Update on the appt. I had today.

[jessica31876]

This was just a consultation. He basically told me what I already knew. My primary care physician does not want to deal with the pain because it is from an automobile accident. He does not want to have anything to do with the accident. Because the accident is in the middle of litigation alot of dr's are going to be hesitant to get involved at this point AND that there are a few options I could try IF I can find someone who will treat me. Those are injections, surgery and pain pills. I have called so many dr's and while they would see me and take a letter of protection if a case had not already been filed in court because it has they wont see me unless I am paying cash. We cannot afford to pay cash. My husband has been out of work for months now because of the same accident which is causing this pain. The dr also suggested I do exercises and try neck traction because the pain he said he thinks is coming from the pressure on the herniated disk in my neck. So pretty much all stuff I already knew. Kinda depressing because what I am basically being told is to deal with the pain until the litigation is over OR pay cash to go see a dr which I really cannot do. He suggested we call our attorney because is supposed to help with this kind of thing but we have done that too and they basically told us if we can find someone who will take a letter of protection they would get one to them but at this point in our case nobody will take the letter of protection.

[kbbeale]

Well, I dont know anything about the whole auto accident thing, although I have been treated medically after having an automobile accident via physical therapy. This situation never went to court, I just had an attorney working with me.

All I have to say is dont give up, you cant. It took me nearly 8 years to get to where I am now and I know what it's like to go day in and day out in pain. You modify everything that you do - from having fun with your kids to day to day chores. You CANT give up. Do what you can to get through it until you can get to a doctor that WILL treat you (thats just insane if you ask me, but it is what it is, I guess )

In regards to the injections, with research, they are only about 50% effective. Of course, I was in the 50% that injections didnt work on...but I had other problems as well that apparently was causing the pain. Its a very expensive road to travel (even with insurance)....because it takes a lot of MRIs, CTs, xrays, etc to diagnose these issues. Then you go in and do all these procedures in hopes that you'll get relief, and sometimes you dont. Feels like wasted money - BUT, once you find the right doctor that is aggressive enough and willing to help, it will be all worth it. There are plenty of shady doctors out there, maybe you could find one to at least get you some light meds to make it through?? Hope I dont offend to suggest that, but I understand desperation...

Hang in there, its very difficult to deal with chronic pain. Hugs,

Kristen

[Julie Billingsley]

I'm so sorry Jessica. When is your court date? And are you even willing to go to court until you know the extent of the injuries?

I use to work insurance and billing for a surgeon that specialized in work comp and auto accidents. Until the claim is accepted by the work comp or auto insurance, we always had to have the patient's regular health insurance as a backup. That is standard procedure here in Oregon. The doctor I worked for didn't even take cash patients at all because the total surgery costs were in the $10,000-$15,000+ range. I'd say the only reason any of the doctors aren't willing to really treat you is because of their concern of repayment. I'm guessing you don't have a regular health insurance? Look into your state's health care assistance program... although I'm not sure if a preexisting situation would apply to you. I'm trying to think of how you can get the treatment you need. Would your attorney front the money for the medical bills until you get your insurance settlement? It seems you can't even have a settlement until you fully know the extent of the injuries to you and your husband.

I'm so sorry I'll be thinking of you.

[Ebony]

Well, that's shit. Seriously don't give up. There has to be a doc out there who will do it. Sorry this is such a crummy situation for you Jess, hang in there. We're all here for you

xxx

[Sharon Kay]

I don't have anything to offer except {{hugs}} and hoping someone can help you!

[jessica31876]

Julie it is a huge mess. I have medicaid (well actually a medicaid HMO) but they dont have the specialists I need to see. You can search and it will say they do but when you call they tell you they no longer accept that HMO or medicaid. My car insurance has been depleted but even if it had not been depleted we were sent out for an independent medical exam (IME) and the IME doctor said we had made maximum medical improvement and advised our insurance company that any care we were receiving should be stopped (although how he could be considered an INDEPENDENT medical examiner when he is paid by our insurance company I dont know). Then with the amount of time that has lapsed between the accident and now and the fact that there is a lawsuit against the other party the doctors who might have taken a letter of protection stating they would be paid once the lawsuit was settled wont anymore because I guess they feel they might not get reimbursed.

I had a dr last month who was willing to see me and had all my medical papers released and sent to his office and then at the last minute the secretary or office manager (im not sure who she was) called and said they could not accept a letter of protection because the case is already in litigation. The lady told my husband that if it was not already filed in court they would not have a problem seeing me.

I am going to keep trying to find someone who can help.

[jessica31876]

Oh and we have our deopsitions scheduled for June 23rd I think?

Our lawyer said once the depo's are done we have court mandated mediation (supposed to keep courts from being bogged down) and that we can accept the results from mediation OR if we do not like them take it to court and I guess that is when we will get a court date. our lawyer said typically once the depositions are done the other guys insurance company will make an offer.

[MommaTrish]

((hugs))