Help With Pressure From WC Case Manager

[redlotus]

Well, I spoke with a lawyer friend, who basically told me that there isn't too much I can do, but that he will call my adjuster if I want and try to put a little fear in her to get her back in line. He basically told me that insurance companies have the power, since even if they screw you over and you decide to take them to court, the cost/time involved most likely means that the worker ends up worse off. They know this, and take advantage of it. Grrr...... Hopefully her supervisor will put her back in line, though it's doubtful. Luckily, I saved the voicemail where she outright says that she's holding my checks until I tell her I have an apt. If her supervisor doesn't help, I think I might try calling their corporate headquarters and filing a complaint.

Steph, the one thing I can tell you that's reassuring is that the ACI/TTO surgery did wonders for my knee. It was a hard rehab, and you REALLY have to do your PT and follow your rehab protocals, but it's worth it. Even though I'm still not fully healed, my knee feels ten times better than it did. Just make sure you prepare yourself for the recovery (get lots of movies, books, set up a "command center" where you can relax and have access to snacks, beverages, remotes, a phone, etc., get a raised toilet seat and a shower seat ahead of time, etc). I reccomend checking out the website http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/ for info on ACI/TTO. It' a great resource and they have prep lists for different surgeries. Also, ask your surgeon if he can perscribe a Gameready ice machine for you. It's a rental machine that circulates ice water through a special sleeve around your leg to keep it cool and numb, and it does light compression to keep the swelling down. It made a HUGE difference in my pain and swelling - I don't know what I would have done without it! Good luck with your surgery!

[Bummer Knees]

Hi Steph

Welcome to the forum. Mine is a different type of knee problem.

I was injured in 2005, 2 surgeries the left knee with the last being a knee replacement.

Had surgery of the right knee 2007. Meniscus, chrondryl, and pica sectioning.

I recentlly had an IME and the doctor is recomending more treatment for the right knee, a knee replacement is likely in the future.

I found doing exercises in a pool to be a great help, better range of motion with less pain.

I also am a member of the kneegru forum, great information.

Bummer Knees

[1171]

you won't change the new adjuster's behavior with more conversation. it's not a communication problem. you no longer share the same goals.:
find a work comp specialist
http://www.massbar.org/for-the-public/need-a-lawyer

[Steph1966]

redlotus Wrote:Well, I spoke with a lawyer friend, who basically told me that there isn't too much I can do, but that he will call my adjuster if I want and try to put a little fear in her to get her back in line. He basically told me that insurance companies have the power, since even if they screw you over and you decide to take them to court, the cost/time involved most likely means that the worker ends up worse off. They know this, and take advantage of it. Grrr...... Hopefully her supervisor will put her back in line, though it's doubtful. Luckily, I saved the voicemail where she outright says that she's holding my checks until I tell her I have an apt. If her supervisor doesn't help, I think I might try calling their corporate headquarters and filing a complaint.

Steph, the one thing I can tell you that's reassuring is that the ACI/TTO surgery did wonders for my knee. It was a hard rehab, and you REALLY have to do your PT and follow your rehab protocals, but it's worth it. Even though I'm still not fully healed, my knee feels ten times better than it did. Just make sure you prepare yourself for the recovery (get lots of movies, books, set up a "command center" where you can relax and have access to snacks, beverages, remotes, a phone, etc., get a raised toilet seat and a shower seat ahead of time, etc). I reccomend checking out the website http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/ for info on ACI/TTO. It' a great resource and they have prep lists for different surgeries. Also, ask your surgeon if he can perscribe a Gameready ice machine for you. It's a rental machine that circulates ice water through a special sleeve around your leg to keep it cool and numb, and it does light compression to keep the swelling down. It made a HUGE difference in my pain and swelling - I don't know what I would have done without it! Good luck with your surgery!

[Steph1966]

Thanks for the helpful information. I never thought about a raised toilet seat! Thankfully the insurance company is providing an electric wheelchair as well as a manual wheelchair for "road trips". My command post will be my laptop computer and remote control! I'm curious of what the physical therapy will consist of. I know the year of therapy I had already wasn't much of anything that I couldn't do at home. However, the pool therapy was the most helpful being it relieved a lot of pain during exercises. Keep us posted of your final outcome as I am anxious to know what to expect after my surgery.

PS... this is my seventh surgery in less than two years.