Hurt on the job: My 6 weeks of pain by Omaha Steve

[Omaha Steve]

I can only mention a few things at this time under my lawyers advice. I was hurt on the job Dec. 17th. My biggest complaint in the emergency room was pain in my right shoulder. X-rays in emergency showed no broken bones in my shoulder. A semi retired orthopedic doctor looked at me two days later and took more X-rays. He said I was bruised. He sent me to physical therapy three times a week for two weeks. When I went back he said I was fine and didn't need anymore pain meds or therapy. He informed my employer I was fully fit for duty. He ignored my request for therapy, drugs, and an MRI. The case nurse (she keeps expenses down for my employer at my expense you might say) said I wasn't hurt because the doctor said so. She told me to take alleve. She did schedule an appoint for 3 weeks down the road for a second opinion. That appointment is for Wednesday the 30th. Last Thursday I couldn't take the pain anymore. I went to my own physician. He ordered drugs and an MRI for my shoulder and neck ASAP. The nurse only approved an MRI for my shoulder again saying nothing is wrong with me. Today the results show I have a torn rotator cuff with complications. Now things will start rolling. Seems the first orthopedic doctor that looked me over TWICE don't know squat. Things are looking up now. I'm headed out the door or I'd say more.

Omaha Steve

[Maddy McCall]

1. Good luck with your impending surgery.

My 78-y-o dad just had the same surgery that you'll be having, and he's recuperated beautifully. He's very active--always has been--behaves more like a 40-y-o than an 80-y-o.

Just be sure to go to your physical therapy that will follow, and listen to the GOOD doctor. :)

[ORDagnabbit]

2. dontcha just love this country?? After watching sicko...I'm ready to emigrate to norway..

[rosesaylavee]

3. That first doc had to have seen that tear...

I hope you win a big settlement. Good luck!

[Yael]

4. Ouch! Keep that rested, Steve.

[panader0]

5. I'm president of my own business

"president" sounds big but in my case it's not. I have a small construction company, and while my employees are covered for injury, myself and my partner cannot afford to cover ourselves. If I get hurt on the job, (knock on wood) I'm SOL. I've been abricklayer for 37 years and so far my only injuries have been relatively small.

[LiberalFighter]

6. I hope you can file charges against the quacks

[no_hypocrisy]

7. I'm glad you are receiving the treatment you deserve, Steve.

I hope your surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy go very well.

[DainBramaged]

8. Good luck with the shoulder, better luck with the dolts who cared for you

Stick it to them, sue them personally, don't let them get away with such shoddy care.

[OhioChick]

9. Take Care of Yourself, Steve.

:hug: