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Little Nursette called today. I am to begin PT Tuesday, 2/2/09, at 2PM.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Post 22
Post
Email to Claims Adjuster
in My Truckalogue
This is the email (Storage) I sent to my Claims Adjuster today:
Email to Claims Adjuster
in My Truckalogue
This is the email (Storage) I sent to my Claims Adjuster today:
Subject: How do things stand on the pay issue?Claims Adjuster called me with the answers. I will not be paid for any part of 1/13 - 1/29. I will be mailed a check on 1/31 that will cover 1/31 through 2/06/09. The checks will be reauthorized each week. And I just mail the receipt for meds to her.
Little Nursette called me after our visit with Dr. Feelbetternow yesterday to tell me AMX could not accommodate the restriction of "no tie downs"; therefore they can't let me come back to work now.
Also, I am to go to physical therapy 2 to 3 times per week for 4 weeks. It apparently can't be done in my truck as Dr. Wolfe's nurse ordered. Since I drive over-the-road for AMX, and am paid mileage, it isn't cost effective (or even possible, probably) for me or AMX to have me back in Bessemer this often.
I am restricted to lifting no more than 15 pounds; carrying no more than 20 pounds; only occasionally reaching overhead; and limited work overhead. Dr. Feelbetternow didn't specifically state this, but the force required to open the jaws of a 5th wheel is significantly more than the force required to lift 15 pounds. Opening the jaws of a 5th wheel can only be done with my right arm.
I need to know three things:
1.) Will I be paid for any part of the period between January 13, 2009 and January 29, 2009 since Dr. Wolfe only restricted me to "no repetitive use of right shoulder for two weeks then resume duty", i.e., Dr. Wolfe's course of treatment would have been insufficient?
2.) When does my period of disability begin again, now that I am once again unable to work?
3.) How do I go about being reimbursed $50.78 out-of-pocket expenses for pain medication purchased January 16, 2009?
As always, I'd prefer an email response; but either way, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Thanks much,
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Post 22
Post 18
My Truckalogue
St. Vincent's is a nice hospital, and I was very impressed with it's Sports & Orthopaedic Center. I'm convinced it truly is World Class Care Close To Home.
By the time I got to my appointment this AM my shoulder was killing me, but thankfully there was a parking spot in the deck that reasonably close. I checked in and sat down to do my preliminary paperwork - you know, the stuff all doctors want to know upon the first visit.
And it was so cool to see my sister-in-law, Mrs. Porter, walking towards me. I wasn't very good company, but I was glad to have the chance to give her a hug. She works at St. Vincent's and took the time to come see me. It's been a while since I've seen her, and I dunno, but she looks even prettier than I remember.
(Love y'all both!)
I mentioned yesterday that the W/C Nurse would be attending the exam with me. Now that I'm trying to describe her, I can't really remember what she looks like - other than to say she's young; attractive; slim; blonde; professional and congenial. Kinda like a little nursette. And I have to say, if somebody's got to be at every doctor's visit with me, I prefer her company to my Mother's.
Little Nursette sat beside me in the waiting room with her laptop, feeding the rest of the info she needed into her computer. She might have been working on other stuff too for all I know, because I was in tears after the x-rays. I don't know why my arm was hurting so bad today, but the x-ray positions tweaked it. That, plus the almost humiliating position of being baby-sat by the Workers Comp carrier was a little overwhelming. But Little Nursette took it all in stride. I think she's gonna be all right.
I was impressed with Dr. Feelbetternow too. Distinguished in a casual sort of way and, like Nursette, professional and congenial. He took the time to listen to how and when it hurt - instead of telling me to put my arms over my head; immediately diagnosing a bruised shoulder; then walking out of the room. He actually read that stuff on the preliminary paperwork too. But most importantly, he treated my arm as if it were Tommy John's arm. Well ok, almost as if it Tommy John's arm.
Dr. Feelbetternow said he saw some arthritis in my shoulder from the x-rays. He also saw a spur in there somewhere, but didn't think it was causing any problems. He did the usual resistance tests, only one of which caused the 'catch' I've been experiencing. I accepted the shot of cortisone, which was painful in and of itself. With his assistant close by, he began pushing the needle into my shoulder joint a little at a time, injecting anesthetic and cortisone as he went. Each little push was painful, but the proceedure didn't last long.
My restrictions are as follows: No lifting over 15 lbs. No carrying over 20 lbs. Limited overhead work. Can only reach overhead occasionally. Can't do tie-downs - I think he means pulling binders and straps.
He wrote prescriptions for Tylenol #3 to take at home; Ultram 50 to take at work; and Lodine to take once daily at home or work. I'm planning on getting the Tylenol #3 and Lodide filled this afternoon sometime.
He also prescribed physical therapy. More on this in a moment.
When the exam was over, Dr. Feelbetternow's assistant was setting up the next appointment, and Little Nursette asked when I'd like to schedule it. I told her it didn't matter, but that dispatch hadn't been getting me in on time for my appointments lately. Nursette looked at me and said, "Not even if you tell them days in advance?" I just smiled, nodded my head, and said "Not lately". She looked so bewildered. Dr. Feelbetternow's assistant said, "Well we can change it if we have to." So me and Little Nursette have an appointment on Wed., 2/18/09.
Dr. Feelbetternow's assistant handed me the prescription for physical therapy. "Physical thereapy 2/3 x a week for 4 weeks, right sho cuff strain / AC joint synovitis."
I looked this up just now:
AC Joint (Acromioclavicular Joint). The acromioclavicular joint is located at the tip of the shoulder where the acromion (shoulder blade) and collarbone (clavicle) come together.
Synovitis occurs when synovium (inner layer of a joint capsule) is inflamed. It results in pain and loss of range of motion. (Located further down the first list.)
Anyway, Dr. Feelbetternow's assistant handed me the prescription for physical therapy. (We were in the hallway now.) I said, "Now, is this something I'm to do in my truck?" She told me no. I said, "Well I can't go back to work then - not and do this too." And Little Nursette said something to the effect of, "They wouldn't let you work and do therapy too? How often do you get home?" I said, "Well, last time I was out 6 weeks."
And as we were walking out of the building I tried to explain it to her. "See, I don't drive locally; I don't go home every night; I live 24/7 in a truck; I get paid by the mile, not by the hour." I still don't think she really understood, but as she was getting on the elevator she told me she was sure the Claims Adjuster would approve the physical therapy, and that she would talk to Whatagreatguy, our Safety Director, (instead of Benefits Girl) herself - since he's the one who told me not to come back to work until I felt comfortable with it, and the one who understood my job better.
Just after I got home Nursette called to say that she couldn't get ahold of Whatagreatguy, but that Benefits Girl had told her they couldn't "allow" me to come back to work because of the tie-down restriction. At first I thought she was saying that AMX was firing me.
And this pretty much ends this day.
My Truckalogue
St. Vincent's is a nice hospital, and I was very impressed with it's Sports & Orthopaedic Center. I'm convinced it truly is World Class Care Close To Home.
By the time I got to my appointment this AM my shoulder was killing me, but thankfully there was a parking spot in the deck that reasonably close. I checked in and sat down to do my preliminary paperwork - you know, the stuff all doctors want to know upon the first visit.
And it was so cool to see my sister-in-law, Mrs. Porter, walking towards me. I wasn't very good company, but I was glad to have the chance to give her a hug. She works at St. Vincent's and took the time to come see me. It's been a while since I've seen her, and I dunno, but she looks even prettier than I remember.
(Love y'all both!)I mentioned yesterday that the W/C Nurse would be attending the exam with me. Now that I'm trying to describe her, I can't really remember what she looks like - other than to say she's young; attractive; slim; blonde; professional and congenial. Kinda like a little nursette. And I have to say, if somebody's got to be at every doctor's visit with me, I prefer her company to my Mother's.
Little Nursette sat beside me in the waiting room with her laptop, feeding the rest of the info she needed into her computer. She might have been working on other stuff too for all I know, because I was in tears after the x-rays. I don't know why my arm was hurting so bad today, but the x-ray positions tweaked it. That, plus the almost humiliating position of being baby-sat by the Workers Comp carrier was a little overwhelming. But Little Nursette took it all in stride. I think she's gonna be all right.
