[Guest]

I suffered a work injury in 1994 that had resulted in a micro discectomy lamminectomy in 1995. The pain has since been worse. I experience servere crippling pain about 6 times a year that lasts from 2-3 days to 2-1/2 weeks at a time. The pain is in my low back, buttocks, and legs, (primarily the left leg. During these severe pain episodes I am left completely helpless. I can't stand, walk, ect.. The pain is so severe I have nothing in my life to compare it to. I can tollerate a considerable amount of pain, but this is well beyond that of anything I have experieced. I have had several tests done, emg's, mri's discogram, mylograms, ect., as well as epidural injections, medications, ect.. Throughout all of this I am still left without any answers as to the cause of my disabilities. I am now looking to seek an IME, and thourough diagnosis of my underlying symptomoligy, to include a rough estimate of future medical costs (treatments, surgeries, ect.), related to my work injuries. Can you help? I would like to find a competent qualified physician in the Phoenix area. Any recommendations? I am desperate for relief of any kind, as I am only able to work 16 hours a week in a sedentary position, not to mention not being able to surf, dive, run, hike, bike ect.. I am currently residing on the Island of Maui but have family in PHX and wish to seek an independant (NO HMO OR INSURANCE COMPANY DOCTOR"S PLEASE!!), Physician to exam, evaluate, diagnose, and thouroghly explain ALL of my options in my seeking relief from the disabilitating pain that I suffer.

[Guest]

You certainly seem to be having a hard time, and I hope that you have been well taken care of and tried various things for the pain. I do not know about obtaining an IME or other insurance issues for you, but you might begin by consulting with your neurologist or pain specialist in your area. Good luck.
[quote] I suffered a work injury in 1994 that had resulted in a micro discectomy lamminectomy in 1995. The pain has since been worse... [/quote]