u/IceAngel8381

I ran my IME report through AI so it could condense everything for me. Probably not the best idea, but it seemed pretty conclusive. It stated "The report outlines a severe case of adhesive capsulitis resulting from a work injury. While the doctor believes she can do very limited, part time work (4 hours/day), essentially using only her right arm, her prognosis to return to her normal career as a LPN is currently poor."

The doctor who completed the IME did not mention surgery, but stated PT and at home exercises. He has placed me on extremely strict restrictions (no pushing, no pulling, no reaching, no overhead reaching, no walking or standing for more than 1-2 hours, no sitting for more than 2 hours, no lifting over 10 pounds), but also states "no use of left arm". I have not yet met MMI, and the report stated the condition is to continue for at least a year. The report explicitly states that my current issues are directly related to my first surgery 14 months ago. He also stated that he reviewed my job description and it is of his opinion I am not capable of performing the duties of a nurse.

I meet with my surgeon in 2 weeks. I'm numb. I know their are other options I can pursue as a nurse, but I love the job I have. It was my dream job. My heart is broken.

I've have had two shoulder surgeries since April 2025. My pain and ROM have not improved. So, now, my surgeon thinks I may also have an issue with my cervical spine due to cervical radiculopathy that has developed. Has anyone developed cervical spine or other spinal issues after shoulder surgery? My surgeon did not state what the issue could be (herniated disc, pinched nerve, etc). I have no idea what to expect, I'm just exhausted.

I've been off work due to an injury since December 2024. My employer cannot accommodate my restrictions. I am currently waiting for a IME report (hopefully in the next week or so). But at what point does an employer determine since you have been gone so long that you are no longer needed? I've been told this cannot happen while off on WC (I don't fully believe that), but I have read numerous stories of an employee returning to work and being let go because trainings were not up to date, job related restrictions, or they have functioned so long without you they terminate. Being a federal employee, a settlement is not a thing (from what I've read), and I have not retained an attorney since everything requested has been approved without issue. I'm not trying to create waves, but I'm concerned because I've not heard from my supervisor or WC liaison in a long time. Coworkers don't contact me unless they are wanting "tea". Maybe it's because I've been dealing with this for so long, I feel like I meant nothing to anyone there.

I was injured in December 2024 while at work. I had two surgeries (bicep tenodesis, SLAP 2 repair, capsular release, and debridement in April 2025). My second surgery was in December 2025 (MUA, extensive debridement, RTC and SLAP repair as it was discovered they were frayed). I've done PT for months (it was stopped in April due to no progress). I've done the injections. I saw my surgeon today, and was told my arthogram was clean (no need for surgery). However, I still have loss of ROM and constant pain. My surgeon couldn't do much today as we are waiting on my IME report, which can take 30+ days, so I return in two weeks to see what's next, if the IME is complete.

I'm frustrated because I don't know what else to do. I don't know if I will have restrictions if I'm able to return to work. Unfortunately, based on my ROM and pain, my work can't accommodate strict restrictions like I have now (no lifting over 5 pounds). It's been 18 months, and I'm exhausted in ways I didn't think was possible.

I was injured at work 18 months ago. I've had two surgeries (April 2025 and December 2025). My first surgery was a bicep tenodesis, SLAP 2 repair, capsular release, and debridement. PT started 3 days later. My should did not improve with PT, and it became worse (deep ache, loss of ROM, etc). I went to a different surgeon. He stated I had frozen shoulder due to PT not pushing hard enough. That lead to surgery #2 which was MUA, extensive debridement, RTC and SLAP repair (apparently they were frayed). Started intense PT two days later. After about 4 month of PT, my surgeon stopped it because he didn't want any harm done. He requested a arthogram. I had that completed last week. The contrast/numbing portion was supposed to take about 15 minutes. It took an hour. The first radiologist stated he could not achieve proper placement because the joint capsule was "extremely tight". He tried placement several times (thank God for lidocaine). He no longer felt comfortable with trying, so a second radiologist was called in. He also stated the capsule was "extremely tight". He showed me on the radiograph and essentially stated there should be fluid seen in the capsule, kinda like a ball floating in a pool. There was very little. He said the capsule is "extremely irritated, hyper sensitive and inflamed". He said in a normal, healthy joint, they can inject 25-30 mls. He was barely able to get 10 mls, and it seemed forced. He even stated "That's going to have to do." He did state that since I had pain relief when the lidocaine was injected into the joint, that proves it's a capsule/joint issue. Not 100% on what that means. Then I get sent for the MRI. No issues there. I've since read the report, and it is structurally clean (no tears, fraying, etc). My concern is that FS has returned (deep joint ache, loss of ROM, constant pain). Being that the MRI is clean, I don't know if I will be facing another surgery. I have read medical reports that state since shoulder surgery is traumatic to the joint, and having 2 in a relatively short period of time (8 months), it can cause a trauma response in the shoulder, leading to another case of FS.

My question is, has anyone had several shoulder surgeries for FS, which lead to FS after surgery? It seems that I may be prone to FS and I'm stuck in a never ending cycle. If that's the case, I don't know what to do. My employer cannot accommodate my restrictions, PT is not helping, and injections last a few hours.

