Responding to 1171 concerning Not Being at MMI

[lefty]

Hi from CO.,

Sorry for making this so long but I didn't know any other way to try and answer your reply.

I'll start with my date of injury, 11/2008 of the left upper extreminty, shoulder and neck. Hand and ulnar bone of same needed surgery of plates and screws and Fusion. After further exaime it was determine that the equipment failed and was too painful to stay in, an I showed signs of carpel tunnel...per the surgeon and request an EMG. These were his results: moderate Carpel tunnel, and Cubital tunnel. You know it's funny but the first pain doc (DR.A., who I let go) that did an EMG long before the surgeon request one stated that she didn't find anything on my EMG that she did...but did notice the trapzius problem and gave meds and one failed injection.

Next pain doc (DR.S., whom I'm now seeing...stated he didn't see Carpel tunnel but did see server Cubital Tunnel in same left elbow but stated it wasn't related to the injury...but that I needed it to be treated quickly but by own insurance. He also stated that my shoulder and neck injury was aggravted but because I had a previous injury in a car accident in 1998...so he was not going to treat it but said I really needed it treated...but by own insurance. He never continued the injections for my left upper trapizus.

Surgeon gave me an injection to my wrist for Carpal Tunnel...now I can't explain that one.

Later I was dx., with Major Depression and hospitalized for two weeks, and been seeing a pain psychologist since May 2010 who stated that I have reached a block in my treatment. The pain doctor insists that I continue seeing her and that he wrote an order to wc saying the same.

Pain doc placed me at MMI with wc primary approvel in April (I think) of last year and I've been on maintenance program ever since with only pool therapy for my hand and lower arm and restrictions of no repeated movements of left arm, no lifting over 15 pounds and can only sit down to work. I had already loss my job back in June of 2010 but looking for work but with my restrictions been turned down by over 59 jobs and counting.

Then the RSD was decovered three months later after being placed at MMI. I was told by the pain doc that the equipment could not come out. The SGB blocks were not done under the maintenance program but I have not received any PT for the RSD in my arm and hand and it has spread to my shoulder as well. RSD is still there but I've read that if I receive a block before and after surgery that it might help. Now (as of two weeks ago) the pain doc is saying that it is up to the surgeon if he want to remove the equipement.

My attorney requested a DIME and in Nove., 2010 the DIME doctor was livid when he examine me and read my reports. He stated, "Did your pain doctor tell you that the SGB nerve blocks was only temporay? I do the same injections as he does and after so many even the injection it can starts to cause problems." I was examined for range of motion by a different doc in that same DIME office who asked, "Did they examine your neck?" The DIME doc measured my incisions and re-examine my neck and shoulder. He finally said to me after shaking his head, "Your Trap is still swollen and you're still tender to the touch. Look at the condition they left you in!"

Then I got the call today that the DIME said that I wasn't at MMI, and the insurance company agreed to start paying me again. Just prior to me seeing the DIME my attorney also had me call a SSDI attorney...about a month ago to help me get SSDI.

1171 I hope I answered or made clear why I posed so many questions? Please respond.
Thank you.

[1171]

i can see where there are issues as to the other problems/conditions. the carrier has medical opinions that they are not related to the work injury.
hopefully the DIME does draw a connection that is accepted by the carrier and will provide treatment for them.

[lefty]

(01-19-2011 02:43 AM)1171 Wrote:  i can see where there are issues as to the other problems/conditions. the carrier has medical opinions that they are not related to the work injury.
hopefully the DIME does draw a connection that is accepted by the carrier and will provide treatment for them.

Hi 1171, what you said is what I'm hoping for. Thank you