My Medical Plateau

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mewcamaro

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Hi all - well according to my neurosurgeon I have reached my medical plateau although I still suffer in pain 24/7. This is a WC case and I have an appt to see the insurance company doctor tomorrow to settle my case. I know that these doctors really don't care how you feel, I heard they only see you for about 5 min, how can they determine your level of disability in such a short time. Has anyone been through this, and how did you handle your appt? Did the doctor listen to you, I have written a list of things I can no longer do and how the meRAB effect me to tell the doctor. In Sept I have the appt to see my lawyers doctor, I am confident he will listen to me and see how much pain I am in, and how my life has changed dramatically.

Hope everyone has a pain free day.....Marie
 
Can you see a pain management doctor in the meantime? I think the list you are creating is a good idea - be sure to include all symptoms and limitations.
 
Hi SpineAZ - I currently see a PM dr and I am on very strong meRAB. I was injured in Jan 04, my back. I have had 3 surgeries, including an ALIF replacing 2 discs with a fusion. I have been in worse pain since surgery. I have tried to see another neurosurgeon but they feel uncomfortable taking my case on since I have been operated on by another surgeon. I have had epidural injections, trigger point inj, and accuputure, all with no help to relieve the pain. I know something has to be wrong because you shouldn't be in this much pain taking strong meRAB.

Well its off to see the WC doctor to see what he has to say, I'm sure he won't tell me anything.

Marie
 
I have some post back surgery problems (surgery was 16 years ago) along with some residual problems following more recent neck surgery. I'm in active treatment with a pain management doctor and just got a consultation with a different orthopedic spine surgeon (who seemed to be much more comprehensive in his review and treatment plan). I think, even though I'm only 42, I've accepted the fact I'll never be pain free but my pain management doctor continues to work with me in prescribing medications (including a new one - Opana ER) and doing injections. Hopefully having a radio frequency ablation in August in my L3-4 area.

With all that said...you are right that even if you are on strong medications the hope would be that although you may always have some pain it would not be of the severity you mention. I was lucky to find another Orthopedic Spine Surgeon willing to take me on even though my other OSS is in town, well known, and recently operated on my neck. Maybe you can seek a consultation with an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon?
 
Hi - I have been on the Opana ER 40 mg, along with Vicaden and Vallium. My PM doctor has switched me to Oxycotin 40 mg, Oxycodone 10/325 and Gabepentin 300 mg. The injections due nothing for me. I am 54 an also have accepted the fact that I will probably be in pain for the rest of my life. My life has totally changed from what it was. I went to the WC doctor for an evaluation to settle my case. Of course they do not tell you anything, so not sure how it went. I see the lawyer's doctor in Sept. I guess after that my case will settle, but I don't understand how they can release me when I am still in pain, and know that something is definitely wrong with me. I can only hope to find a doctor who will be willing to take my case on using my own personal insurance.

What is the radio frequency ablation, is that a surgery? Will it relieve your pain? It sounRAB like you have also been through alot. I hope things work out for you.

Marie
 
The RFA basically uses heat to destroy the nerves. For my lurabar area it is hoped that this will help if done bilaterally at L3-4. It's done in a setting similar to an epidural steroid injection but just a bit different (I understand it can be a bit more painful during/after the procedure). For my neck.....nothing has worked thus far. Shots do work for a bit but not for any decent length of time and now the steroiRAB used in those make me so hungry (typical steroid affect).

In a way I feel lucky that mine is not a WC issue - never had to deal with WC, be directed to doctors, etc. I am on Short Term Disability due to my neck/back now and not sure if I'll be able to go back to work or not.
 
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