arrived his nursed asked why was I there today am I having a new pain? I said no the last Dr. told my case manager that I should come back and see you because there was nothing else they could do for me, after he did the EMG. She goes did he tell you the results? I said no, my case manager said he didn't see anything significantly wrong and I should come and see you. Then the nurse goes well I just talked to him this morning and he said he told you everything was normal and that you made an appt. to come and see us. She goes well I'm going to call him back and get some more details.

Then the treating Dr. comes in and I explained what happened to him and he goes oh that was just some miscommunication? He then goes so what is your new problem? I go I don't have one and that I'm just still in pain and I assumed that is why the other Dr. referred me back to you? He did a brief exam and stated that he was going to request another MRI with and without contrast to see if anything has changed since the last one. As for the pain i'm in being caused by degenerative disc disease there is nothing surgically he can do to treat it.

I just don't understand this whole system / progress.. If I'm in pain why doesn't someone try to figure it out. As from what I've recollected after the 3 visits with him the first time that was all he was allowed to see me. His nurse said we considered you MMI after the last visit. If that was the case I'm still in pain and why won't the other Dr request the epidural injections, and to do an EMG?

Oh someone before asked me a/b some diagnostic codes on my paperwork.. Todays was 724.4 & 722.52... Not sure what they are b/c I have yet to google them but just figured I would post that as well.


Just confused any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your response.

[1171]

I think you are being too logical.

i suspect if there is no treatment they want to give, they reason there is no point to finding out any more about why.

i found that over the years of dealing with the medical community they often problem solve in more economical/efficient way.
that is: they know the available treatments and what types of causes/conditions those treatments work best on.
once they've eliminated those causes/conditions they see no point in further medical investigation.

if you only got a hammer and screwdriver, once you found out it's not a nail or not a screw you move on to next job.

just my take on what little I know of your situation.

[hurt back]

1171 - that being said. How do I go about asking for another opinion / diagnosis of my pain? Is that something I inform my case manager? Or do I have my attorney contact the adjuster? Do they give you a list and make you choose from that or can one choose whomever? Also will w/c pay for another opinion...

From my experience today my case manager is ready to close this case as she feels nothing is wrong with me. The current dr ( surgeon ) says there is nothing he can do for chronic pain. And he did not think I was a canidate for surgery.... Both of them keep bringing up the canidate for surgery part and that I guess is what is " scary / worring " me the most due to they both keep mentioning it. And that the fact there is always so much confusion about what the other dr wants done or referred for. And even the previous Dr did say if the epidural injections didn't work then I would need surgery..

I'm just confused and wondering how this system could be like this. I was told its the case managers job to close my case ASAP b/c they get a "bonus" if they do.. IF that is true maybe thats why now everything has gone downhill?

Sorry for the ranting just want to gets others advice / opinion if you have been in this situation as I feel they are making me out to be the enemy. Any advise would be appreciated.

[1171]

Either method to request a doc is ok.
If you want them to pay they have to approve the doc.
You can always pay for your own doc.

Will you go for pain mgmt?
As I posted it's not just the case mgr, if the docs don't have a treatment they want to move on to another patient.
You may not think you are "done" but it's not your case or your decision.
Other option is to settle and try to use the $$ to find treatment. You have little leverage to get them to continue more searching for a cure.

It's difficult to quit and accept situation when you are in pain.
Are you open to counseling?

[hurt back]

I didn't even get to ask a/b pain management or even pain pills today. It was a quick in and out visit..

You may be correct on settling the claim but in Tn you can't close out the medical for so long so that may not be helpful?

I'm going to ask a/b switching dr's but whom do I ask the case manger? Hopefully my attorney?

You may be right as far as the pain, I guess that after a while they just give up and move on...

Unfortunately my employer terminated me after my injury so I have no insurance... And I highly doubt that state funded would attempt to pick up where w/c has left off? or if they would even cover a preexisting for that matter...

You are quit it is difficult to accept. Especially when before hand I was a healthy 30 year old with no medical problems at all..

[1171]

most patients underestimate the mental/emotional component of serious life changing injury. They have little or no experience living with disability.
There is a whole other world out there you are just getting a glimpse of.
There is no "way back" machine for most who visit this site.
You have to learn how to live differently.
Some end up with severe anger issues; others - horrible depression, isolation, withdrawal,crying.
The "blame game" is another common response.
Counseling can help.

[hurt back]

1171 - you are correct... I do have a problem w/ being this way.. I just refuse to accept that nothing can be done... I mean there has to be something out there...


But they probably are tired of spending the $ to figure it out.

---

I guess also I refuse for someone to say I'm disabled.. I've worked ever since I could walk... Working on my grandpa's farm until I was 14 then got a job in the "realworld" paying taxes since then... I just don't think Im disabled to the point that something can be done....

I understand the no way back machine but I just think there is something that can make the pain get better....

And you are right no one probably thinks they are done, because they want to be better.

But then again that could be the denial you were talking a/b? Just frustrating...

[1171]

In our other life being "stubborn and determined" was a strategy for success. It showed focus and goal-oriented behavior.
Pain, disability, impairment don't care about your past success or determination or commitment. It is what it is.
The question is "can you find a new strategy?" one that allows you to work around your pain and bad days and give yourself a feeling of accomplishment.
Can you find success in the creative ways you find to live with your new partners in life?
They will likely be with you a long time--like when a bad relative moves in your house!
don't try to batter down the wall or demolish these obstacles--
Find out what insights they can give that you were missing. Maybe if your lifestyle changes and slows down other success can grow.


There is no one path to Dealing with these issues these counselings may help make some sense out of what is happening. A professional has even more to offer.
Be well.

[AQA]

Well said 1171.

[jayne]

hurtback there are many ways I deal with mine...one is floating....if you are near a body of water a pool or lake and have enough body fat try and just float relaxing your whole body sometimes if you are a skinny person those noodle things help.I have got to where I can float for over an hr if left alone.this really helps take the weight off the lower back.And if you have a pain med have someone watch over you.I can zen out in this hour and not feel a thing.It helps to have your own pool even a small above ground will work.