Benefits Hearing

So, Rassie has a benefits hearing Scheduled for the morning of February 17, 2011. Just trying to get everything settled with worker's comp.

The 3rd party doctor says Rassie has met MMI (maximum medical improvement) and labeled him 10% disabled. Worker's comp has decreased his weekly checks and will only pay him for a remaining 30 weeks.

Dr. F at Scott & White, disagrees. He has documented improvement at each appointment. And says that if Rassie works hard he will still fully recover.

Rassie is extremely determined to fully recover and go back to work in the oil field. He continues to do therapy on his own here at home. Worker's comp has not approved any more physical therapy at the hospital and I dont think they will in the future unless we win the benefits hearing.

I am praying that the benefits hearing goes in our favor. Worker's comp played a sneaky game by switching out the 3rd party doctor Rassie had been seeing just so they could get the answer they wanted. They don't want to have to pay anymore. But, they've been playing this game since day 1 when they tried to blame his paralysis on his CML. It was like they were trying to say getting hit in the back twice with a cable would not cause paralysis but luekemia would.

I am just ready for this all to be over with!

On another note, I'm adding a few pics. They're not the newest and most up to date but they'll do :)
The 1st is Rassie mowing the grass back in October! Practicing that physical therapy at home. And the 2nd is Rassie and the babies on Christmas Morning.

January

So, things seem to be going well around here. Rassie is still improving day after day since his accident. We've had a few bumps in the road with worker's comp but we are definitely work on it.

Zurich, the worker's comp insurance decided to pull a fast one on us. Rassie had to see a 3rd party doctor again for his 2nd opinion. The difference this time, they claimed the 3rd party doctor he had been seeing was not certified to see him because he had surgery. BIG LIE. Well, Rassie did have surgery, he had his tonsils out. But, it had NOTHING to do with the accident and therefore, worker's comp had no right to change doctors. Want to know why they changed doctors for their 2nd opinion? It's because they didn't agree with the original doctor. They were wanting a doctor who would say Rassie was permanently disabled so they could quit paying. We're in the middle of disputing this claim. The Dr. F and the physical therapist have both written letters disputing the 3rd party doctor's claim. Everytime Rassie goes in for an appointment he shows improvement. So there is no way he has met Maximum Medical Improvement (mmi) when he is still in the process of making improvements! Worker's comp is such a pain in my butt!

On another note, Rassie had an oncology appointment on January 4th. His numbers are still good. There was a slight increase though. The last time he had labs done his Abr was at .0007 and this time he was at .03. They said this was normal. That sometimes the levels vary and just to make sure he is taking his Gleevec at the same time everyday. (which he does) Other than that, there weren't really any concerns. Rassie goes back for the next follow up in 3 months. Same with the labs.

Everything else is going good. Rassie has been a great help being my Stay at Home Dad! I know he'd rather be out there in the world working but I also know he's enjoying the time spent with our 2 growing babies! Scarlett is pushing 3 at the end of this month and Lane will be 18 months. I cannot believe how time flies! Lane was only 2 months when Rassie was diagnosed with leukemia. We have come a LONG way!

And just so you all know, Rassie is the most wonderful husband. Today is my birthday and he has spoiled me with letting me sleep in, cake, lunch and dinner! Not to mention he's on diaper duty!!! HAHA I Love my Honey!

God Bless Everyone!