why!

[paul8176]

I am on workers comp in kansas and worked at the same job for 12 years and only called in 2 days in the twelve years. I have spinal stenosis in 3 disc disc, but other than that my spine is in pretty stable condition. I still have good disc height, very little arthritis, no spondylosis, and very little amount of ostephytes. I read about laminaplasty which is more successful and less invasive and has less complications then fusing 3 disc and also still preserves the motion in the spine.It's something that might give me my life back but it's not even a option.   It ***** because I cannot choose my own doctor or my own treatment. It's ether fuse or don't fuse and ether way. If I had a hangnail the only thing this doctor could do for me is fuse it. Not to mention the ratings for this doctor are scary. One guy said he was left paralyzed. He is also 70 years old and not friendly.  He probably uses sticks and sharp stones for surgery. I just don't want to fuse and fuse again and fuse again. I keep seeing sites where it says to refuse to fuse. Many people in America don't have a choice because the pain reaches a breaking point and they can't take it anymore.  It's so sad that America doesn't care about American's. If you get injured at work the government wants to put in the the pile of broken people and push into the dumpster because you cannot contribute to the monetary system and you cost to much to fix. I have even thought about trying to get a settlement and going oversea's for treatment.Especially since it's half the price. That's not much of an option since yesterday at my doctors appointment the doctor said he can't see anything wrong on my MRI. I can see what's wrong on my MRI and I'm not a doctor.That's what he will send to the worker comp people. Nothing is wrong. That should save them some money. I can have a second opinion but what good is that if the doctor can't treat me. Do I want to turn around and have the doctor who said nothing is wrong do surgery. No! Anyway, I'm just venting, but I'm in pain and need to go lay down. If anyone can tell any info or some positive it would appreciate it. I'm tired and running out of fight. My noose is getting tight and my legs are tired.        

[paul8176]

Thank you! You are very kind. I didn't grow up in church, but have been to many churches looking for the meaning of life. I went to a couple churches for a few years.  My friend I went to church with got married, had kids and just kind of quit going.  I would say I am more spiritual more now then ever. Church kind of confuses me. There are so many denominations and they are all different. There are more than 500 denominations of Christianity alone. Who's right.  I just want to know the truth. I read a couple of books that gave me a more fulfilling incite then church. Don't get wrong I really like the people in church. I was a member of a group for a while. I tried going back but all the people I knew were gone. My depression has me really shut down and had trouble connecting with new people. The books I read were "THE CELESTINE PROPHECY" and THE GOD THEORY".  Not trying to sell an idea. They just made since to me. I'm a kind and loving person already, but now I have come to a realization  that the key to peace in this world is to love everyone for who they are regardless of beliefs or what they did. My exceptions are politicians and anyone that hurts a child. That's a no no!  We all have lived different lives and have different beliefs. I used to get mad when some old person pulled out in front of me in a car. That might be me in the future because I can't turn my head anymore. Sorry for turning your 9 word question into a full blown article. I think it's a combo of pain and drugs. Anyway, I think I'm going to try and switch doctors after my 2 epidurals. If I don't want to do anything right now that might stop me from getting them. I also went to a nutritionist today to see about getting healthier for surgery. They were really kind people and seemed like they really cared. Nice for once. Anyway, talk to later.                  

[sharadale]

Talk to your lawyer about finding another doctor. Try the epidurals first before the surgery.You can go to the ER with Workman's comp but you will not find a suitable neurosurgeon there. The best you can expect is immediate emergency care such as pain meds. If you can get a new doctor, it will not take that long to get things done since you already have an MRI. Talk to your lawyer, see if you can get another doctor. Find a suitable doctor and go pick up your MRI and any other tests that have been done to hand deliver to the surgeon when you see them.
When I was recovering, I had visiting nurses come once a day. The only thing I really needed the first few weeks of recovery was meals. You can purchase a bunch of frozen foods, soft foods like pudding, yogurt, applesauce, ice cream and lots of gatorade.
Also it would benefit you to buy yourself a shower chair and a handheld shower head so that you can take a shower as soon after surgery as you feel up to.You can do this. You are not alone. You have this forum to support you. Do you have a church that you go to?

[paul8176]

Yeah! , I have an lawyer.  The last 3 days I have so bad that I don't know if I can take the pain. I have nerve pain going thoughout my entire face and deep into my head.  I'm supposed to get two epidurals. It's going to take forever just to get approved. I'm scared of my doctor. I know I need surgery and I don't want to be left worse and disabled for the rest of my life. I'm slowly losing everything and don't think I can do it much more. I'm feel so alone and scared. How am I going to take care of myself. My only family is my handicap brother and my friends who have their family. I'm sorry, I'm just a really lost soul right now trying to make it another day. I want to switch doctors because I don't feel like I have any chance of getting my life back with my current doctor, but the pain has gotten so bad and it would take so long to change doctors. Has anyone ever went to ER with  workers comp.    

[sharadale]

Have you consulted a workman's comp lawyer?

[squirtatious]

I'm very sorry for ur struggles and can sympathize with what your going through!!!!! WC cases are usually not in the interests of the ppl. I hope you can get a resolution that includes the drs and treatments best suited for your individual situation!! Don't give up hope!! *hugs*