SHORT-TERM DISABILITY OBJECTIONABLE FINDINGS ISSUE

[Guest Miss Gail]

PLEASE HELP!! I had a fourth surgery in Jan 01 for an injury sustained at work in '94. Work Comp expired three years ago. I have the same attending surgeon for all four surgeries. I have traumatic arthritis to the main joint in my right foot. It caused slow destruction of the joint. The last (latest)alternative was to grind both bones (inside of main joint where bones meet cartilage that had disappeared with damage)and insert a new product. The product is like putty which remains fluid until the bone cells literally grow across it ultimately, totally fusing the joint. Therefore, totally preventing any additional flexibility/continued irritation,etc. Two weeks after surgery I returned to work. I told my physician I felt like I could go back. He understands I am my only support. My STD carrier paid for 1 wk. coverage. I could not make it through the night. I called the STD carrier the next day and explained the situation. I told them I felt bad all over/felt feverish/had shooting pain in the operative bone and had called my Dr. and informed him of the same. Dr. stated to remain off work until he decided all things were good to go. STD carrier refused to pay further based on lack of objectionable findings from Dr.(pain cannot be quantified). Dr. stated pain was caused by previous surgery and needed more time to heal. I am caught in a word battle b/w my Dr. and the inhouse STD carrier Dr. What can I do to retreive 7wks lost wages. Have been back at work for about a month now? I feel like my integrity is being questioned. I'm certainly not a slacker. I love my job. Have been at it for 7 years. My credit has suffered immensely. I have been financially drained of savings. Does anyone know of a similar situation/court case? Feeling great otherwise. Appreciate any help/experience anyone has had with this issue.

Rgds,

Miss Gail