I was impressed with Dr. Feelbetternow too. Distinguished in a casual sort of way and, like Nursette, professional and congenial. He took the time to listen to how and when it hurt - instead of telling me to put my arms over my head; immediately diagnosing a bruised shoulder; then walking out of the room. He actually read that stuff on the preliminary paperwork too.
But most importantly, he treated my arm as if it were Tommy John's arm. Well ok, almost as if it Tommy John's arm.Dr. Feelbetternow said he saw some arthritis in my shoulder from the x-rays. He also saw a spur in there somewhere, but didn't think it was causing any problems. He did the usual resistance tests, only one of which caused the 'catch' I've been experiencing. I accepted the shot of cortisone, which was painful in and of itself. With his assistant close by, he began pushing the needle into my shoulder joint a little at a time, injecting anesthetic and cortisone as he went. Each little push was painful, but the proceedure didn't last long.
My restrictions are as follows: No lifting over 15 lbs. No carrying over 20 lbs. Limited overhead work. Can only reach overhead occasionally. Can't do tie-downs - I think he means pulling binders and straps.
He wrote prescriptions for Tylenol #3 to take at home; Ultram 50 to take at work; and Lodine to take once daily at home or work. I'm planning on getting the Tylenol #3 and Lodide filled this afternoon sometime.
He also prescribed physical therapy. More on this in a moment.
When the exam was over, Dr. Feelbetternow's assistant was setting up the next appointment, and Little Nursette asked when I'd like to schedule it. I told her it didn't matter, but that dispatch hadn't been getting me in on time for my appointments lately. Nursette looked at me and said, "Not even if you tell them days in advance?" I just smiled, nodded my head, and said "Not lately". She looked so bewildered. Dr. Feelbetternow's assistant said, "Well we can change it if we have to." So me and Little Nursette have an appointment on Wed., 2/18/09.
Dr. Feelbetternow's assistant handed me the prescription for physical therapy. "Physical thereapy 2/3 x a week for 4 weeks, right sho cuff strain / AC joint synovitis."
I looked this up just now:
AC Joint (Acromioclavicular Joint). The acromioclavicular joint is located at the tip of the shoulder where the acromion (shoulder blade) and collarbone (clavicle) come together.
Synovitis occurs when synovium (inner layer of a joint capsule) is inflamed. It results in pain and loss of range of motion. (Located further down the first list.)
Anyway, Dr. Feelbetternow's assistant handed me the prescription for physical therapy. (We were in the hallway now.) I said, "Now, is this something I'm to do in my truck?" She told me no. I said, "Well I can't go back to work then - not and do this too." And Little Nursette said something to the effect of, "They wouldn't let you work and do therapy too? How often do you get home?" I said, "Well, last time I was out 6 weeks."
And as we were walking out of the building I tried to explain it to her. "See, I don't drive locally; I don't go home every night; I live 24/7 in a truck; I get paid by the mile, not by the hour." I still don't think she really understood, but as she was getting on the elevator she told me she was sure the Claims Adjuster would approve the physical therapy, and that she would talk to Whatagreatguy, our Safety Director, (instead of Benefits Girl) herself - since he's the one who told me not to come back to work until I felt comfortable with it, and the one who understood my job better.
Just after I got home Nursette called to say that she couldn't get ahold of Whatagreatguy, but that Benefits Girl had told her they couldn't "allow" me to come back to work because of the tie-down restriction. At first I thought she was saying that AMX was firing me.
And this pretty much ends this day.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Post 21
Post 17
My Truckalogue
W/C nurse said there's no way that tomorrow's doctor can say that I've needed this time off to heal up some, so my hopes of being paid for this down time are gone. But if tomorrow's doctor doesn't order me back to work, I will be paid for any additional time I have to be off. Reference here 24hourcampfire.com I post a lot of stuff there too.
Nurse will be at the doctor's with me.
My Truckalogue
W/C nurse said there's no way that tomorrow's doctor can say that I've needed this time off to heal up some, so my hopes of being paid for this down time are gone. But if tomorrow's doctor doesn't order me back to work, I will be paid for any additional time I have to be off. Reference here 24hourcampfire.com I post a lot of stuff there too.
Nurse will be at the doctor's with me.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Post 20 - Post 15 new
The W/C Nurse called to tell me when my appointment with the St. Vincent's Orthopedist is - Wed @ 10am
Friday, January 23, 2009
Post 19
Post 14 Truckalogue
I woke up real early and opened the letter from ... whoever she works for - the registered nurse who chose the doctors for the w/c "panel". Of the three listed, I chose an Orthopedist at St. Vincents. Kinda surprised me there'd be one that good on the list, considering how reluctant Workers Comp is to pay for good doctors. Faxed the letter back to the girl.
I woke up real early and opened the letter from ... whoever she works for - the registered nurse who chose the doctors for the w/c "panel". Of the three listed, I chose an Orthopedist at St. Vincents. Kinda surprised me there'd be one that good on the list, considering how reluctant Workers Comp is to pay for good doctors. Faxed the letter back to the girl.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Post 18
Truckalogue Post 12
Our Safety Director, Dan Banner, is a great guy. Like I said somewhere before, he was a recruiter when I hired on. He called when I felt the most helpless. But he wasn't aware the W/C carrier can't pay me while I'm off, because the last "official" piece of paper they have is from a quack releasing me back to work.
I'll get one check out of the w/c carrier anyway; and my income tax refund will be a good one, so I'm not worried about money at this point. It's enough to know my company is standing behind me, and I most definately won't lose my job over this. What a relief!
My w/c person won't communicate via email, and I haven't felt like calling her. But I'm thinking it'll take a couple of weeks to get this "panel" together. I guess I'll get instructions in the mail or something. I'm just hoping they can find out what's really wrong. Maybe it's a pinched nerve, or something like that rather than rotator cuff problems.
In the meantime I've been working on my blog. It's been a fun thing to do - I've been messing with the html in the template, etc.
Our Safety Director, Dan Banner, is a great guy. Like I said somewhere before, he was a recruiter when I hired on. He called when I felt the most helpless. But he wasn't aware the W/C carrier can't pay me while I'm off, because the last "official" piece of paper they have is from a quack releasing me back to work.
I'll get one check out of the w/c carrier anyway; and my income tax refund will be a good one, so I'm not worried about money at this point. It's enough to know my company is standing behind me, and I most definately won't lose my job over this. What a relief!
My w/c person won't communicate via email, and I haven't felt like calling her. But I'm thinking it'll take a couple of weeks to get this "panel" together. I guess I'll get instructions in the mail or something. I'm just hoping they can find out what's really wrong. Maybe it's a pinched nerve, or something like that rather than rotator cuff problems.
In the meantime I've been working on my blog. It's been a fun thing to do - I've been messing with the html in the template, etc.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Post 17
Storage Location
Email to W/C Claims Adjuster
Wed, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Claim Adjuster,
Just for the record - you called me after my last email, explaining you'd talked to both Benefits Girl and Dan. You explained to me that whatever I do medically at this point - from 1/13/09 until the after the review - I will have to fund myself. And I told you I needed to talk to Dan or Benefits Girl again.
I did call Dan back, and he explained that your hands are tied, and I couldn't get paid during the time I'm off.
You see, I didn't know that AMX's word wouldn't override the Orthopedist's. I mean, after all, you work for AMX, right? Now I understand that the last "official" thing, the last piece of paper you have, is a work release from the Orthopedist; and I guess that's all you're allowed to work with. This is cool with me.
I was more concerned with losing my job if I refused to go back to work than I was about the money. Thank God I work for a company like AMX. Dan's call to me this morning is nothing short of a miracle, because I felt so helpless after you told me to go back to work. I was trying to compose an email to Benefits Girl when he called.
Dan told me to keep the receipts for any pain medication I pay for. I'm assuming I'll get reimbursed for that IF the "panel" rules in my favor, right?
