Shoulder Injury Causing RSD

My injury is covered by Longshore & Harbors Worker's Compensation.

I injured my left shoulder in March of 2000. Then because I never got help on the job I injured my other shoulder. This whole process has been a nightmare for me & my family. I had surgery on my left shoulder & had complications. They now say that I have RSD. I finally got the okay to get a second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon from workers comp in February of 2001.

In November I asked for a second opinion because I knew there was something wrong with my shoulder. It was getting worse. The doctor wanted me to go back to work & I told her no because something was wrong & I needed to know what. The RSD was starting. She cut me loose & referred me for another doctor. Well, my adjuster said no. They would not pay for it.

I then went through the labor board. Finally in February they decide to approve my seeing another doctor. He said that I should have been in a three month window to help the RSD. I have real problems keeping shirts from touching this area because of the burning and sensitivity to this area. I am trying to learn to live with this. It is hard. I have to hide my pain from my kids.

I was once very athletic. I exercised everyday and this has really brought me down. Plus my right shoulder is getting worse. Along with this I have had trouble getting them to pay me. They are also denying my claim to my right shoulder. Only one other person knew that I hurt my right shoulder. My supervisor was out with basically the same injury. It was hard to catch up with my manager so I didn't report it until my manager told me to go ahead and put it in as a claim 3 months later.

I need to try to find out what my rights are. If I can sue my job for the right shoulder. I am so tired of dealing with these people. Know one should have to go through this. I have depression with this because I can't do things for myself. As of right now, I have no orthopedic surgeon following me up. If you know of someone I can talk to who can help me get through this.

I would appreciate the help.

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