Firefighter's OJI pushed aside
Donation protected
Getting where I am as a career firefighter and paramedic was not easy. My oldest and I lived from couch to couch and one family member to another's to get where I am. I worked so hard giving 10 years of my life and missed a lot of time with my so chasing this "dream".
I achieved it. Worked my tail off. Gave it my all. Never slacked. Never had anyone talk poorly of my work ethic. It still hurts that I did it alone but those memories with my oldest from then are gone and they aren't to the full amount a parent wants. But I did it for him and us. He was so proud. He'd say, "We made it a long way didn't we mom?" And I loved it. He loved it. We made it. I still love the actual job, but for almost 2 years I've about forgotten what it was like to do it and love it.
On February 15th 2015 after fighting a fire in a hoarders residence, we were able to get the fire knocked down. During overhaul and removing everything from where the seed of the fire began, another firefighter and I were pulling down some kitchen cabinets. Suddenly the cabinets released from the wall falling down and directly towards my head knocking my head back as one would with a car head on collision. For months I couldn't lay flat or sit up straight. The pain was excruciating and never let up. All the doctors through workers comp. played it off as if I was over exaggerating, but sadly they didn't know me nor did they know that tears were something I rarely shed. That's been the complete opposite since then. The city's Insurance company, (Sedgwick) has a select few chosen doctors and is a system set up to save money, not protect the injured. There was not a single time either of the two doctors (orthopedic and neurosurgeon), physically examined me or acted concerned. Well, I should say that originally the orthopedic, I used to work for while beginning my EMT schooling, showed much concern stating he knew me and knew I had never complained of any other injury or problem. (He also did a complete ACL replacement where I worked so hard, I was back climbing ladders and fighting fires within 4 months. The orthopedic was concerned about the symptoms I was having. Numbness, eyes will cross on their own ever so often. I get tension migraines. No sensation to hot/cold on left arm. Zero grip strength. I broke everything we had in the kitchen and to wash my hair, I had to put the shampoo against the shower wall and push against it so I could get some on my hand. Dizziness that will make it seem like your drunk that lasts an hour or so. I'll be driving and although I've always been a great driver, I get worried about it sometimes. I feel real off. Tried painting the bathroom about a month ago. Before I finished, I had to yell for my husband. It's not uncommon for him to have to carry me to the bath, help me in bed and bring me my dinner. Anyways, getting back to the doctor, (my orthodontist) he thought he didn't believe I'd get better without surgery. Im sent to that neurosurgeon and am told nothing is wrong, the test didn't show anything yet that was contradicted by doctors I knew personally. The doctor never physically examined me yet his reports stated otherwise. He continued for months telling me that I was fine, although my physical state proved otherwise. The doctor stated I just had whiplash, gave me a little physical therapy in the beginning but it was impossible to get through. It was too soon and the pain was unbearable. In conversation with my neurosurgeon, I asked if he had read any of the reports from his physical therapist who actually did physically assess me and had they had some serious concerns also stating that they would be detailed as to their assessment of where I was at that time. When I asked and brought this to his attention, his reply was, "They all think they're doctors".
They are employed by that doctor and are within the same group and in the same building, yet he doesn't consider any of their reports of improvement or lack thereof into consideration regarding the treatment and my progress or degrees of current injury status. They all want to mind "what's the deal with the on the job injury, what's going on? Why is it taking so long? Is there a point in going to therapy if the doctor isn't interested in whether it works or not? We all know the financial reason for this treatment, (or a lack of treatment), being as it was Sedgwick, the city contracted insurance company, who has yet to show any positive relations and/or help with any employees of the city.
Given that short explanation (and yes, that's the short version), of how one is treated when you're injured on the job I'd like you to know one final statement. On my release/discharge papers from the doctor when he chose to end treatment. "Patient is still suffering pain from trauma, needs to continue care.... on own insurance".
No light duty with physical therapy to try again since months had passed and in which it could've been more tolerable at that point. Just thrown back into full duty fire fighting, given a big bottle of pain medications, a smile, a "I hope you get better", and then a nod towards the door. I requested a second opinion but was sent right back to the first doctor, the orthopedic. He reads the neurosurgeons report and says, "Rhiana, he's the specialist so if he says you're released, I'm not one to override that decision."
REALLY? THAT was my second opinion?