And could you please send me a link to something on the internet that explains what a "Panel" is?
And most of all, do you have any idea how long it will take to get the Panel together?
I understand your reason for not wanting to email me, but surely there's nothing you could say here that you wouldn't want in writing. Or again, if you prefer, call on the phone.
Email to W/C Claims Adjuster
Wed, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Claim Adjuster,
Just for the record - you called me after my last email, explaining you'd talked to both Benefits Girl and Dan. You explained to me that whatever I do medically at this point - from 1/13/09 until the after the review - I will have to fund myself. And I told you I needed to talk to Dan or Benefits Girl again.
I did call Dan back, and he explained that your hands are tied, and I couldn't get paid during the time I'm off.
You see, I didn't know that AMX's word wouldn't override the Orthopedist's. I mean, after all, you work for AMX, right? Now I understand that the last "official" thing, the last piece of paper you have, is a work release from the Orthopedist; and I guess that's all you're allowed to work with. This is cool with me.
I was more concerned with losing my job if I refused to go back to work than I was about the money. Thank God I work for a company like AMX. Dan's call to me this morning is nothing short of a miracle, because I felt so helpless after you told me to go back to work. I was trying to compose an email to Benefits Girl when he called.
Dan told me to keep the receipts for any pain medication I pay for. I'm assuming I'll get reimbursed for that IF the "panel" rules in my favor, right?
And could you please send me a link to something on the internet that explains what a "Panel" is?
And most of all, do you have any idea how long it will take to get the Panel together?
I understand your reason for not wanting to email me, but surely there's nothing you could say here that you wouldn't want in writing. Or again, if you prefer, call on the phone.
Post 17a
Storage Location
Email to W/C Claims Adjuster
Wed, Jan 15, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Subject: My Safety Director just called - I need to stay off work
Claim Adjuster #2,
Dan Banner, our Safety Director at AMX, just now called to get an update from me. He knew the Orthopedist had ordered me back to work with "no repetitive overhead use of right shoulder for 2 weeks ...." He said he conversed with Benefits Girl and that, (paraphrasing him) while I didn't do any overhead work, there was a lot of stretching, etc., getting in and out of a truck. I almost cried, because it was such a relief to hear him say this.
I told Dan the Orthopedist had ignored the sideways movement that had caused me to cry out in his office. I told him the only movement anybody seemed interested in was whether or not I could lift my hands above my head. He said there was no point in my coming back to work only to find I couldn't do the job right now. He said I shouldn't come back until I felt comfortable with it, and that I needed to urge the Worker's Comp people to go ahead and get the panel together.
So I'm asking you - please call Dan or Benefits Girl at AMX. I'm not going back to work until my shoulder is better per Dan's instructions.
Email to W/C Claims Adjuster
Wed, Jan 15, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Subject: My Safety Director just called - I need to stay off work
Claim Adjuster #2,
Dan Banner, our Safety Director at AMX, just now called to get an update from me. He knew the Orthopedist had ordered me back to work with "no repetitive overhead use of right shoulder for 2 weeks ...." He said he conversed with Benefits Girl and that, (paraphrasing him) while I didn't do any overhead work, there was a lot of stretching, etc., getting in and out of a truck. I almost cried, because it was such a relief to hear him say this.
I told Dan the Orthopedist had ignored the sideways movement that had caused me to cry out in his office. I told him the only movement anybody seemed interested in was whether or not I could lift my hands above my head. He said there was no point in my coming back to work only to find I couldn't do the job right now. He said I shouldn't come back until I felt comfortable with it, and that I needed to urge the Worker's Comp people to go ahead and get the panel together.
So I'm asking you - please call Dan or Benefits Girl at AMX. I'm not going back to work until my shoulder is better per Dan's instructions.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Post 16
Post 12 My Truckalogue
Email to W/C Claims Adjuster
date Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 1:41 PM
subject Saw the Orthopedist yesterday - requesting a "panel"
I saw the Orthopedist yesterday - Dr. Robert Wolfe, 3525 Independence Dr., B'ham AL. I'm not at all happy with his diagnosis, and I'm requesting a "Panel". My older brother is involved in worker's comp somehow. I'm not sure he doesn't do the same thing you or Lauren does. When I told him how I felt about Dr. Wolfe's opinion, he suggested I needed to ask you for a Panel. I'm assuing that's what this is:
from (a link that doesn't work anymore, but was at the State of Alabama's website)
"..... What are the options for the injured employee if he or she gets an adverse determination pursuant to medical dispute resolution? For the employer if determination is in employee's favor?
Employees may request a medical mediation through this Division, or the employee or his attorney may petition the court. The employer/carrier may act on our recommendation or petition the court....
What is the purpose of a medical mediation and how is it conducted?
A medical mediation is handled the same as our compensation mediations, except the issues to be mediated are medical issues and not settlement of compensation. Contact Sally Thames for scheduling. If the parties agree to a resolution of the medical issues in question, the parties shall sign a binding mediation agreement."
I tried to put my thoughts on paper early this morning. I'm just going to copy/paste parts of what I wrote (a diary sort-of) to explain what happened at Dr. Wolfe's.
I went to see the ortho yesterday. I'm very unhappy with his diagnosis, which was basically that there's nothing wrong with my shoulder except the rotor cuff is "bruised" and it'll get better over time. This in spite of a sharp, stabbing pain that nearly dropped me to my knees as he was testing ... something other than whether or not I could lift my arms over my head. Apparently, if you can lift your arms over your head, there's nothing wrong with you except a "bruise" .... The doc-in-a-box up in CT saw that I could pass this test and said the same thing - "bruise - take Motrin."
After stereotyping me yesterday, the Ortho wrote a return to work authorization which said I may resume work on 1/13/09, the same day, with the following limitations: "no repetitive overhead use of right shoulder for 2 weeks then resume duty." He also said he could give me a shot of cortisone "if I wanted one", and I could do physical therapy "if I wanted to." (I declined the shot.) He left the room and some other guy (a nurse maybe) came in to tell me about the physical therapy.
How am I going to do physical therapy if I'm to resume work? Why, in my truck, of course. This nurse said he was recommending a "home" program so I could do the therapy in my truck while I'm on the road. Therapy is to include "A/AA/PROM with stick, pulleys, wall walking, etc.,.... and give patient T-bands and pulleys for home use", according to the paper I'm supposed to take to the therapy people. As I write it I'm overwhelmed with a sense of ridiculousness.
Consider this: If it doesn't hurt to lift my arm over my head, why would he say I couldn't do it for 2 weeks while I'm at work? However, it does hurt when I move it in almost every other position, but there are no restrictions on those movements.
Why is everybody insisting I have a rotator cuff problem in the first place?
It dawned on me, just as I wrote that last sentence, that my problem won't involve researching rotator cuff injuries. It'll involve convincing the w/c people that maybe I have an injury that's not related to the rotator cuff. Something's wrong with my shoulder, and it damned sure isn't a "bruise".
I'm sick and disappointed over this whole thing. Knowing I'll probably have to hire an attorney makes it even worse. I kinda feel like crying. I think it's gonna be a busy day.
I told my brother that y'all had been super nice and helpful. So again, I'm asking for help. Please tell me what the next step is.
Thanks so much,
Email to W/C Claims Adjuster
date Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 1:41 PM
subject Saw the Orthopedist yesterday - requesting a "panel"
I saw the Orthopedist yesterday - Dr. Robert Wolfe, 3525 Independence Dr., B'ham AL. I'm not at all happy with his diagnosis, and I'm requesting a "Panel". My older brother is involved in worker's comp somehow. I'm not sure he doesn't do the same thing you or Lauren does. When I told him how I felt about Dr. Wolfe's opinion, he suggested I needed to ask you for a Panel. I'm assuing that's what this is:
from (a link that doesn't work anymore, but was at the State of Alabama's website)
"..... What are the options for the injured employee if he or she gets an adverse determination pursuant to medical dispute resolution? For the employer if determination is in employee's favor?
