In Illinois I have been 14 months out of work, in workers comp. I think my doctor is going to release soon?

Question

I had a surgery in my knee and I am still having pain and inflammation, but my doctor says there is nothing to do about it. He wants to give me a cortisone injection and that is it. My lawyer does not say anything. Can I get a second opinion?

Answer 1

Your doctor might be right, but yes, it is worth getting a second opinion.  Knee problems can be tricky, and if physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs don't work (Mobic is a great drug, by the way, and it helps a lot of people), then cortisone is the next step.  ÃƒÂ…fter that, there is surgery, but you don't want to do that unless you have to, because it puts you out of commission again while it heals.

So by all means get a second opinion.  I don't know where you live, but if I were you, I would find the nearest medical school and make an appointment with the chief of the orthopedics department at the school's hospital.  Medical schools have doctors who are really on top of all the new advances.  Maybe there is something to try that your current doc hasn't thought of.  Even if you have to pay for the visit by yourself, it would be worth it, because you will know that you gave this your best shot.

I wish you very good luck.