head injury

[justin]

live in MO. Fell at work and hit front of head needed 11 stitches. I did not pass out but did get very dizzy and nauseated and kept seeing black like I was going to pass out. Had to be brought in wheel chair to office. Sent to and ER received stitches. The cut is above my eyebrow and my nose and mouth also were cut. My eye is puple and swollen under brow and across eyelid. Other eye is also swollen and has small black and blue spot under it. Company rep called and said instead of following up with urgent care physician they wanted me to see plastic surgeon. because of the location and shape of the cut and eventual scar. I thanked them and was scheduled for appt three days after injury. Called surgeon on day two to let him know I was still having headaches, pains behind my eye and blurred vision and he ordred a CT scan. Third day went to see surgeon and after walking got very dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. His receptionist said I was very sweaty and helped me sit down and got me some water. I felt weak but the nausea and dizzyness finally passed. Dr came in said CT ok did neuro checks, checked stitches, felt bones of my face and said we'll take stitches out on Friday (day 5) and I can go back to work full duty that afternoon. I told him I did not feel I could work with the headaches and dizzyness. I work 18 hour shifts back to back (Friday and Saturday). I am on my feet 95% of the time and have to be able to think and concentrate as I pass out medication and take care of 27 to 56 residents. He said I need to try and see if I can do it. Once at work I can't leave and getting someone to fill a double shift on short notice is next to impossible. I asked about seeing an opthamologist and would like to see a neurologist but was denied by works insurance attorney. Do I need to call in sick? Do I need to pay for a second opionion out of pocket? I am not trying to get anything extra infact I will loose my pay for all four shifts whether the doctor allows me the time off or if I am sick as workmans comp doesn't pay until 3 days have been missed and I do not have sick pay. I just do not feel well and I believe I have a concussion. Please any advice? I have never been hurt at work before and in almost two years have only missed 5 days from work. I am on time every day and give 100% when I am there.

[AQA]

It sound like a second oppinion would be needed. I am unfamilure with your state laws and rules. You may want to contact your local workers compensation office and asked them about it. Better safe then sorry, but at the same time. You come first. You need to know what is going on with your body.

Take Care.

PS. hopefully tomorrow, someone will be along that knows the rule and laws of your state.

[1171]

talk to your employer about taking time off to get it checked out. without sick leave it's totally up to them if they'll grant unpaid leave. if you are covered by fmla .you have 12 weeks of job protection
you can provide treatment at our own expense at ay time.

[sparkey]

Your second opinion could be your primary care doctor and when you call tell them it was a accident that happened at work as a wc incident and you need to be seen. When you get there tell the doctor how you feel about being sent back to work the way you are still feeling. He/She can keep you out of work for a few more days till you feel better. Make sure you do have the workers comp. paperwork filled out to give to HR from your primary if you are to stay out of work for any more length of time.