Guest guest Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 I appreciate all the information and suggestions regarding my situation. I actually have seen a physiatrist, but he didn't know anything about TCS. He just sent me for physical therapy. I went for a couple weeks, but honestly, I think it did me more harm than good. So, I will redirect my search toward a physiatrist that has experience with TCS, instead of a neurologist. I was originally tethered at L5, S1. This is from the report of my first detethering: an MRI of lumbar spine demonstrated a very low line clonus at the level of 4 and a small fatty filum with a small lipoma at the sacral junction. I can't find my records for the second operation and my memory is just awful in the last year or so. Not sure if it's just age or from the pain meds. I would love to go on disability, but I live alone without any other support. Also, right now, my son and daughter in law are both out of work and I think it's just a matter of time before they move back in with me. So I feel I have to press on as long as I can stand it. The problem is I work for a small city in Michigan. I don't know if anyone is following all the chaos the governor is causing, but there is a chance our city may be taken over by a financial manager, at which time all union contracts can be terminated. I feel my seniority and the contract are the only things protecting my job now. So, it's a guessing game, and I've never been a gambler. Should I try now for non-duty disability at work and SSI, or keep working and risk being laid off with no chance at any benefits? I drive myself crazy thinking about it. I'm afraid that since my main obstacle to working is intense pain, that wouldn't be enough. No one can feel your pain. Lately, I have been having trouble with incredible drowsiness at work, to the point I actually drop off several times. I had this problem when my doctor raised my oxycotin to 80 mg every 12 hours, time released. So, I had to go back to 60 mg. I have been on that for almost a year, so I don't undertand why this is happening now. I have had to skip the 60 in the morning, relying on 2 15 mg oxycodone every 4 hours. Again, I'm sorry I just can't seem to stop talking, but it is such a relief to finally find people that know and understand the situation. Thanks for listening. Patsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 You said you worked for the city, do you not have LTD benefits? I am currently on LTD through my work with the city here. Dee To: tetheredspinalcord From: sterlingrosebud@... Date: Sun, 15 May 2011 16:15:27 +0000 Subject: Thanks for answers I appreciate all the information and suggestions regarding my situation. I actually have seen a physiatrist, but he didn't know anything about TCS. He just sent me for physical therapy. I went for a couple weeks, but honestly, I think it did me more harm than good. So, I will redirect my search toward a physiatrist that has experience with TCS, instead of a neurologist. I was originally tethered at L5, S1. This is from the report of my first detethering: an MRI of lumbar spine demonstrated a very low line clonus at the level of 4 and a small fatty filum with a small lipoma at the sacral junction. I can't find my records for the second operation and my memory is just awful in the last year or so. Not sure if it's just age or from the pain meds. I would love to go on disability, but I live alone without any other support. Also, right now, my son and daughter in law are both out of work and I think it's just a matter of time before they move back in with me. So I feel I have to press on as long as I can stand it. The problem is I work for a small city in Michigan. I don't know if anyone is following all the chaos the governor is causing, but there is a chance our city may be taken over by a financial manager, at which time all union contracts can be terminated. I feel my seniority and the contract are the only things protecting my job now. So, it's a guessing game, and I've never been a gambler. Should I try now for non-duty disability at work and SSI, or keep working and risk being laid off with no chance at any benefits? I drive myself crazy thinking about it. I'm afraid that since my main obstacle to working is intense pain, that wouldn't be enough. No one can feel your pain. Lately, I have been having trouble with incredible drowsiness at work, to the point I actually drop off several times. I had this problem when my doctor raised my oxycotin to 80 mg every 12 hours, time released. So, I had to go back to 60 mg. I have been on that for almost a year, so I don't undertand why this is happening now. I have had to skip the 60 in the morning, relying on 2 15 mg oxycodone every 4 hours. Again, I'm sorry I just can't seem to stop talking, but it is such a relief to finally find people that know and understand the situation. Thanks for listening. Patsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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