Chapter Two discusses symptoms and
provides treatment considerations. This chapter is extensive,
approximately 40 pages and describes many symptoms you may have experienced
but subsequently had dismissed. I was interested to learn that
dysphagia was a symptom. Previous to learning this I could only
explain that "my throat was swollen on the inside".
Dysphagia occurs in approximately 10% of all whiplash cases. You will
also learn about myofascial trauma, ligamentous damage, disc-related trauma,
facet joint injury, degenerative changes, neurological trauma, direct nerve
damage, skeletal trauma, vascular damage and imaging neck trauma
(x-ray, CT, MRI). This chapter discusses 8 types of headaches,
fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint pain, thoracic outlet syndrome, low
back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, dizziness, cervical trauma and tremor,
visual symptoms and sleep disturbances.
Chapter Three discusses prognosis. Your insurance company may tell you
that you will be healed in 6 weeks and that care beyond that time is not
beneficial. If you have been told this you will definitely want to
read this chapter.
Chapter Four delves into the controversies and varying physician opinions of
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), Post-Concussion Syndrome and Whiplash.
This chapter explores psychological symptoms associated with whiplash
including anxiety, depression, anger, and substance abuse. You will
find some information on the effects of chronic pain and post-traumatic
stress disorder.
Chapter Five is an interesting one that discusses legal issues.
Misdiagnosis is common. A direct quote is as follows,
"Malingering can be used by insurance companies or physicians to shield
their own ignorance. Patients who have a difficult diagnosis may
simply be written off as malingering, when in fact the physician simply may
not know enough to diagnose the problem." This is particularly
so, in my experience, when the physician also works for the insurance
company ! (see our tips for claimants)
Chapter Six discusses a variety of issues including the role of head
restraints (most people don't adjust these properly), a number of injuries
that can occur from seatbelts, airbag injuries and the injury sustained to
children. There is also some information regarding the variety of
medication that individuals may be prescribed after an accident that
involves a whiplash injury, including concerns and adverse effects to be
aware of.
Knowledge is power. Don't be coerced into dismissing your symptoms.
If I knew then what I know now I would have been better prepared to stand my
ground with the assorted physicians who told me that there was nothing wrong
with me. One in particular, Dr. Michael J. MacKay, BSc, MD, DIP Sports
Med, refused to allow me any investigative diagnostics such as a CT or MRI,
despite my request to have one of these tests done. His rationale for
refusing these tests was, "That's an awfully expensive test for
somebody with nothing wrong with them." He worked for my
insurance company, Manitoba Public Insurance. Draw your own
conclusion. Of course I can't forget the neurologist that Dr. M. J.
MacKay referred me to. MacKay decided that it was better for me
to have an EMG/NCS done and sent me off to see Dr. Ilse. The equipment
was ancient and the first test performed was using the sticky pads and
sending electricity through my arm. My tolerance for pain is quite
high but this was unbearable, bringing tears to my eyes. I refused the
second part of the test as it was to be performed in a similar manner but
using a needle inserted into my skin to transmit the electricity. The
delightful Dr. Ilse offered his diagnosis as follows, "Skinny young
women like you just get these things." My hands were numb, my
neck hurt, my shoulder hurt, I dropped things....and it was all because I
was 'skinny' !?! I was so upset and crying. I hope that by
sharing information with you on this website that none of you will need to
experience what I have since 1998. If any of you are wondering, I did
finally obtain a physician that I trust and have confidence in. A
CTscan was done and I had a herniated disc. That explains the pain.
Incidentally, about 18 months after the incident with Dr. Ilse, I had the
same EMG/NCS re-done by another neurologist located near St. Boniface
Hospital. This time I had both parts done and it didn't hurt at all.
If your doctor is treating you in an unacceptable manner don't be afraid to look
for a better one. If you are in Manitoba contact us (victimsofmpi@gmail.com)
or in Alberta (victimsofnofault@gmail.com)
and we might be able to help.
