I finally got approved for physical therapy.
Monday morning, I bent over the laundry basket and my lower back went out. I have a history of herniated disc since 1971 and this happens periodically, especially after some sort of strain or sprain,. as I experienced recently at work moving office furniture (a direct order from THE doctor).
Monday evening I went back to the w/c doctor and he put me back on modified activity - no bending from the waist, no kneeling or squatting, no prolonged standing or walking, sitting as tolerated. moist heat to the affected area.
Tuesday my back was spasming. I couldn't sit, could barely make it to the bathroom. I stayed home from work and laid on a heating pad.
Wednesday I went back to work, still spasming, but less. Had an appointment at 2:45 with the p/t. THE doctor had the OM ask me if I was coming back after therapy so we could go over charts. I said no. The OM then proceeded to argue with me that it was the only time THE doctor had to go over charts and I would have to accomodate him. I said no.
I called my case manager and was informed that by law my employer does not have to pay me for any time I may miss going to the doctor or therapy for this injury. I do not receive any w/c benefits unless I miss more than seven days or work. That's the law, on the side of the employer and not the employee. So I am punished for an injury that was caused by following a direct order from THE doctor.
On top of that, someone at work (the OM denies it was him) gave the w/c carrier the wrong information regarding my rate of pay, showing that I work
5 less hours a week than I actually do at a significantly lower rate of pay.I cancelled the p/t appointment and rescheduled it for Friday morning at 8, before I have to go to work. And I will have to go to the w/c clinic after 5 pm (they're open til midnight, who knows how long I'll have to wait to be seen then). So I have to give up my OWN time for being injued at work. How nice.
THE doctor showed up at 4:30 to go over charts. At 5, I stood up and said, "I'm leaving now." He kept talking and I kept walking.
You have no idea how much I despise that man and myself for working for him. I want out. Yes, I am actively looking elsewhere. No call backs at all.
Linda2
-- When love is your greatest weakness, you will be the strongest person in the world. --Garman Wold