specialist said switch careers

[hardworker]

I went to the specialist monday and was advised had 3 choices since the epiderol steroid shots did not work.
1. live with the pain, 2. have another shot (which wont do anything per dr). or 3. have the surgery. I am having surgery in two weeks. They are going to go through my neck and use a cadavor bone. He told me that I need to look into switching careers. I asked why he said that if i try to go back and jackhammer and pothole patch that he said that i am the one that has to go home with my body at the end of the day. My question is if the specialist said i need to switch careers then how does that affect my work comp? Can they fire me? If i quit how does that affect everything? The nurse case manager was in this meeting and she didnt say anything?

[capricorn]

First I have to say, never quit your job. WHat the surgeon is telling you is that if you continue the job you're doing you could be back in his office soon and you're the one who will live with the pain after work. I have a cervical and lumbar injury not as severe as yours. Neither required surgery so I just live with them as they couldn't be fixed. My spine specialist also told me from day one I would neve rbe able to do the job I was doing for 20 years. He was right 2 1/2 years later I still have not returned to work. There is alot to think about when you are injured and alot to learn. Concentrate on getting through this surgery and recovering. One day at a time. Best of luck.

CAP

[hardworker]

capricorn Wrote:First I have to say, never quit your job. WHat the surgeon is telling you is that if you continue the job you're doing you could be back in his office soon and you're the one who will live with the pain after work. I have a cervical and lumbar injury not as severe as yours. Neither required surgery so I just live with them as they couldn't be fixed. My spine specialist also told me from day one I would neve rbe able to do the job I was doing for 20 years. He was right 2 1/2 years later I still have not returned to work. There is alot to think about when you are injured and alot to learn. Concentrate on getting through this surgery and recovering. One day at a time. Best of luck.

CAP

Thanks for the advice. Will let you know how it goes.

[RNvic]

Hardworker- Please at this time do not worry about what you are going to do after the surgery, your first thing is getting well. Then see what happens.

[Lilly]

Prayers go up for you that your surgery is successful in relieving your daily pain!
The other's are correct. Do not quit your job. You'll be on many restrictions that won't allow you to return to your old job anyhow. They must still continue to pay you wage loss benefits and medical bills. If you are left with an impairment, they must still pay.....and also possibly pay for re-training if it's available in your state.
Don't worry , simply have the surgery, and let healing take it's course. Everything will all fall into place and become clear.
Take care, Lilly