Acetabular Labrum Tear: Worried :-(

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Specializes in SICU.

I sustained at injury at work while another nurse and I were cleaning a very heavy patient who did not want to cooperate. I was originally told by the Orthopedic PA that I was sent to see that my injury was "acute-on-chronic lumbar back strain" and a "hip flexor strain". I was moved to my hospital's "Transitional Work" cost center (so I could do light duty and keep my paycheck), sent to PT twice a week, and was told to use a cane to offset the weightload on my left hip. After 5 weeks of PT and walking with a cane and continued pain with sitting and walking, was then told that it was probably mainly my back with referred pain to the hip. It was suggested that I have diagnostic steroid injections in my spine, but I insisted on and got an MRI done instead, which I found out, 8 weeks into my injury, showed an acetabular labrum tear in my left hip.

:crying2:

Yesterday, finally, after succumbing to tears from being in pain, I asked that I be transferred from "transitional work" to flat out Workman's Comp (staying at home), pending my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon to discuss my options. The PA agreed and wrote a note saying that I could not perform any duty that required ambulation and so I was sent home. I have used up all my PTO/EIB trying to supplement the days I've missed during the past 8 weeks due to pain (I got my regular pay while in Transitional Work, but only for hours worked) and now that I will be home, WC and short-term disability are going to net me about $550 a week until I am back to transitional or full duty and can collect a paycheck again. UGH.

I have done a lot of research about this type of injury, and it's looking as if a return to my bedside position (which pays VERY well) could be prolonged and quite difficult. I'm also getting sort of a "vibe" from work... can't pin it down... but I'm sure they're not happy about me being out. I didn't listen to advice suggested on here before to retain an attorney as I felt sure that I'd have this whole thing wrapped up in just a few short weeks... but all that has changed... and what exactly would an attorney do for me right now anyway? Other than be another expense that I can no longer afford?

I am WORRIED - about my job, about people (i.e. bosses and employee health nurse) thinking I'm trying to "work the system" when I truly am injured and in PAIN, and about my finances. Has anyone dealt with WC before? I know nothing about it as this is my first time ever filing... and I'd love to hear the experiences of other nurses. Also, if anyone has had this type of injury, I'd like to hear about that as well. I am so stressed about all of this.

Thanks. :nurse:

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Specializes in SICU.

No one? :cry:

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I have no advice, SICU Queen. I know it's disheartening when no one replies to a post.

I would like to say a prayer for you though, if it would be okay with you.

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Specializes in LTC.

Oh, SICU Queen, I'm sorry you're hurt and having a rough time. Being injured on the job is one of my biggest fears because of the potential loss of income, the bad rap that can offend accompany a WC claim, etc. I don't have any advice for you but I will keep you in my thoughts.

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Specializes in Emergency Midwifery.

I was on WC for 18 months and eventually required surgery for an injury that nobody could agree on and was not getting any better.

Our WC systems are so different that we couldn't compare 'notes'. I did consult a lawyer briefly (free through my union) but did not require any further services everything was supplied by my employer (PT, OT, case managers, doctor after doctor and specialist after specialist). I have no complaints - they got me back to work.

Nicky.

P.S. I wish you luck and speedy healing.

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Specializes in SICU.

I just feel so disheartened. Prayers are always welcomed. Thanks for replying, everyone!

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I just feel so disheartened. Prayers are always welcomed. Thanks for replying, everyone!
You're in my prayers, hun.

I have had some minor WC issues, nothing to the extent you are experiencing.

I had a neck injury that progressed to numbness and tingling in the arms and hands. Scared the crap outta me; I thought I had a ruptured or bulging disc. The WC doc refused to order an MRI or even a consult with a specialist. I was in tears and soooo angry. He even refused to allow me time off from working (wouldn't even order 'light duty'). It got to the point I was unable to write or type, I had no fine motor skills at all; dropped stuff all the time and starting IVs or giving injections? Forget it.

I contacted an attorney who specialized in WC cases, and he talked to me for a looong time. The initial consult was free, but he gave me such good advice. Because of his assistance, I contacted the WC carrier and then went back to see the doc and told them both exactly what this attorney had told me to say. Although I didn't tell them I'd contacted an attorney, they knew I knew what my rights were and they ok'd me for a consult with a neuro-surgeon and an MRI.

Luckily, there was no disc or spine damage but the symptoms were coming from nerve impingement d/t muscle injury. I was put through PT and everything ended up ok.

I learned a lot from that experience. If (God forbid) I ever have another injury, I will consult with that attorney again.

Most attorneys will give free initial consultations. I think you should contact one, it certainly wouldn't hurt to get their opinion (or even a couple, just to put your mind at ease).

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Specializes in Med Surg, Mental Health & Addictions.

I know you are going through a difficult time. I have never had to deal with WC but last year I had a seizure while I was driving lost control of my car and hit a tree. I broke my ankle and had to go on short term disability for two months. It was a mess and stressful just having to deal with short term disability. My prayers are with you.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

My husband was injured at the hospital when a piece of equipment in the radiology suite fell and had to go thru WC. What a pain the ass. We ended up contacting a lawyer, he knew that he had severely torn his rotator cuff and they were trying all this other stuff, finally after consulting with the lawyer he was able to get his MRI and his surgery. Somehow the lawyer was able to get some of his sick time reinstated also since he should have been receiving WC benefits and not using his sick time.

I have to agree, it sounds like they are giving you a run around, and I would consult with a lawyer to get advice, and then you will have someone to retain if needed. Good luck and sorry you are in so much pain!

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Just remember that the goal of WC carriers is to protect the employer (their client), NOT the employee.

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Prayers said for you-

((((SICU Queen))))

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