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LBP Medic · 02-09-2009, 03:26 AM

Hi,
This is my first post. I am not really familiar with how this works, but I'll try. I have several herniated lumbar discs, a lumbar spondylolisthesis, radiculopathy, and severe continuous lumbar pain. My WC doc has decided that he does not think surgery is necessary. Instead, he has decided to do nerve root blocks and keep me on pain meds. I have had the first block, and noticed only very minimal pain relief for a day or two. I am a Paramedic, so my job will require me to do lots of heavy lifting. My concern is that this has been going on for two years now. The first time I was out of work for about three months, and the doc (a different one) did the same thing. Back then, with the injections and PT, I was able to get some pain relief and go back to work. However, the pain is much worse now, and nothing seems to do any good. What can I do if my doctor thinks surgery is not necessary? What are my options? I live in NC. I have no idea what my doc thinks my disability rating is, but I took the ODI, and my score was 72%!!!!

sparkey · 02-09-2009, 03:40 AM

You said your WC doc does not think it is needed. I would get a third opinion or go to a pain clinic and see what they can offer you for relief. Have you been to a surgeon yet to see what they think about surgery? Have you had cortizone shots from a pain clinic? My husband had 3 and he is doing fine now. I know everyone is different and he did not have exactly the same as you for a diagnosis, but it is worth a shot to try a pain clinic for injections. Also what state are you in?

LBP Medic · 02-09-2009, 04:18 AM

My WC doc is a spine surgeon. I have had a nerve root block which. Is cortisone and pain meds. It really didn't help. I am in NC. I just don't think it can be fixed without surgery. I am certain that I won't be able to return to work like this.

Bummer Knees · 02-09-2009, 10:51 AM

Do you have an attorney? It sounds as if you need one.

You need to request a change in doctors.

Manley2 · 02-09-2009, 10:59 AM

I'm think a trip to talk with a PM doc would be a good idea. Another opinion about surgery might not hurt as well. Just don't get fixed on thinking you need a surgery to fix the problem. I have been to three surgeons and none think surgery will help me so right now I'm stuck so to speak dealing with this with meds and a spinal cord stimulator. It is sad to say but we can not always be returned to pain free after an accident. But don't give up.

~~Still in Limbo~~ · 02-09-2009, 12:39 PM

LBP, Welcome to the Forum!!! You need to be Careful about going to Other Dr.'s without w/c being Notified, it's O.K.to get a Second Opinion or Two, but if You Accept any Care from any of these Dr.'s without Requesting a Change and getting w/c Approval, You can Put Your Case in Jeopardy, and May have to Pay Yourself. W/C will only Pay for Care They Approve, other than an Emergency Room, etc. and they won't Necessarily Pay Bills You Choose to Make without Their Approval, even the Fees for the Second or Third Opinions. I would Suggest that if You Feel Your Current Course of Treatment is not Helping You that You Speak with an Attorney that Deals with w/c, so that You do the Correct things! My Very best to You, My Lower Back has Me Totally Disabled, so I can Relate to Your Situation! Have a Great Day!! Wink

sparkey · 02-09-2009, 01:15 PM

I have to say Manley is right about surgery. Not all surgery goes well and my brother had surgery on his back and ended up with so much scar tissue that he was put as disabled due to it, they will not do anymore back surgery on him. I too have been told for 2 yrs. that I have to live in pain and just get meds and treatments for control. I am not saying you cannot be healed maybe in your condition but like others have said, sometimes you have to accept you will not be 100% like you were before your injury. Also from what Limbo said, if you want another opinion you need to check to make sure that WC will pay for the visit or you could end up paying the bill yourself.

Bad Boy Bad Boy · 02-09-2009, 04:20 PM

State NC

The employer or its insurance company, subject to any Commission orders, provides and directs medical treatment. The employee may petition the Commission to change physicians or approve a physician of employee’s selection when good grounds are shown. However, payment by the employer or carrier is not guaranteed unless written permission to change physicians is obtained from the employer, carrier, or Commission before the treatment is rendered.

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