Employees may request a medical mediation through this Division, or the employee or his attorney may petition the court. The employer/carrier may act on our recommendation or petition the court....
What is the purpose of a medical mediation and how is it conducted?
A medical mediation is handled the same as our compensation mediations, except the issues to be mediated are medical issues and not settlement of compensation. Contact Sally Thames for scheduling. If the parties agree to a resolution of the medical issues in question, the parties shall sign a binding mediation agreement."
I tried to put my thoughts on paper early this morning. I'm just going to copy/paste parts of what I wrote (a diary sort-of) to explain what happened at Dr. Wolfe's.
I went to see the ortho yesterday. I'm very unhappy with his diagnosis, which was basically that there's nothing wrong with my shoulder except the rotor cuff is "bruised" and it'll get better over time. This in spite of a sharp, stabbing pain that nearly dropped me to my knees as he was testing ... something other than whether or not I could lift my arms over my head. Apparently, if you can lift your arms over your head, there's nothing wrong with you except a "bruise" .... The doc-in-a-box up in CT saw that I could pass this test and said the same thing - "bruise - take Motrin."
After stereotyping me yesterday, the Ortho wrote a return to work authorization which said I may resume work on 1/13/09, the same day, with the following limitations: "no repetitive overhead use of right shoulder for 2 weeks then resume duty." He also said he could give me a shot of cortisone "if I wanted one", and I could do physical therapy "if I wanted to." (I declined the shot.) He left the room and some other guy (a nurse maybe) came in to tell me about the physical therapy.
How am I going to do physical therapy if I'm to resume work? Why, in my truck, of course. This nurse said he was recommending a "home" program so I could do the therapy in my truck while I'm on the road. Therapy is to include "A/AA/PROM with stick, pulleys, wall walking, etc.,.... and give patient T-bands and pulleys for home use", according to the paper I'm supposed to take to the therapy people. As I write it I'm overwhelmed with a sense of ridiculousness.
Consider this: If it doesn't hurt to lift my arm over my head, why would he say I couldn't do it for 2 weeks while I'm at work? However, it does hurt when I move it in almost every other position, but there are no restrictions on those movements.
Why is everybody insisting I have a rotator cuff problem in the first place?
It dawned on me, just as I wrote that last sentence, that my problem won't involve researching rotator cuff injuries. It'll involve convincing the w/c people that maybe I have an injury that's not related to the rotator cuff. Something's wrong with my shoulder, and it damned sure isn't a "bruise".
I'm sick and disappointed over this whole thing. Knowing I'll probably have to hire an attorney makes it even worse. I kinda feel like crying. I think it's gonna be a busy day.
I told my brother that y'all had been super nice and helpful. So again, I'm asking for help. Please tell me what the next step is.
Thanks so much,
Post 15
Email to my older brother: Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 7:57 PM
My older brother is something to do with workers comp. An adjuster or something. He suggested I request a "panel", which is, as far as I can tell, a state mandated second opinion wherein I get to chose my own doctor. I did so, in an email. She wouldn't respond via email, but she called me saying that I needed to go back to work because it's going to take a while to get the "panel" together, and the benefits girl said I didn't do any overhead work. It sounded more or less like an order.
I protested a little, but I could tell she didn't care anymore. Now that I'm resisting, nobody's as helpful and nice as they were in the beginning. To me it seems like a trap. If I go back to work, that'll prove nothing's wrong with me. If I don't go back to work, that's refusing the doctor's orders to do so - grounds for dismissal. I wish I'd never gotten involved in this.
My next step is to call the benefits girl in the morning and try to reason with the company. The stength in my right hand/arm has diminished to the point that I'm not sure I can pull the 5th wheel release anymore. I don't know if I can pull the pin on the tandems without tearing my tendons completely off the the bones. Since severe pain isn't acceptable as an excuse to remain off work (according to my brother) it'll have to be that I simply can't do the job - another good reason to fire me unless I can convince them that all I need is good medical attention.
If they won't listen to me, I'll just have to get back in a truck and try to make it work - or show them it won't work.
It's the most frustrating thing I've ever had to deal with. But I just have to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and try not to worry about it. I trust God to lead me in the direction I'm supposed to go.
Good news: Buddy's leg looks almost normal now. She's healing up very nicely. And she hasn't even tried to tear her stitches out again. I'm really happy about her recovery. It still goes that nothing in the world feels better than one of her hugs
Hey Porter.Post 12 Truckalogue
Thanks again for the advice. And thanks for putting up with my 'venting'.
I wish this had never become a w/c issue in the first place. When it happened, I was expecting to make an appointment with Dr. Feelgood and go from there. But I thought I should send a message on the Qualcomm about it in case I couldn't make the delivery in CT. The weekend person said to call our safety guy on Monday - it happened on a Saturday night. The safety guy turned me over to the benefits girl, and it snowballed from there. Once it became a w/c issue, I couldn't see my own doctor, etc., and AMX came and took my truck. Now I wish I hadn't sent that message on the Qualcomm in the first place. I just didn't know it'd be so ... difficult dealing with workers comp issues.
What upsets me the most is that nobody in the workers comp circle cares that I'm in pain, and they don't care that it's possible something really is wrong. And now there's nowhere to turn. If I'd kept it to myself, and dealt with it my own way, I'd still have a little breathing room. I could have worked with Dr. Feelgood and my dispatcher, stringing appointments along every week or so, until I could find out what's really wrong. But now I have nowhere to turn, and nobody medically inclined who gives a damn. Dr. Moore would have at least acted like he cared. It makes me want to "dig in my heels", as you said, and say "Whoa! wait a minute!!"
But I don't want to lose this job, so I'll do whatever it takes to keep it. Other issues here at the house are incentives to keep the OTR job as well - I'm tired of being put in the middle of things I have no control over. So I am coming around, and my attitude is changing. It's like I said - I just feel like I have nowhere to turn with my shoulder now, and nobody who gives a damn.
Thanks again, Porter. Lots of love,
My older brother is something to do with workers comp. An adjuster or something. He suggested I request a "panel", which is, as far as I can tell, a state mandated second opinion wherein I get to chose my own doctor. I did so, in an email. She wouldn't respond via email, but she called me saying that I needed to go back to work because it's going to take a while to get the "panel" together, and the benefits girl said I didn't do any overhead work. It sounded more or less like an order.
I protested a little, but I could tell she didn't care anymore. Now that I'm resisting, nobody's as helpful and nice as they were in the beginning. To me it seems like a trap. If I go back to work, that'll prove nothing's wrong with me. If I don't go back to work, that's refusing the doctor's orders to do so - grounds for dismissal. I wish I'd never gotten involved in this.
My next step is to call the benefits girl in the morning and try to reason with the company. The stength in my right hand/arm has diminished to the point that I'm not sure I can pull the 5th wheel release anymore. I don't know if I can pull the pin on the tandems without tearing my tendons completely off the the bones. Since severe pain isn't acceptable as an excuse to remain off work (according to my brother) it'll have to be that I simply can't do the job - another good reason to fire me unless I can convince them that all I need is good medical attention.
If they won't listen to me, I'll just have to get back in a truck and try to make it work - or show them it won't work.
It's the most frustrating thing I've ever had to deal with. But I just have to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and try not to worry about it. I trust God to lead me in the direction I'm supposed to go.
Good news: Buddy's leg looks almost normal now. She's healing up very nicely. And she hasn't even tried to tear her stitches out again. I'm really happy about her recovery. It still goes that nothing in the world feels better than one of her hugs
Post 15a
Email to my older brother
Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Hey Porter!
Was so good to see you the other day and give you a hug finally!
[I explained that Dr. Wolfe was a quack]
Porter, I'm not sure where things are at this point, and I need your advice. Should I contact my w/c person myself, and tell her I want another opinion? Or should I point out to her that physical therapy in my truck is a ridiculous notion? What should I do?
Shifting makes whatever's wrong hurt worse. Lots of other things I have to do, like pulling 5th wheel release and pulling release for trailer tandems requires all my strength on a good day. It's almost impossible now. In fact, when I finally got home, I thought I was going to have to ask somebody to pull 5th wheel so I could drop the trailer at Food World.
