Rassie and I met with the Ombudsman this past Thursday. We talked about the benefits review hearing. I am praying things go in our favor.
Our main concern is that the insurance company made false claims stating that Rassie had surgery pertaining to his accident. When in reality he had his tonsils out and that had nothing to do with the accident. The ombudsman said we will ask that the findings from the new designated doctor about Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and his % of disability be thrown out. Then we will ask that Rassie see the original designated doctor. Based on what the original doctor says, will determine what benifits Rassie will be eligble for.
The insurance company has also been denying physical therpay treatment based on what was said. Their claim is that if he is permanently disabled he no longer neads treatment!
Next Thursday, February 17th, we have the benefits review hearing. I will update everyone then.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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!
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!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
November
Things are going good for us. Rassie is doing well. We had an 'oops' with the worker's comp insurance and Rassie getting his checks but that worked itself out. It did take several phone calls butwe're good now!
Rassie started physical therapy back up this past Wedneaday. He said his therapist worked his butt off. Good for her. He hung in there just fine though. He's been doing his own therapy here at home with the treadmill, bike and his big rubber band thingy's.
This coming Tuesday Rassie has an appointment with the 3rd party Texas Worker's Comp doctor. For some reason they have picked a new doctor for him to see this time. This time they are supposed to be checking for maximum medical improvement and they want to label him as a certain % disabled. According to Dr. F at S&W Rassie should fully recover so I am hoping he does not gwt labelled as disabled. That is what the Zurich workers comp ins is wanting so they do not have to continue paying 100% and can push him off on disability.
Alright, time to get off here.
Good night & God Bless
Rassie started physical therapy back up this past Wedneaday. He said his therapist worked his butt off. Good for her. He hung in there just fine though. He's been doing his own therapy here at home with the treadmill, bike and his big rubber band thingy's.
This coming Tuesday Rassie has an appointment with the 3rd party Texas Worker's Comp doctor. For some reason they have picked a new doctor for him to see this time. This time they are supposed to be checking for maximum medical improvement and they want to label him as a certain % disabled. According to Dr. F at S&W Rassie should fully recover so I am hoping he does not gwt labelled as disabled. That is what the Zurich workers comp ins is wanting so they do not have to continue paying 100% and can push him off on disability.
Alright, time to get off here.
Good night & God Bless
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Things Are Good
It's been a while since I've posted. Things are good. No updates on Rassie's CML. If you don't remember from the last post. Rassie is in remission. He's doing great and I am very proud of him.
October 11, 2010, was the 1 year anniversary of Rassie's accident. He has come a long way. He has proven time and time again that it is possible to get better. You just have to put your trust in God and give it your all.
Rassie went for a driving evalutation in Austing back in early Oct. I think around the 3rd. I would have to pull out my calendar to be sure. But, the point is, he passed!!! He did a great job. The guy doing the evalutations was very impressed. Rassie has no restrictions and is within normal reaction range along with all us other drivers out there. I know that driving evaluation made Rassie's day. He was so nervous!! But there was absolutely nothing to be worried about. He did awesome.
He saw Dr. F not too long ago as well. Rassie is still making improvement. And with every little bit of improvement there is greater hope for a full recovery. Rassie finished up his last physical therapy appointment last week. Worker's comp doesn't want to approve more until Rassie see's Dr. F again. That's not set up until December so we're working on what we need to do there. Or just what Dr. F thinks in general. Rassie's been working on his physical therapy here at home. He's got the stationary bike, the treadmill, and those big rubbery band things they sent home with him. Plus he's been mowing the lawn. (which was approved by Dr. F and the Physical Therapist). He pushes on something similar to a lawn mower in physical therapy so it's like he's getting the same type of workout. I am so glad we are able to improvise at home! Plus, we're going to start going for walks and he's going to push the big double stroller! It will be good for him and make the kids happy :)
Rassie is supposed to see the 3rd party worker's comp doctor again in November. I am guessing it has not been set up yet because we haven't received any form of notification on when it's going to be. Guess we'll just wait it out and see.
The family is doing great. Lane's our little daredevil. Daddy has his hands full during the day while Mommy sleeps. Lane is up and walking/running around and he's a climber! Not to mention a full time flirt. Scarlett is our little prissy pants. She likes to walk around strutting her stuff. Daddy has his hand full with her too with her big personality *cough* attitude. Scarlett is 2 and half going on 16. I'm loving every minute of it though!!
Rassie has been a great help with me going back to work too. He's been my rock. It's hard being away at night. I miss sleeping next to my husband and cuddling with my babies when they wake up crying for mommy. I do manage to get my 8 hours of sleep during the day but boy do I wish I spent those 8 hrs of daylight awake! But, God has a plan and right now it seems to keep me working nights.
Alright, back to bed for me! It's my night off and instead of sleeping I'm wide awake.. Go figure :)
Night ..... or morning to those of you getting up soon
October 11, 2010, was the 1 year anniversary of Rassie's accident. He has come a long way. He has proven time and time again that it is possible to get better. You just have to put your trust in God and give it your all.
