'A Patient Voice' Community

I also hurt my back at work, 14yrs ago. I know exactly what you mean about worker comp. Did you have to have a workers comp attorney when this all went to settlement? If so, you could probably contact them for help. Your Dr. really needs to push WC with requests of medical nessecity for the pump if that's what you need. No one wants to be going through all of this and dealing with WC only makes it worse. I did have surgeries and am still in enormous pain all the time. I developed migranes too. I go to a pain management Dr and they were the 1st ones to recognize that being in that kind of pain all the time is depressing. They did put me on Zoloft (which I felt so stupid about) but it definately helps. I used to lye in bed with tears rolling down my face. The Zoloft just helps me cope with it without breaking down as much (I still have my moments). Your Dr is your advocate, so be sure they speak up for you, and you speak up to the Dr.s Let them know how you're feeling physically and emotionally. Good luck and I really do feel for you and your situation, I know what your going through.

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/tennessee.html

I never realized how isolating and alone one can feel when they have health issues. Especially, one's that do not fit into "mainstream" medicine.

All I did was search for Tennessee disability lawyers in the search bar and lots of info came up. The link above may help to answer some of the questions you have.

This process can be so overwhelming. I filed the first time on my own knowing that I would be denied. Once I found a lawyer that I was comfortable with and handed over my case to her, it was such a relief.

Many disability lawyers will meet or talk with you before they decide to take your case. If a firm takes on your case, it is usually with the condition that they don't get paid unless they win your case. That being said, a case can take from a few months (rarely) to years. My case took 3 years with a favorable decision. Yet, I am still waiting for my back-pay.

You will need to start getting your medical records in order. A lawyers office will request these but it's wise to have your own set.

One thing you can start doing now if you are not already is to seek some emotional support with a counselor. I chose to see a psychotherapist. Working with a psychiatrist would hold more weight once you get a trial date. Whatever you choose, some kind of support system is needed. By meeting with my therapist once a week, she got to know me and was able to make valuable statements on my behalf.

It is extremely important to keep Doctors appointments and keep trying to relay your condition. Keeping a journal is a good idea for you. It may not be entered into your case to be reviewed by the Judge but it may help you to see patterns. Also, it is something that you can use when seeing physicians.

My daughter uses a TENS unit. A physician will need to give you a prescription for this. Once you obtain a prescription, you can order on-line. There are many kinds to choose from. Some are wireless. I couldn't afford to purchase a wireless one for her but she has gotten relief while wearing her unit. Just search for TENS units. Many offers will come up.

This is a great exchange but moves slowly. You sound as if you could use some support. Take a look at the Fibromyalgia exchange. Many on there have injuries and conditions that can relate to yours. Also, many have been through the disability process.

Hugs,

Kat

You are not useless. You have some tough problems, but don't let them undercut your self-esteem. Too often, people who live with chronic conditions lose their sense of self. Your medical challenges do not define you. Please believe in yourself.

Best,

RMC

Kat,
Thanks so much for your support. I wish now I had kept a journal from day 1 - what a great study that would be to see how enormous stress and pain affects my body over time. I would be able to track the toll the stress has taken on my body which is huge. I don't even recognize myself now when I look in the mirror - it's like "who is this person - I have gained wt., lost muscle tone, strength , where is the smile that used to be there all the time?"
The 1st pain Dr. I had I really liked but then he moved and I had to pick another Dr. from worker's comp. list from out of the blue. I don't really like him or his staff that well and I wanted to change Drs. so I would have a better Dr. - pt. relationship but worker's comp. won't let me change Drs. They control all my medical care. If they say no then you don't get whatever you wanted or needed. I'm going to see pain Dr. on Mon. to ask him to get with worker's comp. and get another drug for pump that works better - pray they will ok change of meds.
I am thoroughly overwhelmed. My husband is very supportive but he is like me - we are feeling our way through this. We are broke and are trying to stay in house. I'm so sick and tired of fighting my way through this pain for 10 yrs. I just don't know if I can make it through all this - pain, lawyers, disability, depression, worry, no money.
It's good to hear from others that have been through similiar situations.

Hi Richard, Believing in myself right now is very hard to do. I felt like I was called to nursing and caring for others. Now I can do much of anything -I can't sit, stand or walk for more than 15 min at a time. I can barely do anything around the house. My husband has to do everything. I feel really bad now that I can't work and bring in money. He has to work, do most things in and around the house while I watch because I can't do it. This is so hard- how do you handle it? I've been through counseling, etc but when it comes down to you and the pain 24/7, your friends are gone, you're praying your heart out - what do you do?

Why are your friends gone? This is a time when family and friends should be there for you. Maybe you have to let go and regroup. Are you able to stop thinking about who you were and start considering who you might be? All of us are creatures of inertia. We do what we do because that is what we do. Think outside the box. Be creative and adapt. I'll bet you can think of something different.