I had no sick time and still I'm being pushed all around to keep from them having to claim responsibility. I've lost precious time with my toddler I have, causing me to flashback to when I started and what I lost with my first son. Memories I was unable to make again. I've had an extreme drop in my credit rating, unable to even get a loan or a credit card to hell. I've suffered extreme mental health problems that began but I tried to keep hidden, my marriage is on the brinks of death, and several other things considered small and insignificant to others but not to me and my family. Everyone is suffering. My husband tries to work every Saturday but even now, I'm getting cut off notices. He's the only money being brought in. Then there is MY pay (which I haven't had in 14 months). I purchased my home and vehicle on my own credit. It is a beautiful home for my family in a great neighborhood. I had several thousand dollars in a savings account and it looked as if all the sacrifice and hard work given had paid off, until this neck injury. All this time I spent trying to be in the career I longed for. I finally had a dependable vehicle, a great daycare for my youngest son and thoughts of a first vacation with my family were almost beyond reach along with other memories I was looking forward to making considering the circumstances.
So, back to the situation, the doctor stating I could return to full duty, all the while stating I was still suffering pain and needed continued care, no light duty position was offered to me while trying physical therapy again.
I couldn't do anything but I could've done light duty at the time. I couldn't, however, even play in the snow with my youngest or play on the floor with him and he would say, "Mommy, when your neck is better, can you play with me again?" You have NO IDEA what that does to a mother. Especially with a child that will be her last. Two children. Two very important times lost with them.
I'm losing everything. Almost 15 months without pay and I'm forced to throw it all away because I'm still in pain and Im just another firefighter, not a person. Im a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister a mother, and a wife. But I've become a file on the bottom of a stack on someone's desk. I wonder, "Do they think I'd choose or even take a chance l to lose it all for a injury that doesn't exist? And would I throw away what I worked for while forever missing time with family I'll never get back?"
There's so much more to this story but it would be too much for anyone to wrap their heads around. There is not a person I know, after hearing the whole story, who isn't in shock and disbelief at how my situation has played out.
I am 4 mortgage payments behind and 4 car notes behind. I have creditors calling and honestly I didn't know my phone could ring that much without losing battery power within a few hours. They are trying to foreclose on my home and repossess my vehicle. My sons daycare has been very gracious knowing my situation, to continue and allow him to continue care although the out debt to them is in excess of $1,000.
This is the hardest, most embarrassing thing I've had to do. I refuse to admit defeat. I've always been the strong one who always found a way to get back on top. This time I can't. I've never said that. I can't. It still seems like I MUST be speaking of someone else. Physically, Emotionally, Financially I have nothing left. Ive lost my joy, hope, happiness, desire to enjoy a single thing I used to. I've never been where I couldn't still find something I could enjoy. This is an emotional trip New to me. I hate to say these words but, if by some grace of God, you would be willing to offer even a small amount of help, it would mean so much to me. My husband wasn't happy when he saw that I was going to try this, because we don't ask or borrow and it looked desperate, but hell, we are. I don't think it's anyone's responsibility though. It's not. It's the city's. But now it's become solely mine. Ive lost approximately $100,000 loss in pay, lost time on the job, vacation time, insurance, holiday pay, etc.. It has all been taken away but, thank God, my family. Unfortunately I'm unable to feed them well all the time, I've come up with some really odd dinners, but regardless we can not pay bills, do extra curricular activities and now of all times to still be in this shape, Christmas is a couple of weeks away. This is no pity party. It's very embarrassing. I just need to and owe everyone an explanation for my requests. My husbands mother was gracious enough to write a check for $300 so that each child, (my other son by a previous relationship included), could have $100 for Us to use for their Christmas. I hate this. Probably the hardest thing I've had to write. And Selfishly I feel I have no reason to complain given other family's positions and other little heartbreaks of children less fortunate. I just don't know what to do other than reach out. I'm trying everything I can even trying to sell items of ours. I was pleading to be given an accommodation by the city for light duty. It's been the only hope Ive had but almost to a point where I have to laugh, months later, I'm still waiting. An appeal has been filed but here I am with that, 2 weeks before Christmas and still not a glimmer. I've not lost my belief in Jesus Christ. I prayed and trusted his to guide me and asked that he HELL me through this terrible time. I trusted. I still do. Sometimes I do wonder, what kind of test could possible last a persons entire life?
I hold on and yet, Something else is always needed. Another signature from a doctor. A further more detailed response. Another reason explained. Another statement of my need for continued treatment after the day when I was originally released from OJI care.
You guys, y'all know me. This is not me. I've always been fulfilled by my relationships with my friends, although they may be fire of me always picking on them. Regardless, My smiles are forced. I look at the light in my children's eyes, their happiness, excitement and their joys, yet I'm not able to feel it in the joyous way I should be able to.
This sounds like such a sob story to even me, but I'm having to put my pride aside and ask, can anyone help me? Even if you can't, prayers are just as welcome. Thank you for even taking the time to read this during the very busy holiday season.