Rassie went for a driving evalutation in Austing back in early Oct. I think around the 3rd. I would have to pull out my calendar to be sure. But, the point is, he passed!!! He did a great job. The guy doing the evalutations was very impressed. Rassie has no restrictions and is within normal reaction range along with all us other drivers out there. I know that driving evaluation made Rassie's day. He was so nervous!! But there was absolutely nothing to be worried about. He did awesome.
He saw Dr. F not too long ago as well. Rassie is still making improvement. And with every little bit of improvement there is greater hope for a full recovery. Rassie finished up his last physical therapy appointment last week. Worker's comp doesn't want to approve more until Rassie see's Dr. F again. That's not set up until December so we're working on what we need to do there. Or just what Dr. F thinks in general. Rassie's been working on his physical therapy here at home. He's got the stationary bike, the treadmill, and those big rubbery band things they sent home with him. Plus he's been mowing the lawn. (which was approved by Dr. F and the Physical Therapist). He pushes on something similar to a lawn mower in physical therapy so it's like he's getting the same type of workout. I am so glad we are able to improvise at home! Plus, we're going to start going for walks and he's going to push the big double stroller! It will be good for him and make the kids happy :)
Rassie is supposed to see the 3rd party worker's comp doctor again in November. I am guessing it has not been set up yet because we haven't received any form of notification on when it's going to be. Guess we'll just wait it out and see.
The family is doing great. Lane's our little daredevil. Daddy has his hands full during the day while Mommy sleeps. Lane is up and walking/running around and he's a climber! Not to mention a full time flirt. Scarlett is our little prissy pants. She likes to walk around strutting her stuff. Daddy has his hand full with her too with her big personality *cough* attitude. Scarlett is 2 and half going on 16. I'm loving every minute of it though!!
Rassie has been a great help with me going back to work too. He's been my rock. It's hard being away at night. I miss sleeping next to my husband and cuddling with my babies when they wake up crying for mommy. I do manage to get my 8 hours of sleep during the day but boy do I wish I spent those 8 hrs of daylight awake! But, God has a plan and right now it seems to keep me working nights.
Alright, back to bed for me! It's my night off and instead of sleeping I'm wide awake.. Go figure :)
Night ..... or morning to those of you getting up soon
God Bless.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Big ONE
One year ago today, Rassie and I received some of the worst news of our lives. Rassie was diagnosed with Leukemia. We were very scared. We had so many questions. We had no idea what lie on the road ahead and what obstables we would face.
Well, Rassie's done great! His body has responded well to the Gleevec they are treating him with. His bcr-abl is now at 0.04% Which come to find out, puts him in remission!!! How exciting is that? And by the way, he has been at 0.04% since May!!! I didn't realize that put him in remission but I am extremely happy to hear that it does!!! He will remain on the Gleevec as a precaution but other than that he's in about as "perfect health as you can get" according to his oncology doctor. Rassie's doctors are so proud of him for dealing with so much and coming so far. This includes having to deal with the accident as well as the CML. He has really pushed through. They called him a miracle patient.
In one year, Rassie has gone from a bcr-abl of 96% (confirmed at his appt this past week) to a bcr-abl of 0.04%. He has also gone through an accident that put him in a wheel chair, unable to do much, to walking with an athletic knee brace and cane. Rassie is living life again and enjoying it. And it really shows!
I am so very proud of Rassie and the obstacles he has overcome this past year. It really does not seem like it's been a year already since he was diagnosed. And I absolutely do not miss him being in the hospital, but I would do it all over again if that meant having him home and healthy.
Rassie and I just want to thank everyone for all their continued support and prayers. I know we say this alot but it realy does mean the world to us that everyont is sending thoughts our way.
God Bless
Well, Rassie's done great! His body has responded well to the Gleevec they are treating him with. His bcr-abl is now at 0.04% Which come to find out, puts him in remission!!! How exciting is that? And by the way, he has been at 0.04% since May!!! I didn't realize that put him in remission but I am extremely happy to hear that it does!!! He will remain on the Gleevec as a precaution but other than that he's in about as "perfect health as you can get" according to his oncology doctor. Rassie's doctors are so proud of him for dealing with so much and coming so far. This includes having to deal with the accident as well as the CML. He has really pushed through. They called him a miracle patient.
In one year, Rassie has gone from a bcr-abl of 96% (confirmed at his appt this past week) to a bcr-abl of 0.04%. He has also gone through an accident that put him in a wheel chair, unable to do much, to walking with an athletic knee brace and cane. Rassie is living life again and enjoying it. And it really shows!
I am so very proud of Rassie and the obstacles he has overcome this past year. It really does not seem like it's been a year already since he was diagnosed. And I absolutely do not miss him being in the hospital, but I would do it all over again if that meant having him home and healthy.
