What should I do?????

[inpain24/7]

Well I do not know what I should do so I hope someone can help!!!!!.
I had a head injury back in Feb. I was in the hospital for several days in March.
This was a work related injury.
I was hit in the face by a falling box.
They are fighting any treatment and time loss etc.
At my first Dr., I was sent back to work with 20 pound limit and to get x-rays. At follow up appointment 1 week later stated there was swelling and limit to 5 lbs, with no over head reaching, or pulling, pushing and breaks ever 120 minutes. 2 weeks after being hit in face I was in the hospital as I could not walk. I was driving to work and got a wierd headache not like the ones I have 24/7. I had a shooting pian down my spine and top of my thighs. I called the Dr. and they said go to ER before I got there I was so weak I could not walk.
When I was released from the hospital, I was told in writting to follow up with in 1 week with my primary care Dr. (do not have one because WC Insurance adjuster canceled him). A Neurologist (had a IME from Insurance Neurologist a week ago) I made an appointmet to see my own but WC Insurance cancelled that as well.
Was told to see a Spine DR. Could only see the insurance Spine DR. He states not work related due to lower extrimity issue happening 2 weeks after injury that it should of happened instantly, The WC case manager and this Spine Dr. broke the Patient Dr. privacy act by going in the exam room with me and standing behind me, She was there when I arrived and had already spoke with the DR. His report was even false in several areas including I walk with a limp. I was in a wheelchair and could not walk at the time. I do not get any time loss so no income since March. So why can't I pick my own Doctors????
I was told by the first Dr., the Hospital, and the spine Dr. that I need a Neurologist but still have not seen one other then the WC insurance one for my IME not for treatment etc. Was also told to go to Physical Therapy, and pain management clinic, all which WC insurance will not allow.
I have had several MRI's. I read in the MRI reports I have disk bulges at C4-5 and C5-6. There was a moderate Central Canal Stenosis at the level of C5-6 due to 5mm diffuse disk bulge, which efaces the cerebrospinal fluid signal, both anterior and posterior to the cord. (what ever that means) On the Spine Dr. report his review of the MRI's stated that I have disk space narrowing primarily at C5-6, less at C4-5. There is an abutment up against the spinal cord without signal changes. (what ever this means) Then adds need a Neurologist due to very diffuse nonspecific complaints to include extrimity.
I had my Independent Medical Exam last week. The spine Dr. even said in his report that I have Post Tramatic Stress Disorder. that was in April. I looked up the meaning and I do not have any of the symptoms for PTSD. Per my Attorney in a letter to me "per the Spine Dr. report Unfortunately he did not find anything from an orthopedoc perspective and reccommened the IME. I do not think the evaluation will be truly "independent" but will wait and see. I will contact you once I receive his report then we can decide what further action to take with regard to medical treatment."
In the mean time I have constant headaches and migraines, my eyes are sensitive to light off and on now. I feel nauseous and light headed most of the time, My right hand and right big toe goes numb. My entire left leg started going numb a few days ago, and I have a stabbing burning pain in both thighs off and on and 2 fingers on the left hand as well as 3 toes on the left foot . I have some bladder leakage now. My vision is getting worse. I have the shakes and it gets worse as the day goes on. Peolpe that are around me ask how food makes it in my mouth I shake so much at times. I use ice packs on my neck and head. Most of my pain seems to be in the base of my skull and head which moves over my head to my face. I was in a wheel chair for 3 weeks and then used a walker to walk. I still cannot walk more then about 100 yards. then I get so lightheaded, dizzy, and weak my legs want to give out and I feel like I am going to vomit and pass out. I have no pain meds so live on Advil. And I keep a medical daily log and I am getting worse. Can they deny me medical care??? should I call the media for help???
Please help me. I do not know what to do???????????
I am not depressed as I get by knowing there are people in worse shape and everything happens for a reason and something good always comes from something bad. I am blessed with the support I have from friends and family. I am going to school on line when I can manage it since I am home. So not just sitting around. I do not have pitty parties or anything I just want to know how to get treatment before I have some kind of perm damage.
Thank for reading my story and I hopesomeone can help!!!!!!

[chloe]

It breaks my heart to hear this - you REALLY need legal counsel, or else you'll continue to be taken advantage of. All they care about is money - you must protect yourself. Also, call the insurance commission in your state and report the employer's insurance company. (see my earlier post)

The LAST thing you want to do is have ANY more contact with your employer OR the insurance company or the nurse case manager. In my experience, they will use anything you say against you. You have a head injury, so you are suffering from cognitive/memory issues that must be addressed right away. Try to find a Neuro-psychologist in your area and have them do extensive testing. YOU WILL NEED this once you go to court...keep a copy of all your records. If you cannot afford any doctors or if the ins, company denies them (which they will), this is how the attorney can help you:

He or she will get a court order forcing them to pay for all the treatments you need. Do not BUDGE until you get all the medical treatment you deserve no matter how long it takes!

I wish I knew the area you were in - I'd research a good attorney for you.

FIND someone experienced in worker's comp and ALSO TBI (traumatic brain injury)

Don't mention to ANYONE that you're going to school online - it will be used against you. It sounds awful, but everyone needs to think that your life has come to an abrupt HALT because of this or else you'll not get taken seriously - trust me on this. I don't mean your family & friends - I mean all medical professionals, your lawyer, and like I said, don't talk to the ins. company or your employer at all - they are not your friends right now. The insurance company will actually interview your co-workers trying to find conflicting information that proves you're making this all up.

Sounds like you seriously need to see an orthopedist for your spine and get physical therapy also.