It's been awhile since I've had one completed, but what's the turnaround time for a IME report? I had one 2 weeks ago, and I do not see it in my chart. I have a follow-up ortho appointment tomorrow, and was hoping to have the report so a decision could be made for what's next.

At what point is a disability percentage determined? I just had a second IME completed a week ago (waiting on the results). I am scheduled to have a arthogram this week, and see my surgeon next week, to determine next step. It's been 18 months since DOI. How common is it for permanent (100%) disability to be deemed for a shoulder with daily 7-9/10 pain, with extremely limited ROM? If a disability percentage is determined, does that automatically mean I will be let go from my federal employment?

I had my IME/SECOP completed today. This is my second one. He asked the usual questions about who helps with ADL's, how do you do laundry, how do you cook/bring groceries into the house, how do you do lawn care? My answers to those questions were essentially "My husband helps with ADL's (washing hair, washing my back). My husband does the laundry, cooking, cleaning, brings in groceries, and he does the lawn care." Essentially, my husband and stepson do most things in the home. He asked how I got to the appointment. I stated I drove with my right hand (non-surgical arm/dominant arm). He asked how far I drive. I told him my husband typically drives, but I have driven to appointments that are approximately 25 miles away. He then did the physical assessment part (every movement caused pain, so I *think* I failed the tests, but I don't know *exactly* what he's looking for. I won't know for about 2 weeks.

My question is does it matter to them if I have support or not? Is it a factor for a surgery determination?

I've been dealing with a work related shoulder injury since December 2024. Two surgeries in 8 months. More PT sessions than I care to count. Tried all the meds prescribed to me with no luck. I've done all of the things I've been asked to do. But I'm tired. I'm tired of being in constant pain 7-9/10 daily. Not being able to do things around the house due to pain and a 5 pound weight restriction. I'm at a loss for what else to do. I'm currently waiting to schedule a arthogram, and waiting for a second opinion (my case worker thinks I potentially may have CRPS). If so, that explains a lot, but who's to say? I don't want to accept this reality, but I may have too. 😞

I've been dealing with a work related shoulder injury since December 2025. Two surgeries in 8 months. More PT sessions than I care to count. Tried all the meds prescribed to me with no luck. I've done all of the things I've been asked to do. But I'm tired. I'm tired of being in constant pain 7-9/10 daily. Not being able to do things around the house due to pain and a 5 pound weight restriction. I'm at a loss for what else to do. I'm currently waiting to schedule a arthogram, and waiting for a second opinion (my case worker thinks I potentially may have CRPS). If so, that explains a lot, but who's to say? I don't want to accept this reality, but I may have too. 😞

I don't know if it is weather changes, or what, but I need a shampoo, or something, that will throughly clean my hair and scalp. I have used a few clarifying shampoos, but they don't seem to work well anymore. I typically wash my hair 1-3 times a week. However, lately, my hair seems to be more oily than normal. I have *normal* hair, so I'm not sure what's going on. I'm thisclose to stripping my hair with Dawn, not really, but I need a reset for my hair and scalp. Any tips are appreciated. 🙂

Has anyone been diagnosed with CRPS? I am almost 13 months out from my first surgery, and almost 5 months out from my second. My surgeon and case worker (work injury) feel that my pain levels should not be this high (7-9/10 constantly), and my ROM is nowhere it needs to be. My case worker mentioned CRPS and is sending me for a second opinion. My surgeon is having me get a arthogram completed. I believe that is to check for internal damage. I'm not sure how CRPS is diagnosed. I have looked up the symptoms, and I have several, but it also meets the criteria for a RTC tear.

Did anyone else receive a letter or two stated they (DFAS) discovered an overpayment holiday pay, overtime pay weekend pay, etc? I received two of them today for a time period in December 2023, totaling almost $2,000. How is this even possible. It's from about 2.5 years ago.

I am waiting to schedule my 3rd MRI. First one had contrast, second one did not. For this 3rd MRI, it was originally ordered as a MRI with contrast. I received a call that the order has been changed to a arthogram and the place I was originally scheduled for the contrast MRI can't perform a arthogram. No biggie. I just schedule with a different hospital. My surgeon thinks I may have a articular tear, which does not show on a regular or contrast MRI. My question is, for those who have had one, was anything new discovered? Did you end up with surgery?

My last PT session was today. My surgeon does not want me to continue as he feels it is not helping. He (surgeon) is referring me for a second MRI (third total) but this time with contrast. He agrees the IME is a good idea due to high pain levels and limited ROM 16 weeks post-op. The IME is not scheduled until after Memorial Day, which is concerning due to no additional PT (yes, I have exercises at home, but it's not the same). I can't lift over 5 pounds per my CA-7, which also states no use of left shoulder. Work will not like that, nor can they accommodate. As of right now, MMI has not been stated. I believe my surgeon is waiting for the MRI with contrast and the IME report. I've stayed for a while something doesn't feel right. I guess we will see, or if it's all in my head according to PT. 🙄 I've contemplated obtaining an attorney, but the closest one is 4 hours away, and I don't think I have a case, and if I have a case, it's very had to win federal cases. 🥴