Workers Comp Help
Back Injury and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
I started working for the company in 1995. In Jan. 1997, I was injured at work. Several boxes of brake pads fell and hit me in the chest. I was out of work for a week. I was offered a clerk position in May of '97 to take the strain of lifting off my back. I was still being treated for the "back" injury (and still currently being treated) at the time, so I took the clerk position, which consisted of computer work and alot of sitting. Feb. 1998 I was having pain in both of my wrists. I asked to go to the doctor. I was sent to the same doctor who had been treating my prior injury. He diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome and referred me to a specialist.
The new doctor did some testing and also diagnosed CTS. In Dec. '98 i had surgery on my right hand for CTS and in Jan. '99 I had surgery on the left hand. I was still seeing the other doctor for my "back" injury. I returned to work in Feb. '99 with restrictions on my hands. I was sent to see another doctor for a second opinion regarding my "back". This doctor asked my what the first doctor had diagnosed, I told him, and he said he agreed with the other doctor.
W/C never requested an MRI, ultrasound or x-rays. I was on medication and restrictions. At this point, I was being harassed at work about my injured hands. In Aug. 2000, I was again feeling pain at the site of the surgery. I informed my supervisor and was told "you know how to see the doctor, you've been there enough". I couldn't see the doctor unless I had a referral from my employer. I finally got the referral and went to the designated facility for a drug test. I was told to wait. I waited for three hours, not being allowed to use the restroom. Finally, the employer, doctor's office and W/C all agreed that I didn't need a drug test since I had been seeing a doctor previously for my hands and my file was still open.
I was informed that I needed to see another doctor since the previous one no longer worked there. I set up an appointment for Sept. 2000. I saw the doctor, he diagnosed a new injury, Bi-Lateral Dequairvain's Tendonitis and Bi-Lateral Basal Joint Pain. I informed my employer. I was told by the W/C adjuster @ work that the Dr. was too young to be in practice, didn't know what he was talking about and that I was to get a second opinion. I was sent to another Dr. This doctor also diagnosed the same thing. I was told by W/C that they were no longer responsible for this because it was a new injury and they were no longer the carrier. I told the adjuster @ work and she gave me the name of the new carrier. I was told that they weren't going to cover it because they were told it was an old injury. Finally, it was all settled and the new carrier was held responsible. The Dr. said I needed surgery. W/C did not agree with this.
By this time we are well into 2001. Meanwhile, I was still being treated for my "back" injury. In July 2001 I called and asked for a refill on my prescription since I would run out before my next visit in Aug. The doctor's office informed me that as of April 2001, they were no longer my attending physician. They told me W/C did not renew their contract. Now I'm left with no medication and no doctor. I had retained an attorney in Nov. 2000 due to the treatment I was receiving @ work. I informed my attorney of the situation with the "back" doctor.
We now had to request a new doctor. It seemed that every doctor we selected, W/C denied them (even though the doctors were from "their" list). Finally, one was agreed upon. I was sent to a doctor 91 miles (roundtrip) away. I saw this doctor for 5 minutes the first visit. He diagnosed a neck injury and not a back injury. He requested an MRI. An appointment was made, agreed upon by W/C and I went on the day scheduled. I am very claustrophobic and was given a sedative to calm me down for the MRI. The technician took me back and started the MRI. Half way through the MRI, the technician came in and said she had to stop because W/C didn't authorize the procedure (even though they are the ones to set up the appointment). I called my attorney, who in turn, called W/C. A new appointment was scheduled at a different place for the MRI. I went as scheduled.
The following week I saw the Dr. He told me I have herniated disks that were compressing on the nerves and that it radiates to my back. He said the only options were meds (which I'm on), therapy (which I had years ago) or surgery. He stated that at this point, surgery was my only option and because of the nature of the injury, he doesn't do that kind of surgery. He prescribed a neurosurgical consultation. That was in Jan. 2002. Back to the hands for a while. In Feb. 2001 surgery was scheduled for DeQuairvain's release and Basal Joint Arthritis (the pain was now arthritis). 5 days before surgery, W/C decided they weren't' going to cover the arthritis surgery. To say the least, the doctor wasn't too pleased since he had to rearrange the procedure. The surgery on my left hand was done in Feb. 2001 and the surgery on the right hand was done in Mar. 2001.
As of this writing, I am still waiting for the rest of the surgery to my hands and W/C is fighting it all the way. I just received a letter from the other carrier stating that they will allow the neurosurgical consultation. I will be informed of the time and place at a later date. I was terminated from my job because of my injuries in Feb. 2002. I have many restrictions and have been unsuccessful at finding employment.