I wish you the best and pray that you find the right legal counsel and guidance you need!

~~~Chloe

[inpain24/7]

Chloe,
Thank you for the advice,
I do have an attorney, however he never returns my calls or emails. I personally think he is doing nothing to help me. When we met with him the beginning of April I was still in a wheelchair and he said I will make a few phone calls and we can get your time loss going. They have accepted my claim but are denying any time loss and medical bills that have to do with my back and lower extrimities, they are even denying the bill for my orginal x-rays of my face and neck etc. Hello I was hit in the face. Take a skeleton tilt the head back and drop a 5-8 pound box on its face and see how far it affects you. Well it has been since beginning of March and still nothing, no treatment, time loss, etc. I have called doctors being proactive trying to get treatment and as soon as they know I was hurt at work they either do not take worker injury patients or they will not see you with out prior approval of the insurance claims adjuster unless you want to pay cash. I do not have any income so that is not an option. I have not talked to my employer since end of Feb. I have not talked to the WC case manager since almost end of March and same for the insurance adjuster. I have left everything in my attorneys hands but for what reason I do not know.
I live in AZ. Myself, family and friends pray for me everyday and I know God never gives you nothing you cannot handle that is why I do not get depressed over it, just frustrated that I am denied care unless I go to ER. I did go back to ER about 2 weeks ago and since I had an appointment with a Neurologist stated to keep that appointment and then they could only do pain management and gave me 5 days of pain meds to last until my visit. Then 3 days later I got a call from the neurologist that WC insurance canceled it because I was going for IME. That is not for treatment. What ever happened to patient or workers rights???

[Still in Limbo]

Please go to the Main Page of this Forum and look under the Tab "Info. by State". I am so Sorry You are going through this, I'm not Polished in AZ. Rules and Regulations, but You may be able to receive some of the Info. You need from the Tab. I am Totally Disabled from a Spinal Injury received almost 4 Years Ago, and Trust Me, the More You can Learn about Your States Rules and Regs. concerning w/c the better! For example: In Pa., (Where I'm From) if You are not satisfied with the Care You are receiving from the w/c Dr. within 90 Days after Your Injury Date, You can have the Dr. of Your Choice, as long as they are Related to Your Injury!! You may also be allowed a Second Opinion for Your Injuries. And as far as Your NCM (Nurse Case Manager) goes, they May Speak to Your Dr. before or after Your Exams, but You can Tell them that they are to stay out of the exam room during Your Appt. You really need a set-down Appt, with Your Attorney to get Your Issues resolved, there is NO Reason You should be in the Misery You are! You May also want to get an Opinion from a Neuro. (who deals with the Nervous System) and an Ortho. (who deals with the Skeletal System) Dr. to find the Source of Your Pain and Discomfort! I Wish You the Very Best, and Please keep Us Informed!!

[inpain24/7]

Well I called the AZ Department of Insurance Consumer affairs. They stated that in AZ WC is no longer a part of them that I had to call the AZ Industrial Commission.
I called and after I gave them my claim # they stated I have an attorney so they are not allowed to talk to me that only my attorney can submit a complaint. I had already called my attorneys office and spoke to the assistant the only person I ever reach when I can reach someone and told her I was calling to complain about the insurance and asked why my medical deposition was reset to May 30th. She said there was no reason it was just reset on the insurance side. For the complaint stated keep us posted. Now don't you think they should know I cannot complain that they have to do it. I have lvm for them to do it today and also sent them an email or I will be going to the news station in the morning.
I am not dumb and will not sit back until I have perm damage. I just want treatment and them denying me treatment shoul be against my rights. I feel like I have to do all the research and make all the calls to get nowhere. I am hanging in though.

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

If it were me, I would have someone drive me to the Attorney's office, and sit there till they see you, and you can speak your mind. Get your Attorney to file for a Hearing in your behalf then.

http://www.workerscompensation.com/regul...510&title=

[inpain24/7]

I made my phone calls and got no where. I LVM and sent an email to my attorney that if he does not submit a caplaint to the Industrial Commission I will go to the news station with my story.
I cannot have anyone drive me to my attorneys office since everyone I know works 8-5 and you never know when my attorney is in as his office is 45 miles away. I have thought of just going driving myself and sitting all day waiting but not sure what good that will do. If I said I was going to the news and he still does not respond I will do just that.
I may anyway as I know I am not the only person going through this with this inusrance company so some one has to be willing to stand up for others I feel like I have nothing to loose. I write down everything and print copies of my emails sent and received so nothing to hide. If they video tape me doing anything I already wrote down what I do so not hiding anything.
I will not give up.

[chloe]

INPAIN24/7 - the more I read about your story, the more enraged I become - I wish I lived in your state, I'd hand-deliver you to another lawyer myself!!!

My lawyer referred me to the correct doctor within one week of meeting her. This doctor has not yet gotten paid for his work. The reports he wrote are exactly what won me the first court case we attended.

I'm starting to think I got very lucky and picked the right lawyer.

ARE you near Phoenix??

Try these people...I get a good vibe from this website, and they've been around since 1973 - so they must know that system in and out.

http://www.jeromegibsonlaw.com/PracticeA...sation.asp

[inpain24/7]

I sent an email to that attorneys office. So we will see if they can help. I told them I have an attorney but want a new one.
Thank you!
I was hoping to be better before my daughter and my Twin grandsons who are 4 come to visit June 3rd. I do not want them to feel we cannot go anywhere because of me. The positive part of her coming is she is a in-home care provider so she should be able to help some.

[chloe]

Good, there's a number there too, and they offer a free consultation, so one of the lawyers may be willing to drive to your town - that's what my lawyer did for me.

Just take it one step at a time and focus on getting a really good lawyer - then see about getting to a doctor. The more medical documentation you have, the better your case results.

I'll be checking in - take care! Chloe