Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

[Truth Seeker]

I had been working for a large company for 24 years in the field of retail management, than I fell, suffered a severe fracture and had surgery, within month I was diagnosed with RSD, seven month after fracture I had a car accident, which made my RSD worse.
My staff members remained loyal to me and kept me current and informed, but they also shared some unpleasant information, such as, that the CEO and other HO personnel often talked about my illness as if it was in my head.
I put up with this nonsense for a few month, but than I had enough and I phoned the CEO direct, suggesting, that if he had anything to say about me or my illness, I would appreciated it if he would say it to my face, rather than to my staff and in front of customers.
The CEO did not appreciate my call, but rather became very ignorant.
Two weeks later, someone from our Human Resources department came to my home and handed me a letter.
I did not open that letter right away, because it left nothing to the imagination.
When I finally opened it, there was no doubt that I had been terminated.
We may not be able to fight our RSD or the wide spread medical incompetence, but we can fight our employers in a court of law and win.

[lostandconfused]

truth seeker, i know this all to well.my boss would come to my work and put his arm around me to see what i would do.. i too heard all sort of things about me.. i would hear every day that my job was on the line, and that i better get better, ( as if i wanted this) i did so much for that company and to be let go.. i hope that the law is on my side, since i was told i could not work anymore. best of luck to all.

[penney]

I was also told by my family Dr. that this is forever and I would not be able to return to work (factory). This was about 2weeks ago It broke my heart I am not a couch potatoe, should say was not until now it kills me that I can't do what I use to do. My surgeon would not listen to me about the symptoms I was having after surgery on my foot, that was on Aug. 7th I have'nt been able to get a shoe on my foot yet. It was my PT. guy who said you have RSD, still my Dr.(surgeon) just blew it off. Went to my family Dr. he could'nt believe how my foot looked and the fact that I could'nt stand for him to touch it. He did blood work, xray and bone scan. Now that I can't work I have no clue about getting SSI disability. Any suggestions? God Bless anyone who has this Hell on earth! Thanks Penney

[jimbo320]

Hi Penny,
You have to first apply for an interview with SS. I called my local SS office an was sent by mail my appointment. The letter had the list of all the info I needed to bring. I was excepted to get SS disability and medicare. Since I am receiving enough WC and WC is providing my medical, SS is still approved but holds all benefits until WC stops. The medicare still takes hold in another year. If WC is still providing medical and meds at that time, medicare and WC shares the bill. Everyone's case is different but first by setting up an appointment.

Jimbo

[penney]

Thanks jimbo Do you know if I have to be off work due to this for a certain amount of time? I have heard 5 or 6 months. This isn't WC but I do get a small disabillity from work, but if I'm off work for 6 months they will let me go. So far I've been off 3 months. Should I get an attorney to help or just try on my own. Thanks for your answers you have been a big help. Penney

[jimbo320]

Penny,
Every state has different guidelines, I'm not sure what KY's are. I am in NC and a year was what they went by. The most important thing to have was a doctor, in writing, state that you can not work. That's what they go by. Go on the Internet and you can find out most info on this. It wouldn't hurt to set up an appointment tho. Don't be discouraged if you are turned down the first time. Most cases are.

Let me know what happens, Jimbo

[jimbo320]

Hi Seeker,
Sorry to hear about your job. Job loss due to this sucks.I was a self employed truck driver and lost my job, my truck, everything that was in my truck except for my cell phone and license, not to mention any ability to work. Luckily in my case there's no one to go after. I had WC insurance so so far so good.

Best of luck to you, Jimbo

[penney]

Thanks jimbo I got a copy of my record from the specialist the one that did the surgery, and not once did he document my complaints about how my foot looked and the awful pain I have with just touching it bathing or even walking on it, I even told him it feels like its on fire like it is covered in blisters. He looked at me and said well it's not. I could of screamed! My family Dr. has told me that I would'nt be able to go back to work. But I have'nt got a copy from him or from PT. yet I guess I should do that, they have been alot more help than the surgeon is. After I showed the surgeon my results from my bone scan he acted shocked,(he did'nt even ask me why I went to another Dr. for these test) on the last day I saw him, he stated in my record RSD approx. 2 months which dosen't make sence because he did'nt even mention it before even when I brought it up. I think he was just worried that he had messed me up, not on purpose, but something was wrong just the same. I go to the neuro. Dr. on Oct 22 and 30 I'll keep you updated. It is so nice to be able to talk to someone who unserstands thank you so much for listening! Penney

[lostandconfused]

am so sorry to hear to hear your loss, i got hurt at work 3 years ago and got let go, they paid me wc for a while and now they stopped, i cant even tell you what i lost from this, what we all lost from this wonderful rsd.. all i can say is hang in there and thank goodness we have this web site to come too.. cant tell you how many times ive come on here and read stories and posted them and always felt better..god bless you all ..

[jimbo320]

Penny,
You are very welcome. I know how frustrating things can get. I don't mind listening at all. Who knows, I might even say something that will help. LOL
If the doctors don't seem helpful then it might be lawyer time. The records should, to the best of my knowledge, have your complaints and statements as well. Feel free to contact me anytime.


Jimbo