Doctor Two Has Bad News

I went to see my other doctor this afternoon. He gave me some news I didn't like but needed to know. He told me that when the independent doctor who will examine me next month to establish my percentage of disability sends in her report, I will immediately stop receiving my temporary total disability payments. No doubt that is is something I should have known, but never thought of. My income after mid June is, therefore an unknown quantity.

We came to California because I had a good job with a good salary here, but after the injury my income was reduced significantly. Now it will be reduced even more, and under new state guidelines which cap the amount I can receive, it's doubtful we can stay here. We have been looking for cheaper housing for months. Our search has been fruitless, there is no Sheehy housing in California it would seem. Simply put, we cannot afford to live here without to my income.

Evaluating a head injury is very difficult because it's not something anyone can see. Also, since a TBI survivor may function perfectly well in one situation for a short time and not be able to function at all in another situation, it's hard to make a judgment call. For example, I can write this blog by speaking into my iListen, then reading what I have written and editing it several times while taking breaks all along the way. What you read here may have taken me six hours to produce, but it seems to be well put together. On the surface it appears to be a decent product and no one might guess the amount of effort it took or that it came from one with a damaged brain.

The insurance company had two different doctors evaluate my case can to decide which treatments I could receive; one doctor said therapy would be a waste for me because I was totally unemployable and would never be able to hold a job; another doctor said I have written a well put together appeal letter so did not need therapy! Both of these doctors were hired by the insurance company and came to the same conclusion for completely opposite reasons.

So you can see why I have no idea about the outcome of my independent medical examination. This doctor could claim that I am not disabled in any way, or she may decide that I am greatly disabled. What ever she says, what ever number she puts on my case determines my future income. I simply have no clue!

As I drove home from the doctor, worry crept in and it has stayed with me all evening. Jesus said that we should be anxious for nothing but bring everything to Him in prayer. I believe God is who the says He is and I believe He can do what He says He can do. No problems there. But I also know that He has not promised that we shall always have an easy time.

Sometimes trials come to help us grow. Sometimes trouble comes because we invited it. And then there are times when we walk a rocky path so that we will learn to hold tightly to the Master's hand.

Tonight in women's Bible study, Sharp said something I have been thinking about ever cents. She mentions that this could be an exciting time, and that is true. It is always exciting to watch God work, and I must not let worry damn been that. God all ready knows how much I love this place in these people. But I also love does than and the people prayer. And I love the people that car full as well. The truth is by will love people where ever write go, and I will miss the ones buys leave behind.

So I would ask that you pray for us that we might be fully enthusiastic for God's plan, that we might be wise in checking our options, and completely open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. For indeed, we want to be right in the center of God's will.