...and being almost 3 weeks post fall, I thought my blogging buddies may like an update.
After jumping through multiple hoops...
...and dealing with enough red tape to sink a battleship...
...last Thursday, 16-days post fall, I was informed by the Workers Comp adjuster (who really is just doing his job) that the PA from Urgent Care (where I am required to be seen because I was injured on the job) had notified him that I had no fractured bones and that, while the pain in my right leg and right thumb was caused by the fall, that the right chest/rib cage pain was not caused by the fall. The PA also stated that there was no reason I could not be at work...
I was not a happy camper...
For those of you who have not been involved with Workers Comp, either for yourself, a family member, or a friend... you cannot imagine the convoluted maze one must negotiate. And of course... the maze being new to you... you have no one to advise or direct you through it.
However, 16-days post fall... I'd had E-nough.
After getting off the phone with the WC adjuster, I had a bit of a cry... then called my primary care provider and was worked in to see her immediately... "immediately" being "in less than an hour." Dr. Szurgot and her nurse Jessica are wonderful, caring people and I am blessed to have them in my life.
Before I left the office at 3:45pm, I had an appointment at 8:15am at the orthopedic clinic the next morning and a bone scan scheduled for Monday (tomorrow) morning at 9:30. Believe me... after all the wait, wait, wait with the Workers Comp maze... it was quite a relief to see some forward movement.
Friday morning, I saw Connie Tighe, an orthopedic nurse practitioner, who read the very same x-rays read by the PA at Urgent Care. Her diagnosis: a "closed fracture of the proximal phalanx of the right thumb"... and I got to leave her office with one of these lovely things...
Tomorrow morning, I'm being seen at the outpatient clinic at the hospital for an MRI of my chest.
This update only covers about half the "fun" and "excitement" I've "enjoyed" since I fell.... including the trip to the ER a week ago Saturday... but it will bring you up to date.
I hope to be able to start sewing again this week but it's iffy since I'm still waking up because of chest pain. I'm looking forward to seeing my babies and grandbabies over the Thanksgiving holidays and have enjoyed/appreciated the visits from friends who are looking after me.
I am thankful for so many people and things in my life.... including my blogging buddies.... and wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!
Many years ago, I had a co-worker who, at the slightest bump or paper cut, would sing-song, "Workman's Comp....Workman's Comp!" I think she was sue-happy! I would imagine that system is riddled with the like, and that's why there is so much red tape now. I'm just sorry you are having to deal with it, and glad you finally got some 'real care' from your regular doctor. It's a blessing WC denied you! So.....YAY! :o) Hope you are doing better when you have your company! Have a Happy Turkey Day! :o)
ReplyDeleteWhat an ordeal. I am glad you took your care into your own hands and got some action. Take care of yourself and thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteI hope you start feeling improvements before you see them! I am so glad you shared, Freda; it is terrible that all the waiting is caused by red tape!! Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family ~
ReplyDelete:-}pokey
Oh my word. I so wish I could help! We spend much of our lives here negotiating who pays for what and why. Hang in there! You'll get it all figured out soon.....
ReplyDeleteHave an inkling of your maze thru the bureaucracy. So glad you went to your private doctor, and know they will give you better care and diagnosis---if you get my drift. Don't you hate that they try to make you feel like the "bad guy" or just plain crazy. Like we don't know our bodies and how things were before the fall??? Duh...some people are so full of their power over us.
ReplyDeleteThe bone scan is not bad to undergo, and the MRI is passable now that they have the open design. It's the delay and paperwork hassle as well as the money. But so worth getting back to normal health....and so sewing. I do wish I could walk next door and be there to help. So sending hugs and good wishes for your Thanksgiving with family.
I had been wondering how you were. Sorry I hadn't checked in sooner. What a maddening situation! I hope you can get answers for your chest pain. I'm glad you have a competent Doctor you can turn to when all else fails!
ReplyDeleteOh my Freda. You have had a time! It's a good thing you took your care into your own hands.
ReplyDeleteIt's sue happy people that make honest people suffer the red tape. You take care of your self, dear.
I'm glad your doctor was there to get things on track for you and give you some good care! I hope they can get this resolved for you and "let the healing begin"!
ReplyDeleteTake care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I used to say that it was impossible for the character Frank Burns in M*A*S*H to be accurate because no one that incompetent in real life could be a doctor! But it would seem it is possible, after all!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with those you love and who love you!
I hope they find out tomorrow where the pain comes from Freda and that you're soon feeling better.
ReplyDeleteA carefull hug... ;o)
Oh, Freda. I'm sorry you're having so much to deal with. We don't do Thanksgiving here but I hope you have as good a time as you possibly can. Gentle hugs from me.
ReplyDeleteHope you are surrounded by folks you love this holiday and are able to sit back and allow them to spoil you a bit!
ReplyDeleteNot really a time to "laugh" but your posts cheer me right up!! Now for you to get better - If I could I would come and punch someone for you!!! Enjoy your time during this time of family and friends and food!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Thank goodness for REAL care from REAL docs to get you out of the muck that the others drag you into unfortunately:)
ReplyDeleteHoping you can get past this all in time for Thanksgiving.
Have a blessed week and a very uneventful and relaxed Thanksgiving Freda!!
So sorry to hear of all your problems in addition to being injured. Hope you have a wonderful time with your family.
ReplyDeleteLillian
lillianscupboard.wordpress.com
Was wondering about you, take care, and glad that you are finally getting some good doctor/nurse care! Have some great family time (and I trust someone else is doing the cooking?).
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of all that you have had to go through but maybe now you will get some answers. Hugs
ReplyDeleteSince March I've been learning about WC too. (I was kicked in the head by a violent 8-yr-old.) While I'm sure some people fake injuries, those of us who have true injuries have a difficult journey getting appropriate care. I'm so sorry this happened to you and hope you quickly heal from these injuries.
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