just update and needing advice

[zest4life]

hello all I know its been a while since Ive posted but trying to get over surgery I had my surgery a laminectomy/discectomy with decompresion some fat graft ....3rd discectomy in 4 yrs ...scar tissue had my spinal cord practally in a knot is what my dr said..was hurt at work that caused the last L3 L4 rupture with extruded disc material...anyways had all this done the 23 of oct...Im still having a good bit of pain in my mid to lower back,catch myself stumbling quite often also a good bit of pain in my left leg. I went to the Dr today...he says hes pleased with the way things are going? So the next step is to get pt approved by wc..in the mean time Ive been off work past my fmla..work refused to grant an extended LOA so..no job...Dr did say they would be some type of "work training" after pt not really sure what thats all about...but said they should rate my restrictions if any at that time....Im single with a mortage and a car note...I an a nurse thats thinking it is going to be verry difficult if at all to find someone that will hire me in any aspect that I have training in with or without any restrictions. Ive never done desk or office work and I doubt it pays anywhere near what I was making.Im just in a mess...thinking I should put my house on the market before it gets too late...I know I can handle things a few more months as long as I continue to recieve my wc .What am I supposed to do when they decide Ive had all the therapy they think I need? I know the checks will stop. I fell like I deserve some type of compensation for what all I have been through.....when someone slips in a store the can sue...here someone at work hurt me by horsing around and I the one that has all the recompressions of it...he still has his job and life...any any advice?

[Pooh]

Zest

First off, in my opinion sounds like you are suffering from some minor depression from all that you have gone through and these issues may also need to be addressed. You should bring this up to your doctor so that maybe he can refer you to a counselor.

2nd off - your not by any chance a red head are you? I think jayne has posted that red heads tend to form scar tissue more than most others do - so I hope that this latests surgery where they removed scar tissue besides the discectomy doesn't leave you with more scar tissue formation around the spinal cord.

I think the work training they are talking about is called vocational rehabilitation. This can vary according to state to state from job hunting to sending you back to college to help you earn a degree in a new field altogether. I think while your going through voc rehab you still draw wc.

You also need to let the doctor know that you are still have problems with your balance and that you are having pain in your leg. Don't tough it out thinking it will get better with PT. Tell him from the start so that he can address these issues has they arrise.

[sparkey]

I agree with the depression help. Everyone gets depressed in one form or other. You were in the medical field just like i was. I was devistated and cried at the drop of a dime whenever someone mentioned i need to change my career. Do not give up hope of ever finding work that you could do. I luckily got offered a job doing construction administration. I laughed at first as i always hated secretarial work. I thought, how could i pull this off, changeing my career to something i have no interest in. Well, i got offered 5 dollars more an hour, and absolutly love this new job. I now work for my husband at the company he works for. I am learning on the job now and see advancement in this work in the years ahead. Do not give up hope. If you want something bad enough you will do it. Maybe you will like it better, and it will be something within your restrictions.

I would ask the doctor to prescribe a anti-depressant med just to help you get through this big life change. The insurance co. should pay for this as it is because of your injury your depressed. Hang in there and just take care of yourself. Think of the positive things in life and do one day at a time. There is also state help you may be able to get till you find work. Someone on here should be able to help you. Go to a few local churches and ask for help. Do not be afraid to ask, as there is many people that are willing to help you. First take care of yourself, as that is the main thing you need to do.

[rholmes]

Hey Zest,

Have you applied for ssd yet? If not i think you should get that ball rolling.

[jayne]

also check to see if by some chance you put disiabilty insurance on your car and morgage note also some credit cards carry it...it sure helped us

[Still in Limbo]

Hi Zest!! all of the above Advice is Very Good, Depression can and will Creep into the Life of an Injured Worker, Especially if w/c is involved! I'm Disabled from Scar Tissue in My Spine and wrapped around my S1 Nerve Root, so I can surely Understand Your Pain, and Concern. Jayne Mentioned SSDI, and I agree, you may want to Apply. I Wish You the Very Best, and Happy Holidays to You and Yours!!

[zest4life]

Thanks everyone for all your advice...I do feel like rigt now Im my own worth enemy. I had an income proctection ins that was supposed to pay they said in spite of any other ins....funny there was a rider in there that said it wont pay if the injury is being covered by wc...so others beware..I thought I was covered. take care everyone

[Lilly]

Zest,
YOU are in my prayers! Lilly