Bless you all.
Sincerely,
Rhiana Flanagan






I achieved it. Worked my tail off. Gave it my all. Never slacked. Never had anyone talk poorly of my work ethic. It still hurts that I did it alone but those memories with my oldest from then are gone and they aren't to the full amount a parent wants. But I did it for him and us. He was so proud. He'd say, "We made it a long way didn't we mom?" And I loved it. He loved it. We made it. I still love the actual job, but for almost 2 years I've about forgotten what it was like to do it and love it.
On February 15th 2015 after fighting a fire in a hoarders residence, we were able to get the fire knocked down. During overhaul and removing everything from where the seed of the fire began, another firefighter and I were pulling down some kitchen cabinets. Suddenly the cabinets released from the wall falling down and directly towards my head knocking my head back as one would with a car head on collision. For months I couldn't lay flat or sit up straight. The pain was excruciating and never let up. All the doctors through workers comp. played it off as if I was over exaggerating, but sadly they didn't know me nor did they know that tears were something I rarely shed. That's been the complete opposite since then. The city's Insurance company, (Sedgwick) has a select few chosen doctors and is a system set up to save money, not protect the injured. There was not a single time either of the two doctors (orthopedic and neurosurgeon), physically examined me or acted concerned. Well, I should say that originally the orthopedic, I used to work for while beginning my EMT schooling, showed much concern stating he knew me and knew I had never complained of any other injury or problem. (He also did a complete ACL replacement where I worked so hard, I was back climbing ladders and fighting fires within 4 months. The orthopedic was concerned about the symptoms I was having. Numbness, eyes will cross on their own ever so often. I get tension migraines. No sensation to hot/cold on left arm. Zero grip strength. I broke everything we had in the kitchen and to wash my hair, I had to put the shampoo against the shower wall and push against it so I could get some on my hand. Dizziness that will make it seem like your drunk that lasts an hour or so. I'll be driving and although I've always been a great driver, I get worried about it sometimes. I feel real off. Tried painting the bathroom about a month ago. Before I finished, I had to yell for my husband. It's not uncommon for him to have to carry me to the bath, help me in bed and bring me my dinner. Anyways, getting back to the doctor, (my orthodontist) he thought he didn't believe I'd get better without surgery. Im sent to that neurosurgeon and am told nothing is wrong, the test didn't show anything yet that was contradicted by doctors I knew personally. The doctor never physically examined me yet his reports stated otherwise. He continued for months telling me that I was fine, although my physical state proved otherwise. The doctor stated I just had whiplash, gave me a little physical therapy in the beginning but it was impossible to get through. It was too soon and the pain was unbearable. In conversation with my neurosurgeon, I asked if he had read any of the reports from his physical therapist who actually did physically assess me and had they had some serious concerns also stating that they would be detailed as to their assessment of where I was at that time. When I asked and brought this to his attention, his reply was, "They all think they're doctors".
They are employed by that doctor and are within the same group and in the same building, yet he doesn't consider any of their reports of improvement or lack thereof into consideration regarding the treatment and my progress or degrees of current injury status. They all want to mind "what's the deal with the on the job injury, what's going on? Why is it taking so long? Is there a point in going to therapy if the doctor isn't interested in whether it works or not? We all know the financial reason for this treatment, (or a lack of treatment), being as it was Sedgwick, the city contracted insurance company, who has yet to show any positive relations and/or help with any employees of the city.
Given that short explanation (and yes, that's the short version), of how one is treated when you're injured on the job I'd like you to know one final statement. On my release/discharge papers from the doctor when he chose to end treatment. "Patient is still suffering pain from trauma, needs to continue care.... on own insurance".
No light duty with physical therapy to try again since months had passed and in which it could've been more tolerable at that point. Just thrown back into full duty fire fighting, given a big bottle of pain medications, a smile, a "I hope you get better", and then a nod towards the door. I requested a second opinion but was sent right back to the first doctor, the orthopedic. He reads the neurosurgeons report and says, "Rhiana, he's the specialist so if he says you're released, I'm not one to override that decision."
REALLY? THAT was my second opinion?
