From: giantgardener <giantgardener@...>
Subject: [Arachnoiditis] Re: need help with learning to live with this
To: Arachnoiditis@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2009, 10:02 PM

Yeah. I guess. Just hate to do it, involve a lawyer, but a friend helped me to see the light tonight. It's just sad, after working there for over 20 years as a stellar employee, there whenever they needed me. Now I need them, they are trying to get rid of me it almost seems.

I just want to go back to work without pain. is that gonna ever happen again? I have my doubts. Can't work at my job w/o walking. Can't walk w/o growing severe pain. Guess I'm gonna have to face that one, too. But it's hard.

Why are some days better than others with this thing? I asked but he kind of blamed it on my age, having arthritis, poor diet (?!--how would he know what I eat? He's never asked, and I don't look unhealthy!)- -all over the map. It's not arthritis or any of these things. Not even close. From my research it's an inflamation of the spinal canal, right?, and in my case, caused by sudden trauma to the spine.

--- In Arachnoiditis@ yahoogroups. com, "COREY" <coreykin@.. .> wrote:
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> It is within your right to request a second opinion. I would do that and see a lawyer. Don't quit because you will get nothing. Either let them fire you, atleast then you would be able to file unemployment.
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> --- In Arachnoiditis@ yahoogroups. com, "giantgardener" <giantgardener@ > wrote:
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> > Recently was dx'ed with what employee doc says is a "mild form". If this is mild, what's considered severe!? Had extensive back surgery last year resulting from a work injury, and was absolutely fine 6 mos. later. I worked very, very, very hard at getting better, learning how to walk again, etc, and succeeded way beyond the surgeon's expectations. Then got hurt by a careless coworker, and life has spiraled back to pre-surgery pain level. I can't stand it any more. Taking a shower, walking down stairs, stooping, etc. is agony on bad days.
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> > Everyone I talk to says to contact a lawyer. They keep putting me back to work, and the pain level escalates to a 9-10 by the end of 1 shift. Then out again for 1-2 wks, pain lessens with PT/rest, but the minute I do more than minimal walking, pain returns with a vengence. Was just told I can't keep doing this, working for 1 day then out for 2 wks by my boss.
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> > What can I do, and what are my options? Surgery is out. NEVER want to go through that horror again. Never had so much pain in my life, and I've had 4 kids naturally! Dread contacting a lawyer, but don't want them to toss me out like last week's garbage either. I'd quit and suffer the consequences if this was the result of MY stupidity, but it clearly is not. Should I keep going back to work each time they make me, even in pain? Is this doing further harm to my back nerves? Can't depend on the work doc. He's paid by them. Don't know who to turn to for answers.
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