California  |  Workers Comp

I have just received my QME report which says 10% impairment. Im a RN and can no longer do bedside nursing. I have Broad based disc protrusion L4-L5 which encroaches on right L5 nerve and results in right neural foraminal narrowing. A left lateral disc protrusion present in L5-S1 resulting in mod-severe neural foraminal narrowing. I am restricted to 3 days a week 8hr shifts but yet I only get 10%. I worked 3-12hr shifts at time of injury. My pain is significant enough that I take 4-6 norco a day. 1 kadian 20mg and 1/2 tab ambien to sleep. I would not get out of bed if if wasnt for pain management. Yet the QME recommends no opiates. This has been going on for 3 yrs now and I am having to collect state disability. I do work at a clinic on call a couple days a month. I will have to return to school to get a B.S degree so I can get a job in case management or simular. My job opportunities have decreased dramatically since I am restricted to no more then 20lbs lifting. Does this sound like a fair rating? Thank you