I had no sick time and still I'm being pushed all around to keep from them having to claim responsibility. I've lost precious time with my toddler I have, causing me to flashback to when I started and what I lost with my first son. Memories I was unable to make again. I've had an extreme drop in my credit rating, unable to even get a loan or a credit card to hell. I've suffered extreme mental health problems that began but I tried to keep hidden, my marriage is on the brinks of death, and several other things considered small and insignificant to others but not to me and my family. Everyone is suffering. My husband tries to work every Saturday but even now, I'm getting cut off notices. He's the only money being brought in. Then there is MY pay (which I haven't had in 14 months). I purchased my home and vehicle on my own credit. It is a beautiful home for my family in a great neighborhood. I had several thousand dollars in a savings account and it looked as if all the sacrifice and hard work given had paid off, until this neck injury. All this time I spent trying to be in the career I longed for. I finally had a dependable vehicle, a great daycare for my youngest son and thoughts of a first vacation with my family were almost beyond reach along with other memories I was looking forward to making considering the circumstances.
So, back to the situation, the doctor stating I could return to full duty, all the while stating I was still suffering pain and needed continued care, no light duty position was offered to me while trying physical therapy again.
I couldn't do anything but I could've done light duty at the time. I couldn't, however, even play in the snow with my youngest or play on the floor with him and he would say, "Mommy, when your neck is better, can you play with me again?" You have NO IDEA what that does to a mother. Especially with a child that will be her last. Two children. Two very important times lost with them.
I'm losing everything. Almost 15 months without pay and I'm forced to throw it all away because I'm still in pain and Im just another firefighter, not a person. Im a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister a mother, and a wife. But I've become a file on the bottom of a stack on someone's desk. I wonder, "Do they think I'd choose or even take a chance l to lose it all for a injury that doesn't exist? And would I throw away what I worked for while forever missing time with family I'll never get back?"
There's so much more to this story but it would be too much for anyone to wrap their heads around. There is not a person I know, after hearing the whole story, who isn't in shock and disbelief at how my situation has played out.
I am 4 mortgage payments behind and 4 car notes behind. I have creditors calling and honestly I didn't know my phone could ring that much without losing battery power within a few hours. They are trying to foreclose on my home and repossess my vehicle. My sons daycare has been very gracious knowing my situation, to continue and allow him to continue care although the out debt to them is in excess of $1,000.
This is the hardest, most embarrassing thing I've had to do. I refuse to admit defeat. I've always been the strong one who always found a way to get back on top. This time I can't. I've never said that. I can't. It still seems like I MUST be speaking of someone else. Physically, Emotionally, Financially I have nothing left. Ive lost my joy, hope, happiness, desire to enjoy a single thing I used to. I've never been where I couldn't still find something I could enjoy. This is an emotional trip New to me. I hate to say these words but, if by some grace of God, you would be willing to offer even a small amount of help, it would mean so much to me. My husband wasn't happy when he saw that I was going to try this, because we don't ask or borrow and it looked desperate, but hell, we are. I don't think it's anyone's responsibility though. It's not. It's the city's. But now it's become solely mine. Ive lost approximately $100,000 loss in pay, lost time on the job, vacation time, insurance, holiday pay, etc.. It has all been taken away but, thank God, my family. Unfortunately I'm unable to feed them well all the time, I've come up with some really odd dinners, but regardless we can not pay bills, do extra curricular activities and now of all times to still be in this shape, Christmas is a couple of weeks away. This is no pity party. It's very embarrassing. I just need to and owe everyone an explanation for my requests. My husbands mother was gracious enough to write a check for $300 so that each child, (my other son by a previous relationship included), could have $100 for Us to use for their Christmas. I hate this. Probably the hardest thing I've had to write. And Selfishly I feel I have no reason to complain given other family's positions and other little heartbreaks of children less fortunate. I just don't know what to do other than reach out. I'm trying everything I can even trying to sell items of ours. I was pleading to be given an accommodation by the city for light duty. It's been the only hope Ive had but almost to a point where I have to laugh, months later, I'm still waiting. An appeal has been filed but here I am with that, 2 weeks before Christmas and still not a glimmer. I've not lost my belief in Jesus Christ. I prayed and trusted his to guide me and asked that he HELL me through this terrible time. I trusted. I still do. Sometimes I do wonder, what kind of test could possible last a persons entire life?
I hold on and yet, Something else is always needed. Another signature from a doctor. A further more detailed response. Another reason explained. Another statement of my need for continued treatment after the day when I was originally released from OJI care.
You guys, y'all know me. This is not me. I've always been fulfilled by my relationships with my friends, although they may be fire of me always picking on them. Regardless, My smiles are forced. I look at the light in my children's eyes, their happiness, excitement and their joys, yet I'm not able to feel it in the joyous way I should be able to.
This sounds like such a sob story to even me, but I'm having to put my pride aside and ask, can anyone help me? Even if you can't, prayers are just as welcome. Thank you for even taking the time to read this during the very busy holiday season.
Bless you all.
Sincerely,
Rhiana Flanagan
Organizer
Rhiana Flanagan
Organizer
Memphis, TN