I worked for a major grocery store in California. I was preparing for a quarterly inventory. I need to tell you I was in very good shape. I took care of myself, was a very active person and worked very hard. I really liked my job and took pride in my work. I lifted a case of beer which to me was an easy thing. The next thing I knew I felt what seemed to be a spring popping in my back. I immediately went to tell a supervisor.
I went to a doctor and started treatment. That was over 3 years ago. I did everything I was told, waited for approval between every visit, waited for approval for every test, every medication,... Had every test, shot, procedure they told me I needed. I have had over 6 epidurals,2 discograms,2 extremely high doses of steroids, an I.D.E.T and most recently a double spinal fusion. I had been to 5 doctors.
Before I had had my surgery I went through hell and I still am. The actual surgery was a horrible experience. It has been 9 months since my surgery and I have no relief from my pain. I have gone to physical therapy. I have more pain, I was told to stop until my next doctor's visit. I feel like a guinea pig. Through all this I have been treated like garbage. I almost feel like the work comp people have tried to jerk me around so I give up.
Give up what? I do not have a social life at all. I can not dance anymore, ride on my husbands motorcycle with him, workout, go for long drives or do anything for a long period of time. I just want my life back. I sometimes wish that the insurance company caseworkers could for 1 day feel my pain, then maybe I would be treated like a person in pain not a statistic or a problem to them. There has got to be a way for people like me to be helped. Does anyone have a suggestion I am sure there are more people out there.
I get angry when I hear about people submitting fraudulent work comp. claims because it is they too who are partially responsible for what people that are really injured have to go through.
I thank you for letting me get out my story.