Best,

RMC

My friends have gradually left as I fell by the wayside as there are many activities I can no longer participate in. Many of them have never dealt with a friend their age who has a chronic problem such as pain and they gradually quit calling, etc. because they don't know what to say or do. Maybe they think it's catching but they just stop calling, etc. This has happened to many other people with chronic health problems that I have spoken with. I read your blog about how many of us put our best foot forward, etc. Boy, when I go out somewhere whether it's a Dr's appt., shopping, etc I get all my make-up on, the hair done, clothes and jewelry. Everyone says "you look so great, so rested" when they see me and then someone might say"you don't even look like you're in pain" because I hide it from all as I go out. I always answer "fine" when they ask how I am because they don't want to hear the true answer!

I how you feel literally and figuratively. My pain started after a work injury. I ended up going off work to have surgery.
While I was out of work recovering, I was fired. The found a legal loophole that allowed it. Long story short. It took me 5 years. My husband and I had to file bankruptcy and lose everything. Finally, a really good lawyer that wouldn't give up on me, got 1 million dollars from my old company. I only saw about $50,000. The rest was eaten up with legal fees. The most encouraging part though is that, all of my future medical fees are paid for the rest of my life and I am only37. My attorney sadly passed away a less than a year after we finally received the check. I was even a little angry at first that he received so much, but without him I would have received nothing. I found him by opening the phone book and calling lawyers until I found 1 that would take my case.
The situation with friends is sadly true. I think our friends are tied to our jobs. When we are not at those jobs we start to distance ourselves from our friends until they become more acquaintances than friends. They still care about you, they just are overwhelmed with their own lives. Try not to be too hard on them. Maybe you could give a few of them a call and have them over for tea or coffee. That way, you could be at home in an environment you are probably most comfortable and it would be inexpensive because it would just be a pot of tea or coffee.
The most important thing is to not give up. It takes time. Everybody is denied at least 2 times before they are approved. Find somebody you can talk to, preferably a therapist that will document the situation. That can only help you situation. Have Faith!! Keep Praying!!! you have come this far you will make it. I am 37 and have the bones and muscles of a 70 year old but I haven't given up. I just try to stay as active as I can, take my meds, and pray that God will give me the strength to get through another day. Each day that I am left here on Earth I have the opportunity to help somebody else who has been as hopeless as I once was.

Emmie, I am so sorry for your pain! I too injured my back at work a year and a half ago. I am a nursing assistant and we lift all day long. On October 17th, 2008 I had 26 people to get to breakfast in 2 hours and I herniated 2 discs. This was the heaviest wing and 2 men were to be working with me but called in sick. I went to transfer a resident and he stiffened up. I ask myself every day if I would have done it differently and honestly, I wouldn't ever think of leaving another in harms way. Consequently, I am in agony every minute of every day,and can totally relate. I have been in a relationship for 4 years and he tells me daily that he wants his girlfriend back. My children don't like to be around me because they I hurt all the time. I have had p.t., injections, accupuncture, chiropractic,decompression surgery, countless prescriptions of Flexeril, Vicodin, Tizanidine, Amitriptyline, Oxycontin and Percocet, which they have discontinued but did actually provide some relief. I also have had Vistaril a TENS unit, that has begun to provide less relief. I have also had Lidoderm patches but they made me break out so I couldn't wear them or my TENS unit-what luck!! Now I am awaitnig more injections which were agonizing. I had 3 MRI's, discography, and am in no bettter shape than I was on my date of injury, and if all that fails will need fusion surgery-which my surgeon who is phenominal had been recommending for over a year. At this point I am so depressed,frustrated,just overall devastated I had actually thought of jumping! Now to top it all off besides the degenerative disc disease I am also arthritic! The thing that gets me the most is that there is not a soul that understands the degree of pain that I feel with every move I make. It hurts to sit, stand, walk , lay down for good nights sleep (like I would even remember what that is as I thrash around all night and keep the Love of my life up with me). I understand your feelings of loss, I have a grandson that I can't play with, a puppy I can't walk. We bought a new home with a jacuzzi that I can't sit in because even on low the jets hurt my back! I have gone to every appointment, done everything asked of me,tried to get better, but still am no better off. I hope you find some relief. In all of this, as i said before, I look back every day and think would I have done it differently? I wouldn't leave another in harms way! How stupid is that! One wrong move, a second in time CAN change your life drastically!