I appreciate it Porter.
Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Hey Porter!
Was so good to see you the other day and give you a hug finally!
[I explained that Dr. Wolfe was a quack]
Porter, I'm not sure where things are at this point, and I need your advice. Should I contact my w/c person myself, and tell her I want another opinion? Or should I point out to her that physical therapy in my truck is a ridiculous notion? What should I do?
Shifting makes whatever's wrong hurt worse. Lots of other things I have to do, like pulling 5th wheel release and pulling release for trailer tandems requires all my strength on a good day. It's almost impossible now. In fact, when I finally got home, I thought I was going to have to ask somebody to pull 5th wheel so I could drop the trailer at Food World.
I appreciate it Porter.
Post 14
Post 11 in My Truckalogue
I've decided that if you want good medical attention when you're injured on the job, you're best off not going the way of Worker's Compensation - not in AL. Problem with that is none of us can afford to take the time off to heal. If you take too much time off you lose your job. Then you have to pay your own insurance premiums (Cobra) - which have now jumped to well over $300/mo just for single coverage. You can't pay it because you can't work because you were injured on the job. What I don't understand is why the Worker's Comp insurance companies are so reluctant to pay for good medical attention, and why the doctors regard you as not eligible for good medical attention once they realize you're a Worker's Comp patient.
I went to see the ortho yesterday. I'm very unhappy with his diagnosis, which was basically that there's nothing wrong with my shoulder except the rotor cuff is "bruised" and it'll get better over time. This in spite of a sharp, stabbing pain that nearly dropped me to my knees as he was testing ... something other than whether or not I could lift my arms over my head. Apparently, if you can lift your arms over your head, there's nothing wrong with you except a "bruise" - if you're a worker's comp case. The doc-in-a-box up in CT saw that I could pass this test and said the same thing - "bruise - take Motrin."
After stereotyping me yesterday, the Ortho wrote a return to work authorization which said I may resume work on 1/13/09, the same day, with the following limitations: "no repetitive overhead use of right shoulder for 2 weeks then resume duty." He also said he could give me a shot of cortisone "if I wanted one", and I could do physical therapy "if I wanted to." (I declined the shot.) He left the room and some other guy (a nurse maybe) came in to tell me about the physical therapy.
How am I going to do physical therapy if I'm to resume work? Why, in my truck, of course. This nurse said he was recommending a "home" program so I could do the therapy in my truck while I'm on the road. Therapy is to include "A/AA/PROM with stick, pulleys, wall walking, etc.,.... and give patient T-bands and pulleys for home use", according to the paper I'm supposed to take to the therapy people. As I write it I'm overwhelmed with a sense of ridiculousness.
Consider this: If it doesn't hurt to lift my arm over my head, why would he say I couldn't do it for 2 weeks while I'm at work? However, it does hurt when I move it in almost every other position, but there are no restrictions on those movements.
Why is everybody insisting I have a rotator cuff problem in the first place?
It dawned on me, just as I wrote that last sentence, that my problem won't involve researching rotator cuff injuries. It'll involve convincing the w/c people that maybe I have an injury that's not related to the rotator cuff. Something's wrong with my shoulder, and it damned sure isn't a "bruise".
I'm sick and disappointed over the Worker's Comp racket. Knowing I'll probably have to hire an attorney makes it even worse. I kinda feel like crying. I think it's gonna be a busy day.
I've decided that if you want good medical attention when you're injured on the job, you're best off not going the way of Worker's Compensation - not in AL. Problem with that is none of us can afford to take the time off to heal. If you take too much time off you lose your job. Then you have to pay your own insurance premiums (Cobra) - which have now jumped to well over $300/mo just for single coverage. You can't pay it because you can't work because you were injured on the job. What I don't understand is why the Worker's Comp insurance companies are so reluctant to pay for good medical attention, and why the doctors regard you as not eligible for good medical attention once they realize you're a Worker's Comp patient.
I went to see the ortho yesterday. I'm very unhappy with his diagnosis, which was basically that there's nothing wrong with my shoulder except the rotor cuff is "bruised" and it'll get better over time. This in spite of a sharp, stabbing pain that nearly dropped me to my knees as he was testing ... something other than whether or not I could lift my arms over my head. Apparently, if you can lift your arms over your head, there's nothing wrong with you except a "bruise" - if you're a worker's comp case. The doc-in-a-box up in CT saw that I could pass this test and said the same thing - "bruise - take Motrin."
After stereotyping me yesterday, the Ortho wrote a return to work authorization which said I may resume work on 1/13/09, the same day, with the following limitations: "no repetitive overhead use of right shoulder for 2 weeks then resume duty." He also said he could give me a shot of cortisone "if I wanted one", and I could do physical therapy "if I wanted to." (I declined the shot.) He left the room and some other guy (a nurse maybe) came in to tell me about the physical therapy.
How am I going to do physical therapy if I'm to resume work? Why, in my truck, of course. This nurse said he was recommending a "home" program so I could do the therapy in my truck while I'm on the road. Therapy is to include "A/AA/PROM with stick, pulleys, wall walking, etc.,.... and give patient T-bands and pulleys for home use", according to the paper I'm supposed to take to the therapy people. As I write it I'm overwhelmed with a sense of ridiculousness.
Consider this: If it doesn't hurt to lift my arm over my head, why would he say I couldn't do it for 2 weeks while I'm at work? However, it does hurt when I move it in almost every other position, but there are no restrictions on those movements.
Why is everybody insisting I have a rotator cuff problem in the first place?
It dawned on me, just as I wrote that last sentence, that my problem won't involve researching rotator cuff injuries. It'll involve convincing the w/c people that maybe I have an injury that's not related to the rotator cuff. Something's wrong with my shoulder, and it damned sure isn't a "bruise".
I'm sick and disappointed over the Worker's Comp racket. Knowing I'll probably have to hire an attorney makes it even worse. I kinda feel like crying. I think it's gonna be a busy day.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Post 13
Post 10 in My Truckalogue
I saw the first Orthopedist (W/C's choice) this morning and came home so disappointed I felt like crying. He was just a total quack - what my brother would call a "Insurance Whore". All of the W/C stuff, from the Alabama Trucking Association down to the doctors, is more like organized crime than anything I've ever heard of - including the Mafia.
This is directly from the Alabama Trucking Association's own website:
And this:
I saw the first Orthopedist (W/C's choice) this morning and came home so disappointed I felt like crying. He was just a total quack - what my brother would call a "Insurance Whore". All of the W/C stuff, from the Alabama Trucking Association down to the doctors, is more like organized crime than anything I've ever heard of - including the Mafia.
This is directly from the Alabama Trucking Association's own website:
"...Under Coaker's leadership, the Fund has more than doubled its membership and grown revenue four-fold to exceed $21 million annually. However, the Fund is not in business to make a profit only for itself. Coaker notes that when the Fund does well the members do well...."Bastards. What about the injured drivers? How well do they do under the care of the fund?
And this:
"...ATA members who participate in the Fund are eligible for dividends based on the Fund's operating and investment performance. Since distributions began in 1996, Fund participants have received more than $4.76 million in direct payments with more than $3.48 million set aside for future distribution...."I don't think I did anything the rest of this day other than hang out with Buddy. My arm was hurting so bad, and I was too depressed to do much of anything.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Post 12
Post 8 in My Truckalogue
The results of the MRI are as follows:
FINDINGS: There is increased signal in the supraspinatus tendon. Remaining rotor cuff tendons appear normal. No abnormalities of the glenoid labrum or long head of biceps tendon are seen. There are hypertrophic changes of the acromioclavicular joint. There is caudal downsloping of the lateral acromion and a small amount of associated subacromial-subdeltoid edema is present.
CONCLUSION:1) supraspinatus tendonosis 2) Medial and lateral arch narrowing secondary to hypertrophic acromioclavicular joint changes and caudal downsloping of the lateral acromion respectively.
