Qtc Exam Coming Up For My Back. How Do I Prepare? Need All The Assistance I Can Get.

[pilgrim01]

I retired in Nov 2008. At times I would get numbness and tingling going down the back of my right leg to my right foot. While in service, my doctor gave me some neurontin and sent me on my way. Well, after I retired in Feb of 2009, the numbness/tingling came back. My NEW doctor said "the first thing I am going to do is check your back". The problems were found! I filed a REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION in April 2009. I sent in copies of my X-rays, MRIs and doctor's notes. Keep in mind, I didn't go to the doctor while in servie for MY BACK, I went for the NUMBNESS and TINGLING of the right leg going down to my right foot. I had X-rays and MRIs done only to find out I have "MULTI-LEVEL LUMBAR DISC PROTRUSIONS CAUSING BILATERAL FORAMINAL STENOSIS AT MANY LEVELS AND SPINAL STENOSIS AT TWO LEVELS". My doctor wrote a letter to support her diagnosis which I also sent in with the RECONSIDERATION (I filed for LUMBAR CONDITION WITH RADICULOPATHY). In my MRI and X-ray records it says that there is nerve damage to a few of the nerves. I've been to Physical Therapy, didn't help. I went to Pain Management, but I am not quite ready for someone to be sticking needles in my spine, so I am sticking to the medication for now.

Well, today, QTC (the exam people) called me at work and said I should be receiving a package in 2 - 3 days for an exam. I know it is for my back, so what should I look for? What or How should I prepare? I want to make sure I get what I deserve on this claim (I am currently rated at 40%, I would love/need just to cross the 50% threshold!) I welcome any and all suggestions and advice. Thanks!

[pilgrim01]

Thanks, everyone. My current doctor did do a good exam of my back. She had x-rays and MRIs done. She is the one that found the problems that my alst doctor did not even check for! I really don't understand why I am going back to do a QTC exam (but it is okay) and I also have to get more pics done at Radiology by the QTC examiner. Go figure.

[brokensoldier244th]

Also keep in mind things like, if you say you have 0 flexion...but then sit in a chair, you just flexed 90 degrees. Granted, your legs are bent at the knee (which, if you think about it, is the same way they do a straight leg raise sometimes to see if someone it over-exaggerating their pain) and since the sciatic nerve is not flexed at the foot from your leg being straight, there conceivabley would be less pain. Don't let them hook you on "but you can sit in a chair.....". A basic knowledge of anatomy or biomechanics where it involves your particular injury is a must.

Chin up and good luck.

[Pete53]

I can sit in a chair if it is high enough its getting out of the chair that I have a problem.

If I sit on a chair that is low or most couches I can't get up. I can't sit in booths either,

[john999]

How about taking a long ride in a car? I need help getting out of the car. My back will hurt for two days after a long car trip. The muscles in my lower back seem to just get tighter and tighter. I always thought "At least I have a strong back". Not any more.

[retiredat44]

a through exam including x-rays and MRI's will show whether a pysical problem has existed and manifested over a period of days or years.. so it might show that thas was a problem going several years back... that's the best I can say about a back problem..

[CHIEF915]

From my experience it is all about range of motion. I didn't allow him to keep bending me or pushing, once it started to hurt I said that is all I could go, vs still going and hurting. Range of motion is a big factor.