Don`t know where to start never done this before . i was in a accident with a semi ten years ago . thought i walked away but of course my back didn`t agree with this idea.basicly destroyed lumbar discs etc. . Have trouble walking etc. in constant pain etc . enough about me. i know it seems hard but just take one day at a time .i know trying to do this seems at times like no one cares and the people telling you to do this don`t know what they are saying. try not to feel useless and depressed i know from experience it`s HARD. They say that the state of Nevada denies 8 out of 10 disability applicants.It took me almost 8 years to get what i got . which is very little . They even told me i was lazy and just wanted them to give me money .yea that was the disability.. they don`t understand what they are saying or doing to a person when they do this .So just take a deep breath and pray to god for a shoulder for support and remember you are not alone . find a lawyer don`t know if i can say who i used but find a lawyer they will guide you . the other comment was right about your medical records the most of the lawyers work that they only get paid if you do so if they want monies you have to win.and a good freind will be there for you no matter what i can only count on one hand the people that stayed beside and helpped me . So chin up and take one day at a time (i know sounds corny ) God bless and good luck

Man, you and I have very similiar stories. I totally understand your pain and your thinking. I'm a RN and was helping someone get up and she started to fall and I caught her because she was falling toward the nightstand and I couldn't just let her fall. I go and also think sometimes what if I had gotten her up differently or helped her to fall without hitting table. But that doesn't help unfortunately but I know what it's like to wonder if that 1 second had just been differently all this pain wouldn't have happened. I, too, have been through all the procedures, tests, etc but was told all my lumbar discs were injured and that a fusion and any other surgery wasn't appropriate and that at 33 I was told just to live with it. I can't have kids due to my back which has been very hard to accept. I have depression, anxiety ,etc also so feel free to write if you want to vent. I understand when you just need to let it out. Most people don't understand the extent of the pain we have. Luckily my husband does but there is still occasionly problems between us due to stress and him having to do a bunch of extra tasks. I've got to figure out how to get disability. I hope you have a good Dr. I don't like the 1 I have very much but worker's comp. won't let me change. No jumping though! I just want to curl up in bed and give up lately because I'm so sick and tired of all this. I'll put you in my prayers.

hi i just wanted to say i know the feeling my dr told me i didn't have a choice in the matter i was dieing from my copd..SO what did i do .Came home an told my family what was said.Oh God how i wish i had never said a thing about any of it .The people you thought would love you an be there for you Ha.. What is it everyone acts like they will get it or some thing.No calls from my sisters just to talk an say whats up.I call leave messages no call backs.I have tryed to tell them he did not say today or even six months from today you know it was just a warning .Maybe i worded it wrong i don't know...But we all die in the end any ways right
.Right now my bestfriend Is my Lord God an my light I pray that He will easy your pain for you An that you will not suffer this anymore.Love the Light
.

I am sooooo sorry for your pain! Motherhood is a beautiful thing just keep praying! I've had 5 children ,lost one to SIDS, she was my first daughter. What state do you live in? Please don't give up either. Did they assign you a QRC through comp? I am very fortunate that i got a great one. In Minnesota where i live they did assign one but with "comps rules" you have the right to change and i lucked out. My QRC(thet are basically a liason between employer,attorney-if you have one and dr., and yourself. The first thing i will tell you is that by no means are they your best friend, but mine has been great as far as moving like procedueres thanks to her i now know that they do not have the right to take as long as they want to approve or disapprove procedures, i actually found out that they only have 7 days from when the dr. requests approval! They were taking 6 weeks to approve everything-it even took 6 weeks to get into the insurance cos.dr. Please don't get too discouraged!!! I have done sooo much praying and there were a few times i just cussed for a minute too. Most days i don't see an end to all of this. Days like today,i don't want to eat or drink anything because it hurts sooo bad to sit on the toilet or walk to it for that matter. Last summer when i felt like this, my family begged me to go to the er i was in so much pain. They are tired of watching me cry. It got to the point iwas skeletal because i hurt too much to even get up for a glass of water muchless make some food. God Bless and i will be lookin for your reply. Just don't give up i keep saying "it has to get better" my boyfriend keeps telling me that he's waiting for it and looking forward to it! I will pray for you!! You also feel free to vent i guess we kinda can relate and that's a step up from yesterday. Keep smilin even if you are faking it!!

I hurt my back the first time by bending over, and it got worse over the years from my sitting at a computer all day job. I eventually got to the place that I was in significant pain, couldn't sit -- which made it very difficult for me to work.

I went the tests, MRIs, injections, various drugs route. When the last injection failed, the rehab doctor I was going to told me that I should go to a chronic pain care center. I cried; I didn't want chronic pain, I wanted a cure. (Even though it had already been going on for over 10 years.)

I went to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Chronic Pain Care Center's 40 hours a week, 4 week, multidisciplinary program -- physical therapy, exercise, education, psychology, biofeedback, occupational therapy, and others. It was exhausting. But when it was over, all of us where infinitely better. Both physically and mentally. And both the physical and mental improvement was important.

It's been 6 years since I went. I have been going to the gym since then and even have a personal trainer. I've had problems a few times and I still take an NSAID every day. But Life Is Good! Before I went to the Pain Care Center, I was sure it would never be good again.

It was expensive, but it turned out that my insurance paid for almost all of it. One of the guys I went with was hurt on the job; Workman's Comp paid for him.

I very much recommend programs like this -- a multidisciplinary pain care program. I am not talking about a pain doctor who only treats pain with medicine; that is not enough. As we all know.