Good Morning. Please can you offer your opinions on this case I am finding quite difficult. A 52 year old gentleman works in as a production op in meat factory.He is a poor historian. Reports that an MRI scan confirmed multiple slipped discs and arthritic spine - He states that nothing can be done but has been referrred to pain management. The specialist advised morphine patches but his GP has stated that he is too young for these and has presribed gabapentin with positive results. He was complaining of 11/10 pain and I advised him to refrain from work and see his GP. The GP placed him on sick leave and then stated 2 weeks lated he could be placed in an adapted role. I recommended that he was not placed in a role where he was standing in one position as this reportedly exacerbated his condition. A role was found for him and I undertook a work place assessment. The new role involved him lifting 25kg meat trays repeatedly. I watched him slide the meat trays to the end of the line and swing them to the large dolavs to transfer the contents. I asked him why he did not pick up with both hands and he said it was heavy for him and easier to do it this way. I was concerned that this was not safe and if he was having difficulty he shoud not be lifitng it.The Business could not accomodate him in any othe role and so he remains off work. He is being paid whilst waiting for a GP report. He has only seen a pain speciaist and this speciaist states he does not write reports. The gentleman states that he is fit to work and should be allowed to. He says even though he expereinces 11/10 pain and walks with a limp due to the pain it shoudl be his decision. I have said that I need further advice as I feel that work would be exacerbating his condition if he continued to lift the 25kg repeatedly. He is a very difficult patient and has fallen out with 4 of his doctors. He has also contradicted what he has told me although i have written the information down and he has agreed for management to be advised. I get a bit warey when the patient impplies that I am lying and so would prefer this gentleman was seen by an OHP. I also feel that if he is seen before the GP report is recieved that the OHP will not have the full information. The GP report is likely to take another 4 weeks ( if all goes well)
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