[sharona97]

God Bless Ya! Doesn't this forum give you hope? I love it and I too have some of the same fears of being able to continue the pace and skill I once had 6 years ago. I was a leader in my clinic and in my heart and the compassion and will power are still there. Hank in there, there are many areas of nursing for us and our experience. And I thank all nurses who have responded with recommendations and links. Brian you are awesome.

[cherokeesummer]

Hi everyone, I'm Amy, just graduated from nursing school and just got my license to practice! Yay! I'm to start working as a NICU RN in two weeks.

I have a few things going on medical wise and this forum will hopefully help me adjust to that and a career.

I have had Type I juvenille onset Diabetes since age 12, 18 years now. I'm going through a rough patch right now trying to balance my basal rates. It's a work in progress and I'm hoping being on the go alot with nursing will make it a bit easier to manage.

I also have recently been diagnosed with "undifferentiated connective tissue disease" which they are treating kind of like "pre-lupus" don't know if that makes sense. I have really bad arthralgia, a positive ANA and some other issues - soreness and bruising, etc. I am on tramadol for pain but the doctor wanted to give me plaquenil but b/c of the possible effects to eyes I can't take it (I have some mild eye issues in one eye so we don't want it to get worse). I'm going to see a new rheum. next week in hopes to find some better/aggressive treatment as right now I just hurt all the time, even with tramadol. I've used other pain meds (vicodin, etc.) for the pain but the effects are pretty much the same as tramadol so I figured I'd stay on the tramadol as its a bit less severe of a drug.

Anyway, I'm really praying that I can be a great nurse even with all of this going on. I'm 30 years young and I want to enjoy a long career!

[sharona97]

Here's to a long active career! Congratulations on the job!

[twix122]

Hello,
I am a new graduate of nursing school preparing to take my boards.
I was dx about a year ago with rheumatoid arthritis. I'm so scared of what is to become of me, and me dreams of being a nurse. I often wonder long I'm going to be able to do floor nursing. I'm in pain alot even though I take my meds, and most of the time I need a nap in the middle of the day. I dont plan on telling anyone at the job I have lined up for me. But I know someone will catch me limping or something and ask. I hope I can get some support from you guys. I love this site and all the support you show each other. I'm glad I found it.

[sharona97]

Sounds like you want to do the best you can and that makes a difference ! Keep the faith!

[nurse2b2010]

Originally Posted by sharona97

Hi,

What is the name of your boook? I am interested in the read. Thanks!!!

Sharona97

Yes, Fran -- what is the name of your book as I would like to read also.

[lujological]

hi brian and staff-thanks for the email when i had not visited for awhile(some mild health isssues-getting tested and still working)THRILLED when i came on and saw the nurses with disabilities thread.I have diabetes and hypertension but have several friends who are nurses with more serious disabilities and you can bet your bottom dollar (as they saw)i will be telling them about this site!!thanks for thinking of us

[daddysfatty]

I am a seasoned RN down with my 3rd back injury, all of which included sciatica. I am on Workers Comp. at this time and I am waiting for back surgery. I know I cannot work on the floor any longer, so I decided to go back to school to get my BSN and maybe more. That way, when I am recovered physically, I can pursue a less physical avenue in nursing. I hope to specialize in hospice and palliative care.

[webbiedebbie]

I am also glad for this thread. I have not had anything major diagnosed but I have had quite a few medical problems during my nursing career which made it difficult for me to work. At one point, I worked transcription because it was less stress on my body. Once I had surgery, I was able to return to nursing.

daddysfatty...what a wonderful idea to continue your education! I'm currently working a position where I can sit and still use my critical thinking skills with patients. Have thought about possibly studying forensic nursing.

I am wishing everyone here a wonderful new year and may it be a little less painful.

[wilbur's mom]

Hi! Twix, and everyone,
Please don't despair and good luck with your boards! The opportunities in nursing for people with disability are awesome. You will find your place. I was an ICU nurse for over 20 yrs. and now do classroom teaching. I have Lupus, and would like to share two important things I learned the hard way. One: I must get adequate rest, and if that means I MUST decide that I can do that, or that, but not that..... I have to. Two: I share openly, at appropriate times, that I have Lupus. The disease does not define me, but it does define what I can do. Or not. I stumble and lurch into walls alot, and fall on occasion, and would absolutely hate to have someone think I had a drug or substance abuse problem. I have found that on all the nurse teams I worked, we inevitably shared personal details and life issues. Nurses are genetically programmed that way, I think. But say only what is comfortable for you. sue