18 months later

[JerryC]

Last year on March 24th I fell off of a cell tower. Resulting in a broken back, 5 broken ribs a broken leg and an arm/hand that do not function correctly.

My leg and ribs healed up just fine. My arm/hand functions, but only at about 40% of normal and it is constantly painful without the help of medication. I live with chronic back pain these days. I take Lyrica 225 twice a day, Cymbalta 30 twice a day and Oxycontin 10 CR every 12 hours. I take the Lyrica and Cymbalta for the arm pain. They do a fantastic job of controlling the pain and really do knock it down to a level I can deal with. The Oxycontin works for the back pain, but I am reluctant to continue taking it since prolonged use isn't a good thing.

Now they paid me up until the end of October last year when I tried to return to work. I was layed off 30 days later because I could no longer perform my job. Workmans comp has been playing games since then and keep telling me that they have lost the paperwork I have filed so that I would receive payments.

In addition, I suffer from dizzy spells and have had about 30 episodes since the accident. My neuro doc says that the dizzy spells are the result of the medication. He is probably right, but two weeks ago I completely blacked out and it took almost an hour for me to completely recover. I injured my left foot during my fall, but luckily didn't do any additional damage to my back. Both the Neuro doc and the pain management doc have stated that I am not allowed to drive.

How exactly is it that I am supposed to return to work if I am no longer allowed to drive?

Anyway, Wednesday of last week I got a notice from the insurance company that they want to do an IME. It might just be me, but I get the feeling that they are trying to pull a fast one on me. First they basically refuse to pay me, and now it seems like they are trying to end the case before treatment is even finished.

Any advise?

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Or, they need to have a medical doctor be their eyes for them to see where you are at medically. Not all IME's can be bad. You case seems pretty sound as what had happen to you.

[stiffnecked]

It doesn't sound so good if they are not sending you your checks. Might be time to drag out the yellow pages and call a lawyer.

[RNvic]

Ime could be like mine and the doctor they sent me to stated that my arm was not healed and then the second time a year later stated it was a failed surgery. Don't worry just tell the truth and take copy of all medical, xrays, test reports with you. be able to tell how it effects you daily, just telll the facts. have someone take you and go in with you to see the doctor.

[Lilly]

I had a fabulous IME who got me a decent MRI, agreed with my doc & ok'd knee surgery, and shoulder surgeries, after IC was continually dragging their feet to get me medical treatment!
Lilly

[JerryC]

Some additional information on the IME.

The information they gave me, was that there will be three docotors at the IME. One neuro, one ortho and one general medicine. They will be allowed to examine me and ask me questions and will give me an overall disability rating based on the results of that IME.