The results of the MRI are as follows:
FINDINGS: There is increased signal in the supraspinatus tendon. Remaining rotor cuff tendons appear normal. No abnormalities of the glenoid labrum or long head of biceps tendon are seen. There are hypertrophic changes of the acromioclavicular joint. There is caudal downsloping of the lateral acromion and a small amount of associated subacromial-subdeltoid edema is present.
CONCLUSION:1) supraspinatus tendonosis 2) Medial and lateral arch narrowing secondary to hypertrophic acromioclavicular joint changes and caudal downsloping of the lateral acromion respectively.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Post 11
Post 8 in Truckalogue
Had the MRI done at 8:00 this morning. Stopped by to see Buddy on the way home.
I got a lot of other Worker's Comp stuff worked out today too. 1st Claim Adjuster has turned me over to 2nd Claim Adjuster. 2nd Claim Adjuster called around 11:00am. She told me when I'll get my first check and how much it'll be. She also told me I needed to get an extension on my time. See, the first doctor's excuse was for 4 days - it expired today. My time was running out, but the results of the MRI weren't back yet.
NOTE: 2nd Claim Adjuster said my check would be $449.63. It turned out to be $385.38, and her reason was that I was ordered back to work early? I don't understand this.
So I went to American Family Care and had a hell of a time dealing with a young nurse's aide there. She was insistant on obtaining the results of the MRI, but she didn't know where I had it done. I didn't either, since all I went there for was another doctor's excuse. I thought she wasn't going to let me see the doctor at first.
But finally I got an unlimited extention, and the old doctor there said, "This is Greek to me." when he read the results of the MRI. He recommended I see a specialist. 2nd Claim Adjuster called me later with an appointment.
I have an appointment with an orthopedist (W/C's choice) on the 13th.
Had the MRI done at 8:00 this morning. Stopped by to see Buddy on the way home.
I got a lot of other Worker's Comp stuff worked out today too. 1st Claim Adjuster has turned me over to 2nd Claim Adjuster. 2nd Claim Adjuster called around 11:00am. She told me when I'll get my first check and how much it'll be. She also told me I needed to get an extension on my time. See, the first doctor's excuse was for 4 days - it expired today. My time was running out, but the results of the MRI weren't back yet.
NOTE: 2nd Claim Adjuster said my check would be $449.63. It turned out to be $385.38, and her reason was that I was ordered back to work early? I don't understand this.
So I went to American Family Care and had a hell of a time dealing with a young nurse's aide there. She was insistant on obtaining the results of the MRI, but she didn't know where I had it done. I didn't either, since all I went there for was another doctor's excuse. I thought she wasn't going to let me see the doctor at first.
But finally I got an unlimited extention, and the old doctor there said, "This is Greek to me." when he read the results of the MRI. He recommended I see a specialist. 2nd Claim Adjuster called me later with an appointment.
I have an appointment with an orthopedist (W/C's choice) on the 13th.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Post 10
Post 7 in My Truckalogue
3:30PM My Claim Adjuster called me just as she was opening my email message to her. I asked her to converse via email, but she wouldn't. (Probably because they don't wan't anything they say in writing, where it could be used against them later.) She said they didn't even have me off work yet. She said she would call Benefits Girl at work and get the details of when exactly I was taken off duty from AMX and call me back.
4:00pm Claim Adjuster did call me back and asked a few questions. I don't remember the specific questions, but we talked several minutes. Conversation was something about the doctor I saw in CT; when I got home; how long I'd been out; when they came and got the truck, etc.
It was decided that I should be taken off work status on 1/5/09 because that's the date the doctor at American Family Care said I couldn't drive anymore - not until an MRI was done to determine whether or not I had a rotator cuff problem.
She said something I didn't understand about "4 days", and that she was turning my case over to...I think the department that determines what the pay/check/compensation should be. She said somebody would call me tomorrow, and that if I didn't hear from anybody towards the end of the day, to call her.
3:30PM My Claim Adjuster called me just as she was opening my email message to her. I asked her to converse via email, but she wouldn't. (Probably because they don't wan't anything they say in writing, where it could be used against them later.) She said they didn't even have me off work yet. She said she would call Benefits Girl at work and get the details of when exactly I was taken off duty from AMX and call me back.
4:00pm Claim Adjuster did call me back and asked a few questions. I don't remember the specific questions, but we talked several minutes. Conversation was something about the doctor I saw in CT; when I got home; how long I'd been out; when they came and got the truck, etc.
It was decided that I should be taken off work status on 1/5/09 because that's the date the doctor at American Family Care said I couldn't drive anymore - not until an MRI was done to determine whether or not I had a rotator cuff problem.
She said something I didn't understand about "4 days", and that she was turning my case over to...I think the department that determines what the pay/check/compensation should be. She said somebody would call me tomorrow, and that if I didn't hear from anybody towards the end of the day, to call her.
Post 9
Post 7 My Truckalogue
Email from me to W/C contact
Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 3:28 PM
I emailed Benefits Girl at AMX with the following questions - just gonna copy/paste/send same questions to you:
My email to Benefits Girl included a timeline from when the injury occurred up to now. Can send that if you need it. I have an appointment for 8:00 in the morning to have the MRI done.
I appreciate your help and assistance.
Thanks much
Email from me to W/C contact
Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 3:28 PM
I emailed Benefits Girl at AMX with the following questions - just gonna copy/paste/send same questions to you:
"I hate to ask, but when will I start receiving a W/C check? What's the next steps, or procedure? I've never had any experience with W/C and couldn't find anything definite on the web as to how it works.
....Later that day a driver came and swapped trailers and I suppose he delivered the load to Jackson AL. That night a team came and picked up my truck. So I've been without a truck since, might as well say, 01/06/09, and couldn't have worked even if I were able.
My point is - when does my W/C pay period start? And how much, when, etc. Like I said to begin with, I hate to ask, but I need to know."
My email to Benefits Girl included a timeline from when the injury occurred up to now. Can send that if you need it. I have an appointment for 8:00 in the morning to have the MRI done.
I appreciate your help and assistance.
Thanks much
Post 8
Post 7 My Truckalogue
Email from me to Benefits Girl Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 3:07 PM
I've just now hung up from a 3-way call (me, W/C rep, and an imaging place) to set up app't for MRI at 8:00 in the am.
I'm just gonna ask the adjuster (email) the same stuff I asked you. She's very nice/easy to deal with on the phone.
Thanks much.
Actually, the W/C rep was a 'scheduling service' hired by the W/C carrier. This was the first instance of the carrier farming something out. I've learned since then that many things are farmed out. I guess it's more cost effective for the carrier.
Email from me to Benefits Girl Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 3:07 PM
I've just now hung up from a 3-way call (me, W/C rep, and an imaging place) to set up app't for MRI at 8:00 in the am.
I'm just gonna ask the adjuster (email) the same stuff I asked you. She's very nice/easy to deal with on the phone.
Thanks much.
Actually, the W/C rep was a 'scheduling service' hired by the W/C carrier. This was the first instance of the carrier farming something out. I've learned since then that many things are farmed out. I guess it's more cost effective for the carrier.
Post 7
Post 6 My Truckalogue
Actually, I'd already communicated with the first claims adjuster before this; I guess Benifits Girl gave me her # or adjuster called me outright. At any rate, the first communication was which doctor to go see initially. The adjuster had asked me if Tuscaloosa was too far. I said "Yes"; and adjuster called me back.....
Email from Benifits Girl to me
Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 2:47 PM
I have given all your information to W/C carrier, including your pay history. Right now, your claim adjuster is:
NAME
Email Address
Phone #Fax #
My claim #.
She will be able to answer any questions you have regarding your worker’s comp benefits. Sorry I’m not more help, but they normally just keep me updated on your medical status, not your pay status. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
Benefits Girl
Actually, I'd already communicated with the first claims adjuster before this; I guess Benifits Girl gave me her # or adjuster called me outright. At any rate, the first communication was which doctor to go see initially. The adjuster had asked me if Tuscaloosa was too far. I said "Yes"; and adjuster called me back.....
