Update and ?'s

[ammowoman]

Missouri

My husband had a follow up appt this week. He told the dr that he doesn't feel he should be back at work yet...he returned 12/27/10. He takes between 8-10 pain pills a day and the dr told him he's allowed to take 12 a day. He still can't raise his arm and the dr told him he may never be able to do so again. Uneven surfaces make pelvis and ankle/leg pain worse as well and was told that may never change either. He is still in PT 3 times a week. I know it is still early in his injury but it seems the dr is saying this is how it will be and just take more pills to get by. You hear about so many getting addicted to them. I have to admit it is a HUGE concern for me. My husband seems to think on his visit next month he will release him. Not back to work with no restrictions, but that there's no more he can to do for him. I personally don't see that happening. I would think be would need to follow any progress to report back to WC.

I have to say his employer has been great. They gave him a office job where he does busy work. He takes his gel pad to sit on but to sit for so long is painful. At home he can sit in a recliner and take direct pressure off the pelvis. He can't do that at work. With the snow lately he didn't go in a couple days. Bumper to bumper traffic in a manual car was impossible. Walking in the snow and ice as well is huge safety concern. WC wasn't as understanding. They are all working with him but WC seems to do their best to guilt him. They say "the more they pay out the higher his Employers premium will be." Of course, they throw in "I should tell you this but...."

It is starting to sink in now that he will not be as he was before the accident. I guess I just didn't realize how much till lately. He is unable to do so much he used to before. My son has really had to step up and do a lot. This does change the WHOLE family.

What should we expect next? Is it the dr saying he's at MMI(?)? If at some point he decides he can't work all day even sitting can he refuse since he at least tried. He asked about part time but WC said of they had work for him to keep him busy he had to stay.

Sorry the post was so long.

[jayne]

if the sitting is to painful Tell the Dr.....he can always have an ambulance take him from the job site to the ER for pain relief.....he may have to decide he just can work anymore....talk to the dr

[1171]

you and your husband should review the information on the workers comp website
http://www.labor.mo.gov/DWC/Injured_Workers/

your husband can always request a second medical opinion on his condition and/or disability.

if your husband quits his job or refuses lite work that's been approved by the doctor, temporary disability payments can be stopped.
once he is at MMI and has received a rating permanent disability payments will continue whether he is employed or not.

[bronco54501]

Some drs as well as of course wc will try to push and keep him working... Is it the best medicine, sometimes....... but pain always wins. My mind is gone today so forgive me, but if I remember correctly its ankle, pelvis fractures, and shoulder. And atleast 5 months ago.........? I can tell you first hand on how bad it hurts to sit after my pelvis injury. Even sitting in a recliner will give you discomfort in time. I used to bring a boat coushin to sit on if I had to sit like watching my sons bmx racing, I didnt like the comfort of the seat in the car, a small couch coushin does wonders.

You say he is allowed 12 pain meds a day, are they level 1 or 2 narcotics..? And does his employer allow him and know he is taking them while working...? Nacotics are very addicting and will lead him to need more to cope with the pain. If I was your husband I would tell his dr it is to painfull to sit that long, and even if his dr says part time and his employer (not wc) says thier is nothing available for him then they have to pay him ttd until either they find somthing for him or his dr says he can work a full shift again....

To me it seems way to early to put him at mmi for how severe his injuries were.. I am 3 years after injury and was placed at mmi for the hip and pelvis, but also depends on his dr...

Like 1171 said if he quits because dr wont help him and is to hard to work, he may loose his ttd checks. It may take a few rides from work by ambulance becuse of his severe pain before his dr realizes its just to much and maybe to early for full time hours... I dont know how your state wc works but here if pernounced mmi they only pay monthly and is a cap of like $1100 thats not even half of what my ttd checks are totaled per month..

Per wc law you are allowed a second oppinion, and even if that is the choice you take wc ins can still deny and all will lead up to a court date..........

P.S.------ I am glad to see your hubby has come this far so fast and I wish him well............bronco

[ammowoman]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

His employer is accomidating everything as far as his restrictions. I believe the dr just wrote desk job. So he works in the main office just doing odd jobs. One day he had a bunch of kegs and had to find what locks they fit in. That was one day that really bothered him with the standing. When mentioned to WC she said he could take his wheel chair if he needed it. Basicly if there is work for him he is to be there. They have him going in at 830 then leaves M-W-F @3 for PT. He says now he won't be leaving if theres no work. They can just pay him. WC and his employer both know he's on pain meds and how much he is allowed. They are hydrocodone (sp) 500. I didn't go to his last appt but I will make sure to go from now on. I think maybe we should request a second opinion on his restrictions/working. Do we request with the insurance carrier? When I asked he go to pain mgmt they said his dr is taking care of it now and wouldnt authorize the visit.

[Cervical_Fusion]

With him takeing that quanity of narcotics you need to make sure they are keeping an eye on his liver and kidneys. That is a lot of tylenol per day to be takeing, so definately he need blood work to keep an eye on his internal organs.

[jayne]

Mercy yes......Ammowoman go with him to the Dr and bring up a pain mgt Dr with his Dr.....let him know your concerns with the tylenol....and the fact his pain is not being kept under control....there are other options for him that isnt as hard on his liver....and if the sitting is getting to him let the Dr know

[1171]

(01-15-2011 09:19 PM)ammowoman Wrote:  Thanks everyone for the responses.

.... I think maybe we should request a second opinion on his restrictions/working. Do we request with the insurance carrier? When I asked he go to pain mgmt they said his dr is taking care of it now and wouldnt authorize the visit.

yes. if you have some doctors in mind give them the names.
follow up a phone request with a written request.

[bronco54501]

(01-15-2011 09:19 PM)ammowoman Wrote:  Thanks everyone for the responses.

His employer is accomidating everything as far as his restrictions. I believe the dr just wrote desk job. So he works in the main office just doing odd jobs. One day he had a bunch of kegs and had to find what locks they fit in. That was one day that really bothered him with the standing. When mentioned to WC she said he could take his wheel chair if he needed it. Basicly if there is work for him he is to be there. They have him going in at 830 then leaves M-W-F @3 for PT. He says now he won't be leaving if theres no work. They can just pay him. WC and his employer both know he's on pain meds and how much he is allowed. They are hydrocodone (sp) 500. I didn't go to his last appt but I will make sure to go from now on. I think maybe we should request a second opinion on his restrictions/working. Do we request with the insurance carrier? When I asked he go to pain mgmt they said his dr is taking care of it now and wouldnt authorize the visit.

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It has been in my favor if you talk to your dr first, because if he would give you a referal your not burning up your second oppinion. There are many other meds he could be on, tylenol is not good for ones liver in that amount of dosages..