Newbie with a Question

[Sonolady]

Hi All!

I am new here and i have a few questions about WC nd employer compliance. I am an ultrasound technician with multiple musculoskeletal problems. I have been dealing with these problems for the past 4 years. I basically have alot of "overuse" syndromes. It first started out as bursitis in my shoulder. after 8 months of healing I started to have problems with both of my wrists. I wear wrist splints constantly. I have tenosynovitis in both wrists. I have had multiple injections for pain and I have decided to stop having these injections because they are very painful. I have had PT numerous times. The PT helps but the problem comes back eventually. Finally this spring I had started to see improvement for my shoulder and my wrists had not hurt me in months. Well about 2 months ago I was forced by my employer to be moved to another department doing a different type of ultrasound only because someone had quit. Mind you, this job is very difficult for me as I have to work longer and my patients are ALOT harder to scan. I pleaded with them not to move me because of my problems. I was told to give it a try and they said that legally they could not make me do something that is going to cause me pain. Well the past few months have been absolutely HORRIBLE for me. I have had multiple appointments with my ortho doctor who has agreed that this new job is making my pain return. I cant even clean my house without having some sort of pain. My employer has received recommendations from my physical therapist and my doctor about moving me out of that enviornment, but they will not comply. I dont know what to do.... Sometimes they act like they care but as soon as i stop complaining they forget about the whole situation. I am only 33 and I dont want to be crippled by the time I am 40. I am so tired of hurting, and I am tired of taking meds just to get through my day.. OH, and i have just been diagnosed with DJD in both ankles, shoulders and knees... I am just so frustrated...Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for being sooooo long!

[CRABBY]

I do not know much about anything here...but there are some impressive people on this forum...I'm sure they will be able to assist you soon...hang in there Will your employer not put you back to your old position? Have you shared your ortho's opinion about the new position, have they refused to let you go back?

[Pooh]

sonolady

Do you have any perm restrictions placed by your ortho doctor? If so, is your place of employment not complying with them? If they are not complying with them then I would remind them that you have perm restrictions and that you are not suppose to do this type of job.

You can also check into the ADA regulations - but first off you need to let your employer know what accommodation's you need in writing.

As far as further information - since most WC info in state specific there is more information that can be given if we know what state you are from.

[sparkey]

I was in the same boat as you for almost 8 months. I have had recurring carpal/ tendonitis and neuropathy in my wrist and it got so bad that it went into my shoulder. I was constantly dropping things and the pain is 24/7. Do you go to a pain clinic? Pain clinic's can prescribe you drugs to make you comfortable to be able to deal with the pain day by day and prescribe your therapy. Occupational doctors can put you on restrictions for your job. Have you been to one of them doctors yet? You need to have an evaluation done on how much you can lift etc and have it documented and sent to your employer for restrictions.

Ultra sound is a very good career to be in. I would hate to see you give up a job like that at such an early age when they can make it alot easier on you to continue with your profession. I just had to give up my medical profession i had for 15 yrs. You also have the opportunity to quit that job and work elsewhere maybe doing something more simple in that profession that does not cause you so much pain and still have wc pay for your medical and medication/therapy etc.

Thank god mine was a blessing unlike alot of other people that are injured. I happened to get something that was timed just right at my husbands co that is 8 dollars more an hour, travel, and travel pay mileage daily. I cannot wait to start next week. I wish you the best, and remember to take care of YOU!!!!!

[Timothy Belt]

What state are you in?

[Sonolady]

Timothy Belt Wrote:What state are you in?

I am in NC... My employer has made some accomodations for me, but they just will not budge on moving me out of this position. Yes, I could go to work at the hospital here, but that place is an ergonomic nightmare and I think it would be alot harder for me to do. I have been to a pain and ortho doctor and I have had physical therapy at least 4 times. I was doing very good before they moved me and now things are just going downhill. Should i contact my case manager and discuss these things with her?? Thank you for your suggestions!

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

You need to ask and tell your employer (Boss) they have to comply with the restrictions. But then they may just put you out of work. You case worker can't tell the employer what to do, but can only ask just like you can.