Email from Benifits Girl to me
Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 2:47 PM
I have given all your information to W/C carrier, including your pay history. Right now, your claim adjuster is:
NAME
Email Address
Phone #Fax #
My claim #.
She will be able to answer any questions you have regarding your worker’s comp benefits. Sorry I’m not more help, but they normally just keep me updated on your medical status, not your pay status. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
Benefits Girl
Post 6
Post 6 My Truckalogue
Email to the Benefits Girl at work:
Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Hi [Benefits Girl],
I'm so glad I found your business card with your email address on it. I dislike talking on the phone - and when my Mother has a million questions, I can just print her off a copy of the email. You know how Mothers are.
I hate to ask, but when will I start receiving a W/C check? What's the next steps, or procedure? I've never had any experience with W/C and couldn't find anything definite on the web as to how it works.
For myself as well as you, here's a timeline of events:
12/20/08 - Saturday - 8pm Slipped on ice covered pavement at the TA in Bloomsbury NJ. Sent a message shortly thereafter on the Qualcomm "for the record".
12/22/08 - Monday - 10am(?) Delivered load in Meriden CT, then called you about hurting my shoulder. You said that the W/C carrier said to just go to the nearest emergency room. The receiver of the load I had just delivered gave me directions to an emergency facility; although I don't think it was actually a hospital. (I can't remember the name of it, but have sent their form requesting W/C information to you via fax then hard copy via TripPak.)
The physician at this facility did not take any x-rays - mandatory in AL W/C cases according to the W/C physician here. He did not do what I consider a thorough physical exam either, but didn't question his diagnosis that I simply had a bad bruise. Incidentally, there were no marks of any kind in the area where it hurt the most.
7:30pm I picked up a load in Brewster NY that was supposed to deliver in McKees Rock PA by 1:00pm eastern time on 12/23/08.
12/23/08 - Tuesday - 10:45am I realized I could not make the delivery before receiver closed for Christmas. (I had to go 74 miles out of route in very heavy Holiday traffic to get fuel the day before, and I could not recover the lost time.) I was laid over in PA from this time until I delivered the load on 12/29/08. My shoulder was sore/stiff during this period, but because I was inactive, it didn't hurt enough to warrant another emergency room visit. Besides, I'd just been given a diagnosis that nothing serious was wrong.
12/29/08 - Monday - (not sure of the time) Unloaded McKees Rock PA; deadheaded to Mt Pleasant PA; dropped/hooked to a load bound for Ellenwood GA. Was intermittently experiencing sharp stabbing pain in addition to soreness/stiffness in my shoulder.
12/30/08 - Tuesday - 10:30am Unloaded Ellenwood; reloaded Doraville GA bound for Jackson AL but no specific delivery date because I was due home time. Arrived home early that evening. Was intermittently experiencing sharp stabbing pain in addition to soreness/stiffness in my shoulder.
12/31/08 - Wednesday - New Year's Eve. Everything was closed. Was intermittently experiencing sharp stabbing pain in addition to soreness/stiffness in my shoulder.
01/01/09 - Thursday - New Year's Day. Everything was closed. Was intermittently experiencing sharp stabbing pain in addition to soreness/stiffness in my shoulder.
01/02/09 - Friday - (not sure of the time) I called you, and you put me in contact with W/C carrier directly. W/C carrier had to call me back with one of their doctors in my area - I couldn't go to the emergency room since I was home. W/C carrier sent me to American Family Care in town, but by the time I got there, the waiting room was packed with "first come, first serve" patients.
The receptionist told me there'd be a long wait before I could see a doctor. I felt too bad to wait, and the receptionist said I could come back the following Monday - they weren't open on Saturday.
01/05/09 - Monday - (not sure of the time) I was examined by the doctor at American Family Care, then came home and faxed you the first letter.
Later that day a driver came and swapped trailers and I suppose he delivered the load to Jackson AL. That night a team came and picked up my truck. So I've been without a truck since, might as well say, 01/06/09, and couldn't have worked even if I were able. My point is - when does my W/C pay period start? And how much, when, etc. Like I said to begin with, I hate to ask, but I need to know.
On the medical side of things, American Family Care told me yesterday they'd faxed the necessary paperwork to W/C carrier (to approve and MRI somewhere) that morning. Today they told me they'd check on it and call me back. So far I haven't heard back from them.
I appreciate it [Benefits Girl].
Email to the Benefits Girl at work:
Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Hi [Benefits Girl],
I'm so glad I found your business card with your email address on it. I dislike talking on the phone - and when my Mother has a million questions, I can just print her off a copy of the email. You know how Mothers are.
I hate to ask, but when will I start receiving a W/C check? What's the next steps, or procedure? I've never had any experience with W/C and couldn't find anything definite on the web as to how it works.
For myself as well as you, here's a timeline of events:
12/20/08 - Saturday - 8pm Slipped on ice covered pavement at the TA in Bloomsbury NJ. Sent a message shortly thereafter on the Qualcomm "for the record".
12/22/08 - Monday - 10am(?) Delivered load in Meriden CT, then called you about hurting my shoulder. You said that the W/C carrier said to just go to the nearest emergency room. The receiver of the load I had just delivered gave me directions to an emergency facility; although I don't think it was actually a hospital. (I can't remember the name of it, but have sent their form requesting W/C information to you via fax then hard copy via TripPak.)
The physician at this facility did not take any x-rays - mandatory in AL W/C cases according to the W/C physician here. He did not do what I consider a thorough physical exam either, but didn't question his diagnosis that I simply had a bad bruise. Incidentally, there were no marks of any kind in the area where it hurt the most.
7:30pm I picked up a load in Brewster NY that was supposed to deliver in McKees Rock PA by 1:00pm eastern time on 12/23/08.
12/23/08 - Tuesday - 10:45am I realized I could not make the delivery before receiver closed for Christmas. (I had to go 74 miles out of route in very heavy Holiday traffic to get fuel the day before, and I could not recover the lost time.) I was laid over in PA from this time until I delivered the load on 12/29/08. My shoulder was sore/stiff during this period, but because I was inactive, it didn't hurt enough to warrant another emergency room visit. Besides, I'd just been given a diagnosis that nothing serious was wrong.
12/29/08 - Monday - (not sure of the time) Unloaded McKees Rock PA; deadheaded to Mt Pleasant PA; dropped/hooked to a load bound for Ellenwood GA. Was intermittently experiencing sharp stabbing pain in addition to soreness/stiffness in my shoulder.
12/30/08 - Tuesday - 10:30am Unloaded Ellenwood; reloaded Doraville GA bound for Jackson AL but no specific delivery date because I was due home time. Arrived home early that evening. Was intermittently experiencing sharp stabbing pain in addition to soreness/stiffness in my shoulder.
12/31/08 - Wednesday - New Year's Eve. Everything was closed. Was intermittently experiencing sharp stabbing pain in addition to soreness/stiffness in my shoulder.
01/01/09 - Thursday - New Year's Day. Everything was closed. Was intermittently experiencing sharp stabbing pain in addition to soreness/stiffness in my shoulder.
01/02/09 - Friday - (not sure of the time) I called you, and you put me in contact with W/C carrier directly. W/C carrier had to call me back with one of their doctors in my area - I couldn't go to the emergency room since I was home. W/C carrier sent me to American Family Care in town, but by the time I got there, the waiting room was packed with "first come, first serve" patients.
The receptionist told me there'd be a long wait before I could see a doctor. I felt too bad to wait, and the receptionist said I could come back the following Monday - they weren't open on Saturday.
01/05/09 - Monday - (not sure of the time) I was examined by the doctor at American Family Care, then came home and faxed you the first letter.
Later that day a driver came and swapped trailers and I suppose he delivered the load to Jackson AL. That night a team came and picked up my truck. So I've been without a truck since, might as well say, 01/06/09, and couldn't have worked even if I were able. My point is - when does my W/C pay period start? And how much, when, etc. Like I said to begin with, I hate to ask, but I need to know.
