Disability Retirement Dicussion with the Doctor

Greetings all! Mr. McGill maybe you can help here?  I see my Neurosurgeon this coming week, and more than likely 2 things are going to be covered. 1st being that most of the nerve damage (C5/6/7) is permanent, and the possible future with my C2/3 area that is now got Stenosis (narrowing of the bony area that the nerve exits), and is bugling as well. Neither topic makes my day.  Okay, either of these topics are easy between my doctor and I.  Here is my question.

What is the best way to not only bring up the Federal Disability Retirement issue, and too of course give the doctor a "nice" heads up that the lawyer will be making contact for a statement, to include that this action is NOT a negative on the actions of the surgeon/doctor?  My doctor is a really good person, but I want to make sure he knows this isn't a "personal attack" towards him or his treatment of me.  The other doctors to which statement solicitations will be made only have referral or diagnostic stakes in this, so they won't be "upset" nor have their egos bruised I am sure. Thanks in advance for anyone's advice, guidance, thoughts... :-)

You have to simply garner the support of the doctor; the doctor has to be brought on your side, to see how his support is crucial to the continuing treatment of your condition.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

AttyMcGill:

You have to simply garner the support of the doctor; the doctor has to be brought on your side, to see how his support is crucial to the continuing treatment of your condition. Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

Okay Mr. McGill, so if I understand correctly, just have my "regular" appointment with him.  If he once again states that this level I am at is most likely permanent, mention I will be putting in for retirement due to being unable still to shoot and other activities as is required for my job?  He has restricted me from shooting at least 3 times in the past.  I will then let him know that a "statement" request will probably be coming in the next month or so, and that it isn't a gig on him.  Okay, that works for me, thanks!  Appreciate. :-)

Yes, I think that stating in the "subtle" manner and approach is best at this point.  Doctors often have rather large egos; one has to be sensitive and diplomatic with him/her, and your approach is the proper one.  You can certainly remind him of things he has stated in the past -- i.e., "Do you remember you told me that..."  "The last time you said that...is that still true?"  This merely re-asserts his own medical expertise, and that can lead into a conversation about the need for his support, and how excellent his treatment has brought you to the point you are at now -- but that the job itself is the limiting factor in your getting better.

Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

AttyMcGill:

Yes, I think that stating in the "subtle" manner and approach is best at this point. Doctors often have rather large egos; one has to be sensitive and diplomatic with him/her, and your approach is the proper one. You can certainly remind him of things he has stated in the past -- i.e., "Do you remember you told me that..." "The last time you said that...is that still true?" This merely re-asserts his own medical expertise, and that can lead into a conversation about the need for his support, and how excellent his treatment has brought you to the point you are at now -- but that the job itself is the limiting factor in your getting better. Sincerely, Robert R. McGill, Esquire

Nodding in full agreement.  Being in aviation for 30 years, the egos are pretty strong there as well.  As I mentioned my doctor is a pretty good guy overall.  You don't feel like his "paycheck" when you walk in, but a person with a life!  The top portion of my latest fusion broke lose, so chances are he will have to go back in there. At a minimum, a lot of the pain that came back might go away, the numb and weak - doubt it.  I will be happy as a clam if I luck out and zing, "normal" again - but unfortunately surgery short of TV doesn't make us better than we were!  Thanks so much for your fast response Mr. McGill.

Okay... I had my appointment with my neurosugeon yesterday.  After a full exam, and review of my MRI it was found that I have even more issues going on with my neck - and back isn't looking hot either!  That I will address after my neck gets under control.

Towards the end of the appointment, I advised my doctor that my lawyer (quickly letting him know *he* was not a negative subject of this contact!) would be sending him a packet for his physician's statement.  He didn't disagree at all with my decision to retire for medical purposes.  When he stated that he wasn't familiar with "Federal Disability Retirement" and its process.  I explaned to him that the packet will guide him to what exactly the human resources personnel will need.  He has no problem with this "administrative" function.  I also added that I would very much prefer *him* to write the statement as this goes directly towards a successful processing of my retirement.  He said that he would write it. :-)

As a side note, I have been very lucky in that I have gotten doctors that actually treat you the patient, not you the insurance payment they will get!  He cares, he listens, he full explains the MRI or other tests and their affects.  He is nont "knife" happy, so surgery is not always the "first fix" on his list.  In south Florida, I find that as a major plus for me and my health needs.  Hopefully once the statements are together, my application will sail through on shot one.  Take care all, thanks for listening!!!

It is very nice you have caring physicians.  It is so important!  Mr. McGill is my attorney and he is doing an excellent job.  My physicians received their respective requests and I met with one this week and let me tell you, she was not a happy camper!  I have two other appointments to attend this week and I am hoping and praying they support.  I am still working full time and using sick leave under FMLA for appointments, but like you my health condition is deteriorating at a fast pace.  Disability retirement is something I was hesitant, but it is like Mr. McGill stated in one of his postings this weekend, when it comes that every spare moment is used to recover to start a new day or week and no time to enjoy the simple things of life, it is time to consider disability retirement.  Good luck and God bless.

Howdy Analein,

Sorry to hear your doctor isn't "peachy keen" on this.  Hopefully she will come around.  Is she your primary doctor that knows your physical ability and status?  I have 3 doctors that were involved with the discovery, diagnostic testing and surgeries.  My Neurosurgeon knows the full status of where I am at, and how much better I will get.  He is my cornerstone if you will.  The other two, one knows the damage to my nerves, and the other discovered there was progressive degenerative disk disease going on.  Mr. McGill is my Attorney as well.  So far with him, I feel very comfortable in his knowledge and abilities, his "getting back to you" when there is questions...top notch!

