OT: The "2nd" opinion is in

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{KENDA}}}}}}}}}}}

I was hoping for a different outcome, but like you I wasn't surprised. I was a 4 before surgery, in fact for a couple or more years. Just don't wait any longer than you have to. Waiting too long can really make a lot of areas of your life suck. You of all people had a first row seat both when it comes to seeing your mom life with the pain, go through the surgery and come out at the other end.

Will you get some sort of medical pension? I am sure that this is a very tough time for you. I am sure though that everyone who knows you thinks as I do. You are such a talented and motivated individual that I am sure that you will come out on top when all gets said and done.

You are in my prayers! More big squishy hugs, M-C

I'm sorry you didn't get better news... but at least now you know for SURE so you can move on with your life...

Thank you M-C. I just hope that Dr. Shotts (yes,that's his real name folks! LOL) can talk Mom's dr. into seeing me, and he'll do something for me, hopefully they won't make me wait too long due to my "age".

I will recieve a 65% disability pension, thankfully it will start right away and the other good thing is that Daniel will get a free college eduation out of it. I think I can too, I will be checking on it.

Thank you for all the kind words M-C, and the big squishy hugs!!!! Big squishy HUGS back to you!!!!!

You are so very right Karen! I am so tired of the "not knowing". Now it's just a matter of going through the process. I told my Battalion Chief that I wasn't coming back and he teared up & hugged me, telling me that he hated to see me have to go. I was floored! But very touched, I really like him and have so much respect for him.

I am so sad to hear the outcome to for the love of your job. There is not any position you could carry on in like personnel doing app's, records reviews or something? It is just like the military. Unless you have a really proven loss, i.e, amputation do you get help right away let alone ALL of the compensation you deserve.

My thoughts and prayers are for you and rest of the great family!!

I finally know when my appointment with the secod level neurologist is - the 3rd of Jul. I just hope he is not as blatantly hopeless as the first was. I just fear the unknown, having t have surgery and worry that it will ot help bt make things worse.

I guess it is just all in getting old, being part of the beaucracy and then of corse in the 'great' plan of how you are going to be!!

((BIG OLE HUGS TOO!!!))

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

No, there isn't anything I can do....I can't stand more than 20 minutes at a time and there isn't anything I could do. DH and I are getting a list of questions together and then we will be contacting a disability attorney to help walk us through this so we don't get shafted. As I understand it, they (workers comp) are supposed to continue the care for my knee. Now whether that will happen is another story. I have the physical tests to prove I can no longer do the job and 2 doctors stating that I can't do the job. I will have to see the retirement board's doctor for a final evaluation. I will recieve the retirement right away, at least I won't have to wait for it. Oh, and DS#2 will get a free college education anywhere in the state as well. He is VERY excited about that!

Let us know how your appointment goes. I understand about fearing the unknown, I've had that for nearly 6 months now. {{{BIG HUGS TO YOU}}}

Kenda I'm so sorry to hear this. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}. I hope everything goes smoothly with your transition and that you don't have to wait too long for the surgery.

California

Sending big hugs your way and a speedy recovery.

xoxox Kate

Kenda -- Sending big squishy hugs your way. I've had some friends battle workers comp for 2+ years and I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone. I'm glad to see you have a lawyer.

I wish you all the best in finding a new occupation that you love just as much. It would be a relief to me knowing DS gets a free college education.

Chin up!

-- Amy L.

Thank you Cathy. I have a feeling that I will have to wait a while, at least until the knee has deteriorated to where they think I can't wait anylonger.

Thank you Kate! I have just finishing the paper work for a duty disability retirement. Hopefully it won't take too long.

Why is it that in this day and age, you have to live with pain and limited mobility until it is almost too late? It doesn't make sense to me. If it is affecting your quality of life, you should be able to have the surgery now. Ok, getting off my soapbox.

Thank you Amy! We had someone at work battle WC for 2 years, he finally won but it took so long.

I got to talk with a very powerful attonery Friday, (he actually helped write many of the WC laws in Arkansas) and he told me what I need to do. He walked me through everything I need to do now and how to keep my case open so WC will pay for all knee treatment. That in and of its self is a huge load lifted! And yes, it is a huge relief to know that DS gets the college. We weren't sure how we would pay for it as we have known he wants to go.

Beats me Cathy....I am seeing the dr. again on Thursday as the pain has increased and my knee is catching now. I agree with you about the surgery now if the quality of life is affected. I am of the opinion that if a knee replacement lasts 20 years then in 20 years when the technology is better we can worry about the replacement of the knee replacement!

You can get on your soapbox anytime you want! I'll listen to you!