Chronic Pain

I was diagnosed with Bi Polar Mania 7 years ago after setting fire of a rectory at a catholic high school wich I worked as a security guard, I was sentenced and completed 3 years on probation, NO I don't even remember that day, It was during one of my black outs... In Dec 07 I was in a MVA and injured my back,shoulders,
spine. I had rotator cuff surgery due to bone spurs pinching my neves in my shoulder area. I have been to a Orthepedic Surgeon,PCP,and now a D.O,FIPP, wich did 10 trigger point injections in my shoulder and sent me on my way, 2 weeks later after giving me a strong muscle relaxer and an antiflammatory pill he sat me down to say,Since your MRI's and X-Rays all come back clean, there is nothing I can do. I was told by my PCP there were plenty of other options for me out there but this guy is saying there isn't, I was on the 100mcg patch of Fentanyl for the pain,now my PCP took me down to 75mcg, On my way out he stopped me and said he hasn't seen a MRI of my Thorasic Spine in my records,So I was sent to have that completed at a OPEN MRI place near my home.I was given the films and was told that my DR will get a report of the results within 24-48 hours....
I haven't heard from the specialist about my results, don't know if thats good or bad, now I must wait till next week for them. This might seem odd,I HOPE TO THE LORD that they find a cause of my pain... even if there is no cure, I'll know why I'm hurting. I have been a resturaunt manager,but don't think this is an OFFICE type job, we don't have offices in our stores. basicly I am a worker that has the most responsibilities, and its a pizza buffet style restaraunt so its a very manual fast paced position. For the past MONTH I have been going back and forth with Principal and my PCP's office to get them to fax over my records so Principal can go to the next phase of review for my long term disability. I recieved a call from Principal, the rep asked if I could go get my records and personally retrieve my records and fax them to her. So I did so and will hopefully hear some news on that situation Monday too. I can't even use my right arm or walk without shooting pains in my back,shoulder. I am SO SCARED that the more my PCP decreases my patch the more pain I will feel. again. This just sucks the whole situation... My accident was like this, I stopped to avoid hitting a PT Cruiser in front of me who stopped suddenly, as soon as I stopped I was rear ended by an SUV (I was in a Monte Carlo) It was low impact, there were no skid marks at the scene and from what he said,he was going about 30-35 mph. My car was repaired at a local dealer and cost about 6 grand... the reason this buttwad is not willing to pay me is the fact that my 2 daughters and mother was also in the vehicle and suffered no injuries, I had my seatbelt on but I remember slamming my body against the steering wheel, They offered me 20 grand at first, I have triple that amount at least in medical bills only,so i filed a lawsuit,now its just waiting time. I had to get a 5000.00 dollar loan against my settlement just to keep my home since I havent worked since the accident. well, I attempted twice to return to work but couldn't complete a shift ( we worked 14-15hour shifts) without being in excruciating pains.... I have nothing really to look forward too anymore, I would have probubly wouldve already committed suicide if I didn't have my loving family's support. I feel so bad, I had to have my 6 & 7 year old daughters literally bag and carry all bags to my car when I went grocery shopping,and my mother helped yesterday,then they helped me put the groceries up in the cabinets yesterday. As I stated before I use a cane because without it I have very very bad pains all up my spine and back,but with the pain it doessn't get too bad. I have to make sure the stores that I go to have the electric or push wheelchairs/buggies due to extensive pains. I am 29 when I go to Wal-Mart first I get a look from the greeter when I get the buggie, then going through the store I get all kinds of looks,stares from people, since I got the cane its even worse... If I got paid a penny for every "What the hell" look I get, I'd be rich by now lol So is there a possibility I will be denied for long term disability from my employer??? Do you have any comments or helpful information for me?? my first appt is monday with the state's Psycologist for my ssdi,then I go to my psychiatrist afterwards that day.

Hello Big Chuck

I'm glad you've made it to the forum area. I'd like to invite you over to our Support Group in the off topic area called the Daily Grind.

You may find more answers to your questions and I know for positive you'll find support there as well. We all live with Chronic Pain and the group is growing, but we all also have quite a bit of experience with most of the questions you have asked.

All you have to do is scroll down the page and click on the off topic tab and then choose the new November forum and begin by reading and creating a post with some of your questions. I thought maybe you'd like to try something like this, so I just wanted to make sure you knew you are welcome to join us.

I hope your getting some pain control, it's not easy to figure out everything and manage to navigate the whole disability and medical system at the same time. We would love to offer some advice and help for you.

Take Care
Hope to see you post somemore
Betty