We both feel mine should go through on the first shot, if not, well of course like any other folks, we will continue the steps.  I am going to try and go back to work Monday on Light Duty.  The only bummer is going to be that I can't take the nerve pain meds at work!  Sniff...  It will be a good test bed if I can go back without pain help.  Nerve pain bites bigtime!  Thanks very much for your givings of luck.  Same for you, Good luck and God bless to you!!

Hi Aviatrix,

It is nice to share with someone that understands the pain and frustration of the illness and the government procedures as well.  Mr. McGill just sent me a propose statement for my physicians.  I have appointments with them next week, hopefully they are receptive and help (in the meantime I just pray).  I took a lot of nerve pain meds for over four years and it was wonderful to be pain free; however, I was on a constant brain fog.  I now don't take any pain medicine, but do take a stimulant so I can be functional for two hours in the morning.  I then take another dose at noon to be functional for two more hours in the afternoon.  In between the wear-off periods, I just do what I can.  I have a job that requires a lot of critical thinking and analysis.  I was always a top performer, but this year my performance eval is all of the sudden, unacceptable.  It really hurts the pride, but at least I am still breathing and alive.  I do want to continue living and work towards getting my health restored and working a full time position is not possible.  My agency will not allow me to work part-time.  Well, stay in touch.  &nbs...

Analein:

Hi Aviatrix, It is nice to share with someone that understands the pain and frustration of the illness and the government procedures as well. Mr. McGill just sent me a propose statement for my physicians. I have appointments with them next week, hopefully they are receptive and help (in the meantime I just pray). I took a lot of nerve pain meds for over four years and it was wonderful to be pain free; however, I was on a constant brain fog. I now don't take any pain medicine, but do take a stimulant so I can be functional for two hours in the morning. I then take another dose at noon to be functional for two more hours in the afternoon. In between the wear-off periods, I just do what I can. I have a job that requires a lot of critical thinking and analysis. I was always a top performer, but this year my performance eval is all of the sudden, unacceptable. It really hurts the pride, but at least I am still breathing and alive. I do want to continue living and work towards getting my health restored and working a full time position is not possible. My agency will not allow me to work part-time. Well, stay in touch. &nbs...

Howdy Analein,

Pain bites, and nerve pain has the biggest bloody teeth for sure!  Most might say "they understand,or have been there", but until they "are there" full time, no they don't!  Part time wouldn't be an option for me either.  Technically they don't have to allow me "light/restricted duty" either.  I figure if my Director gives me a load of %$&%, hehee I will finish out my leave and go on LWOP.  I say that because my new Director has caused me so much stress during this recovery, *I* think it has affected my recovery!  Unrelated to him though, when my latest disk herniated, it slammed into the nerve root and that slam alone probably made for permanent damage for me.  You are so right on the "pride" issue.  We identify ourselves with our jobs after a while.  Can't avoid that if we enjoyed what we did!

I am on a high dose of Lyrica now.  I am on day 3 with it, and wow, I love it!  A bit fussy, but I was told by some that will go away soon.  If it does, great, I can take it and work.  Personally right now, I don't see taking this an working, so I won't be able to follow doctor's orders on 2x a day - will only be able to take it once a day...grrrr...ouch!  After about 12 hours if I don't take it - ouch the nerves remind me that they are there!!!

Mr. McGill seems like a thoughtful and knowledgeable Attorney, and too he has an excellent "track record", so I too hired him.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that this goes well for you at your appointments.  As you may see above, I was careful to let my doctor "know" it was not his failing, and too since he was use the the full blown SSDI, I explained to the doctors the "key" is inability to do essential elements of my job.  Gun, tactics etc. He then was very receptive and didn't try to talk me out of retirement, as I have other issues that will be addressed later.  Take care, you're in my prayers!!!

Aviatrix,

How is it going with Lyrica?  Anticonvulsants are great for nerve pain.  I was on Neurontin for over 3 years and it was great; however, it affected my cognitive skills (I was in constant brainfog).  I tapered off with Lyrica, but I had a bad allergic reaction (nose bleeding).  Now, I must tell you, coming off Neurontin was not an easy ride, felt my brain was thrown in a frying pan and had mild convulsions.  I have been off for almost 2 years and the pain, tingling, shooting, sharp - you name it, is worse.  Stay in touch.

Analein:

Aviatrix, How is it going with Lyrica? Anticonvulsants are great for nerve pain. I was on Neurontin for over 3 years and it was great; however, it affected my cognitive skills (I was in constant brainfog). I tapered off with Lyrica, but I had a bad allergic reaction (nose bleeding). Now, I must tell you, coming off Neurontin was not an easy ride, felt my brain was thrown in a frying pan and had mild convulsions. I have been off for almost 2 years and the pain, tingling, shooting, sharp - you name it, is worse. Stay in touch.

Howdy Analein,

Sorry for the delay - pain ruled me for a couple of days!!  I am not a "drug" type person, and normally felt (except around fusions - bad for it) Aspirin is the nector of the Gods!  If it can't be cured with Aspirin it couldn't!  Well on my last appointment, and issues arrising from my C2/3 I was put on a rather high dose of Lyrica (working I can only take half).  For the nerve pain, wozzza - I love it!  It took a few days for my body to get use to it, but now I am in heaven (except Thursday night into most of Friday).  I have heard a lot of "downers" for relief concerning Neurotin.  Some have issues with memory with Lyrica, so far I haven't noticed any side effects...oops well okay, one...weight gain has started.  I can live with that!  Confucius say -  woman getting older can tell - weight not a issue!" (my quote of course hehehehehe).  But you get the point. I have found the nerve pain cut down around 80% with Lyrica, and the breakthrough pain cuts from an 8 or 9 to around a 4 or 5.  Not bad really.  Hope that helps.  You stay in touch as well - enjoy our exchanges. :-)