Carpal Tunnel/Repetitive Stress Syndrome in TN-Workers Comp Issue

[Tizz]

chrischris Wrote:The majority of WC cases go smoothly, but occassionally complications arise, the injury is more complicated than originally diagnosed and you end up off work longer than expected.

When I went to my regular doc first, then filed WC, my employer sent me to their WC doc. The reports from my first doc were used. I ended up having the carpal tunnel surgery and was sent back to work 6 weeks post surgery. That would have been the end of it, and simple case closed, but I unknowingly developed RSD, a chronic pain symdrome, had a mental breakdown 10 months after returning to work due to working with the chronic pain and by then, the hostile work environment my supervisor had created trying to get me to quit. I was off 16 months, during which time I also had neck surgery which was part of the original injury. It hasn't stopped yet. I ruptured a tendon and had to have surgery and was off work another 2 weeks.

I had a good employer, who "eliminated" my position once I was released to return to work. I am working a job now that is just a job; not a career and am very depressed about my life altering injury. A couple of weeks ago, my spine surgeon released me P&S, and 3 days later, an interventonal spine specialist dx'd me with "severe cervical radiculopathy" and ordered an MRI. I am waiting for that date, and to find out what's next. It feels like I'm back to square one; a never ending maze.

All along, while being returned to work, I take off frequently at go to medical appts., physical therapy, psycho therapy, etc., and I know my employer is getting pissed at the amount of time I have to take off due to my injuries; and also my own health care which I've put aside for the past couple of years. I can't help it.

My reason for posting this is to give you an example of things gone bad. You need to file that WC claim for your own protection.

When things go bad, instead of getting encouragement, good employers turn on you, nice Claims Adjusters turn mean, doctors get mad because you aren't getting better and everything treats you like your faking. You have to advocate for yourself, even if you do have an attorney. A WC attorney only becomes actively involved before you sign with the firm, and when your case nears closing.

I wish you the best, and will pray that your CTS is uncomplicated and your RTW is uneventful and that your case closes without a hitch.

Thank you for your post and Im so sorry for all that you are going through!! I wish you a speedy recovery!!! Ive seen alot of people post "RSD" what is that exactly as ive never heard of it??

I agree that ones health is most important,Along with this new problem that started in Aug 2008(Carpal Tunnel)I have other health issues that I have to face in Feb that are unrelated to work and is something that can be life threatening. Im guesing that 2009 is not looking very positive.

Im going to decide by Tuesday whether or not im going to file workers comp even though I feel in my heart that its the right thing to do,Im just scared about all this and thats what is delaying it. I had posted on another WComp board and never got any advice or anything so I am happy that people here care enough to post a reply.
Thank you