On the medical side of things, American Family Care told me yesterday they'd faxed the necessary paperwork to W/C carrier (to approve and MRI somewhere) that morning. Today they told me they'd check on it and call me back. So far I haven't heard back from them.
I appreciate it [Benefits Girl].
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Post 5
Post 6 My Truckalogue
I talked to our Safety man this am. It's kinda cool because when I hired on at AMX, he was a/my recruiter. He knows me pretty well. I asked him about the status of my job now, since I no longer have a truck. Basically, he reassured me that when the doctor(s) release me they'd find a truck for me - even if it took a week or two. It would mean I'd have to wait for somebody to quit or be fired probably, but it made me feel a lot better because of the way they've reduced the fleet by more than 1/2 just since I've been there.
I'm not one their top producers though, and that worries me some. But I don't cause any problems either - do everything by the book and stay as clean as possible. It's a real trick to be a top producer and stay legal too - as you and the other drivers here well know. I think, if it came right down to it though, that our Safety Dep't would be on my side - and I think they have the final say when it comes to letting a driver go.
So to finish tonight's truckalogue, I'm just waiting for somebody to call me about the MRI - and getting sleepy from my pain pills.
I talked to our Safety man this am. It's kinda cool because when I hired on at AMX, he was a/my recruiter. He knows me pretty well. I asked him about the status of my job now, since I no longer have a truck. Basically, he reassured me that when the doctor(s) release me they'd find a truck for me - even if it took a week or two. It would mean I'd have to wait for somebody to quit or be fired probably, but it made me feel a lot better because of the way they've reduced the fleet by more than 1/2 just since I've been there.
I'm not one their top producers though, and that worries me some. But I don't cause any problems either - do everything by the book and stay as clean as possible. It's a real trick to be a top producer and stay legal too - as you and the other drivers here well know. I think, if it came right down to it though, that our Safety Dep't would be on my side - and I think they have the final say when it comes to letting a driver go.
So to finish tonight's truckalogue, I'm just waiting for somebody to call me about the MRI - and getting sleepy from my pain pills.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Post 4
Post 5 My Truckalogue
My dispatcher just called back. She's got a team on the way to get the truck. They're in the shop now, and it's a 3.5 to 4 hour drive up here. I gotta wait up for them. But at least dispatcher assured me I still had my job - she just needs the truck.
But I'm still uneasy. All drivers know we don't have any legal rights when it comes to our jobs. The company can say/do anything, and the driver usually doesn't have a leg to stand on. Even if we did, we couldn't afford to fight them in the courts.
Anyway, my brother stood on the ground while I handed stuff down to him from the truck. What a big help that was! We just piled it all in the back of the Blazer for now.
My dispatcher just called back. She's got a team on the way to get the truck. They're in the shop now, and it's a 3.5 to 4 hour drive up here. I gotta wait up for them. But at least dispatcher assured me I still had my job - she just needs the truck.
But I'm still uneasy. All drivers know we don't have any legal rights when it comes to our jobs. The company can say/do anything, and the driver usually doesn't have a leg to stand on. Even if we did, we couldn't afford to fight them in the courts.
Anyway, my brother stood on the ground while I handed stuff down to him from the truck. What a big help that was! We just piled it all in the back of the Blazer for now.
Post 3
Post 5 My Truckalogue
My shoulder has been intermittently hurting real bad - real sharp stabbing pain sometimes. Workers Comp company made me go to a local American Family Care. Couldn't get in last Friday, so I went today.
I am to be on a "modified work program" for the next 4 days, pending the arrangement of a MRI. Doctor took xray, but said they aren't worth much for a shoulder injury.
A MRI shows muscle/tendon damage and will rule out the possibility of a torn rotor cuff.
I sent message to dispatcher about the "modified work program" and her immediate response what "Can you drive?" I just said "No". I know it's just the nature of the business, but she could have at least said something like "I know that hurts...." or SOMETHING.
I don't know what they'll do about the load I'm under. I suspect there's no hurry on it since it's just baled recycle. They may come take the truck - the limit is one week on having it at your house. But this time I'm not worried about losing my job for the lack of equipment. I can't work because of a work related injury; therefore when I'm able to work again, it seems to me like they'd be obligated to find me a truck.
STOP THE PRESSES!
Dispatcher just called. A driver's coming to pick up the load - I'm meeting him with the paperwork when he calls. And dispatcher said "They'll probably come get the truck tomorrow." Got to clean the thing out and sweat getting my job back once I'm able to drive again.
On second thought, maybe I am a little worried....
My shoulder has been intermittently hurting real bad - real sharp stabbing pain sometimes. Workers Comp company made me go to a local American Family Care. Couldn't get in last Friday, so I went today.
I am to be on a "modified work program" for the next 4 days, pending the arrangement of a MRI. Doctor took xray, but said they aren't worth much for a shoulder injury.
A MRI shows muscle/tendon damage and will rule out the possibility of a torn rotor cuff.
I sent message to dispatcher about the "modified work program" and her immediate response what "Can you drive?" I just said "No". I know it's just the nature of the business, but she could have at least said something like "I know that hurts...." or SOMETHING.
I don't know what they'll do about the load I'm under. I suspect there's no hurry on it since it's just baled recycle. They may come take the truck - the limit is one week on having it at your house. But this time I'm not worried about losing my job for the lack of equipment. I can't work because of a work related injury; therefore when I'm able to work again, it seems to me like they'd be obligated to find me a truck.
STOP THE PRESSES!
Dispatcher just called. A driver's coming to pick up the load - I'm meeting him with the paperwork when he calls. And dispatcher said "They'll probably come get the truck tomorrow." Got to clean the thing out and sweat getting my job back once I'm able to drive again.
On second thought, maybe I am a little worried....
Post 2
Fax to the Benefits girl at work:
Enclosed is a copy of the doctor’s orders – “Modified Work Program” for 4 days. She said she didn’t want me moving my right shoulder at all (particularly to shift) until an MRI is done to rule out a torn rotator cuff.
The W/C carrier sent me to a dock-in-a-box called American Family Care here in town. The doctor did an xray, but explained that only an MRI would show muscle/tendon damage. American Family Care doesn’t have that equipment on site, and will have to arrange it with the W/C carrier. They’re going to call me when it’s all set up.
The W/C carrier also wanted a drug test, so we did that too. The doctor (can’t read/remember her name) also gave me a prescription for pain that’s being filled at CVS now. It’ll take a while to fill because CVS has to call the W/C carrier for billing info.
I don’t know what Operations wants to do about the load I’m under or my truck. The load is only bales of recycle going to Boise in Jackson AL, so I assume there’s no real big hurry. I sent Dispatch a message on the qualcomm about what the doctor said; and she asked if I could drive; and I told her “no”. I’ve kept dispatch abreast of the situation from the beginning, and I’m assuming they’ll call me here, at the house, if they want me to do anything.
I appreciate your help. Right now my shoulder is really hurting.
Enclosed is a copy of the doctor’s orders – “Modified Work Program” for 4 days. She said she didn’t want me moving my right shoulder at all (particularly to shift) until an MRI is done to rule out a torn rotator cuff.
The W/C carrier sent me to a dock-in-a-box called American Family Care here in town. The doctor did an xray, but explained that only an MRI would show muscle/tendon damage. American Family Care doesn’t have that equipment on site, and will have to arrange it with the W/C carrier. They’re going to call me when it’s all set up.
The W/C carrier also wanted a drug test, so we did that too. The doctor (can’t read/remember her name) also gave me a prescription for pain that’s being filled at CVS now. It’ll take a while to fill because CVS has to call the W/C carrier for billing info.
I don’t know what Operations wants to do about the load I’m under or my truck. The load is only bales of recycle going to Boise in Jackson AL, so I assume there’s no real big hurry. I sent Dispatch a message on the qualcomm about what the doctor said; and she asked if I could drive; and I told her “no”. I’ve kept dispatch abreast of the situation from the beginning, and I’m assuming they’ll call me here, at the house, if they want me to do anything.
I appreciate your help. Right now my shoulder is really hurting.
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