Rassie and I just want to thank everyone for all their continued support and prayers. I know we say this alot but it realy does mean the world to us that everyont is sending thoughts our way.
Friday, September 17, 2010
What a Beautiful Day
Hello,
Sorry it's been so long. Life has been busy. But as they say, 'No news is good news'. And that's the case here.
Rassie had his tonsils out about 2 weeks ago. Nothing that I would consider major. They were just bothersome so he opted to have them out. His throat still seems to be a little sore from it. Mostly when he yawns and so on and so forth because it stretches. He had his follow up 2 days ago and they said everything looked nice.
Rassie has a leukemia appointment this month, next week to be more precise. His blood work hasn't showed anything worrisome so things are moving right along in that department. Rassie does labs Monday I believe and then his oncology appointment is Tuesday. I will be able to update more on that topic after his appointment.
Rassie is also doing well in the way of recovering from his accident. He has upgraded knee braces.. or maybe I should say down graded. Rassie went from wearing the 'plastic' prosthetic knee brace to wearing a black one that to me looks like an athletes knee brace. This is so he can bend his knee. Rassie's right knee still tends to give out but he's doing great with the new brace. The physical medicine doctor also had a driving evaluation set up to see where Rassie is at driving wise. I think, and don't hold me to this, but I think it's set up for sometime in October. We have to go to Austin. The reason for this, is so if he needs anything special to drive they can look over the vehicle and see where we need to go from there. Fingers crossed Rassie passes the driving evaluation and our car doesn't need any type of renovations. Oh, Rassie is also starting another round of physical therapy. From what we keep hearing, he will be doing home therapy soon. I guess that's still up in the air because it has yet to happen. Rassie will also be seeing the third party doctor again coming up in November. Guess that will help to decide what our next steps will be.
On another note. Rassie's 1 year anniversary of being diagnosed with CML is coming up on September 25th. And his 1 years anniversary from the accident is coming up on October 11. I can't believe it has almost been a year for both of these things. Life gets so busy and flies right on by. Rassie has been such a trooper, pushing on through.
Sorry it's been a while since I last updated. I have an update on myself as well. I did get the job as a 911 operator. I have been working the night shift. So, I come home and sleep during the day and spend late afternoon and evening with Rassie and our beautiful babies. It's been an adjustment going back to work but I enjoy it. And Rassie is doing an awesome job and taking caring of the little ones during the day while I sleep. He now knows how much a job stay at home parenting is but I know he's enjoying every minute of it.
Thanks for listening to my rant. Thanks for continuing to keep Rassie and our family in your prayers.
God Bless & Good Night
Sorry it's been so long. Life has been busy. But as they say, 'No news is good news'. And that's the case here.
Rassie had his tonsils out about 2 weeks ago. Nothing that I would consider major. They were just bothersome so he opted to have them out. His throat still seems to be a little sore from it. Mostly when he yawns and so on and so forth because it stretches. He had his follow up 2 days ago and they said everything looked nice.
Rassie has a leukemia appointment this month, next week to be more precise. His blood work hasn't showed anything worrisome so things are moving right along in that department. Rassie does labs Monday I believe and then his oncology appointment is Tuesday. I will be able to update more on that topic after his appointment.
Rassie is also doing well in the way of recovering from his accident. He has upgraded knee braces.. or maybe I should say down graded. Rassie went from wearing the 'plastic' prosthetic knee brace to wearing a black one that to me looks like an athletes knee brace. This is so he can bend his knee. Rassie's right knee still tends to give out but he's doing great with the new brace. The physical medicine doctor also had a driving evaluation set up to see where Rassie is at driving wise. I think, and don't hold me to this, but I think it's set up for sometime in October. We have to go to Austin. The reason for this, is so if he needs anything special to drive they can look over the vehicle and see where we need to go from there. Fingers crossed Rassie passes the driving evaluation and our car doesn't need any type of renovations. Oh, Rassie is also starting another round of physical therapy. From what we keep hearing, he will be doing home therapy soon. I guess that's still up in the air because it has yet to happen. Rassie will also be seeing the third party doctor again coming up in November. Guess that will help to decide what our next steps will be.
On another note. Rassie's 1 year anniversary of being diagnosed with CML is coming up on September 25th. And his 1 years anniversary from the accident is coming up on October 11. I can't believe it has almost been a year for both of these things. Life gets so busy and flies right on by. Rassie has been such a trooper, pushing on through.
Sorry it's been a while since I last updated. I have an update on myself as well. I did get the job as a 911 operator. I have been working the night shift. So, I come home and sleep during the day and spend late afternoon and evening with Rassie and our beautiful babies. It's been an adjustment going back to work but I enjoy it. And Rassie is doing an awesome job and taking caring of the little ones during the day while I sleep. He now knows how much a job stay at home parenting is but I know he's enjoying every minute of it.
Thanks for listening to my rant. Thanks for continuing to keep Rassie and our family in your prayers.
God Bless & Good Night
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