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pain management

Hi, this is the first time using a forum, so please bear with. 16 months ago I fell at the beach, just lost my balance while running fell on my right shoulder. Ended up tearing my ac ligament had surgery in march didint work had another sugery in august. Im 39 years old, untill my accident I worked in a wharehouse (manual labor). Being on medical leave for more than a year my employer let me go, shortly after my insurance cancelled. So I can no longer afford to see the doctor or go to physical therepay. So Im doing my own rehab of my sholder, but still in great deal of pain. My question is any ideas for controlling the pain, was taking 4 to 5 hydrocodone/apap 5mg/500mg a day for over a year (only thing that consitently worked). Since I cant see the doctor anymore no more prescription. Ive tried alot of other things, but any ideas would be apprciated. Thank you all.
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367247 tn?1310675653
Did your employer offer you continuation of medical coverage under the fed/state governed program entitled; COBRA???

Cobra benefits are an extension of your medical coverage carried at the time you were terminated from employment. Actually, since you were let go...you still are entitled to Cobra. It is available to employees that are fired, layed off, or let go.

Either your insurance would provide it or your employer would have a specific Cobra provider. COBRA is your RIGHT!! IF your employer took that right away or didn't even offer it in the first place...you were screwed.

Find an attorney who can give you some good free advice...you might need representation to go after your former employer. You are not trying to sue them, just to force them into providing the benefits you absolutely deserve. You definetely have gone past the 30 day pre-existing condition, however, this situation is definetely complicated and fragile.

Please get free legal advice...you are seriously injured and you need help. Go to all of your local state and federal offices. Even if you think you might not qualify, apply for EVERY medical progam available. Go and check for state rehab programs.

Go to this website:
http://www.medicalproductsonline.org

They have nerve/muscle stimulators available to you that definetely might help with controlling the pain...check it out. You need a prescription, but it would be worth it to go and pay a doctor for a single visit to get one.

For sleep, try melatonin and valerian root...available at any vitamin/supplement supply.

Best of luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry to hear you're in a lot on pain. I know how hard it can be to get the meds and help you need. Even with insurance I have that problem. The best advice I can give you is to try getting madicaid. I have it now and I love it. Since I haven't been able to work I Signed up for medicaid and got it. Now I always have a Dr. and the meds I need. My pain is in my right shoulder also. I've tried many things. The few things that helped me were Lidocaine patches, some pain creams, Stretching (not over stretching though, gotta be careful) and my pain meds. I also think resting your shoulder after therapy or stretching is important. Also having someone message your shoulder and applying heat is a bonus.
Good Luck... hope you find something to help ya out.
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
I know about the pre exsist what I am saying is there are goverment and state agencies that will help you see a doc and get meds they exsist for people like you unfoyurunatly they are abused by some but your in need so use them as they are avail to you, I can help you find some in your area send me a mess with your location and ill get started
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for the input, unfortnaley my insurance was cancelled end of november 2007. I found out to late that 30 days is the most you can have in lapse of covrage for insurance companies to consider a preexisting condition. Thanks for the help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thanks for the ideas, herbalist sounds good I will try that. The other stuff doesnt help too much. I am doing the therapy they taught me, but the pain after makes it difficult, just need more muscle in the shoulder. Sleeping is my bigest problem hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. Thank you very much for the help.
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
get med help thru th gov or state dont suffer needlessly good luck
Helpful - 0
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