Need input and someone to talk to

altomga, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN · Jun 26, 2003

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS&PRAYERS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I am again not a person with any words of wisdom...just that we are here for you...anytime you need to vent (*&tch) we will listen. Glad to hear you are going to a support group. No one will understand what it is like unless they have MS also.

Hang in there....:)

mattsmom81 · Jun 26, 2003

I'm hoping this tough time will pass quickly for you and am sending warm wishes to you through cyberspace!

My BIL has MS and he can only tolerate the support groups so much, as he becomes anxious and worried; feels it is self defeating for him personally. He needs to stay upbeat and avoid commisserating with other MS patients. Just one story...he has only had one flare and is back in remission. Had to stop his 2nd job doing construction projects...he was tripping on roofs, etc. His FT job in sales works OK for him for now.

I know several nurses with MS who are doing well...the flareups of course put them out of commission awhile too....they are troopers. They work agency now so they can get more bang for their buck and completely control their own schedule. :)

Take care of yourself and do what's best for YOU. Chronic diseases are a challenge, but new therapies are emerging every day! (((HUGS)))

The idea of putting together a book for your unit is a great one...I kept my brain busy during a postop recovery period by doing a crash course orientation manual for new PCU employees, and also included unit specific drips, policies, etc. My boss liked it so much she paid me for my time...although I would have done it for free, as it was good for me. :)

Good_Queen_Bess · Jun 27, 2003

A friend of mine has MS. She still works as a nurse (in mental health), although she has more than an average amount of sick days, she still works hard. I work in neurology and see many patients with varying degrees of MS.

You will have ups and downs with your condition, make sure you get plenty of rest as over-tiredness can be one of the causes of a relapse. Do you have an MS specialist support nurse? Depression is common in MS, and having the MS nurse to talk to would be valuable as she/he would understand your needs.

4 U!>>>>>>>>>>>

toolong · Jun 27, 2003

Nightshift nurse, it was so ... almost surreal and disorienting to get on this sight and the first thing I saw was your message! Earlier that day I had an appt. with a neurologist to check out my longstanding fatigue, disequilibrium, eye problems (two bouts in twenty years of optic neuritis, one with permanent loss of some of the nerve). On the way home, after a normal exam but a warning that that may mean nothing, and an MRI this coming Monday, I did get scared. Thinking about being alone, 2000 miles from my family, in a job that I hope to leave in 2 yrs., etc etc etc and how I'd be trapped here for the insurance! That's even scarier than the thought of having loss of function to me. Whew! I've calmed down some but it's still a sobering week.

I can't even imagine what you're going through and I hope that you have support that really means something. The drugs nowadays (I've been combing the internet the last few nights) are expensive but an incredible advance in treatment that truly affects outcomes. That wasn't even a possibilty when I took care of my first MS patients. If all else fails I hope that you (and me if I'm in your place) can use it as an opportunity to do some deep and valuable work.

Sable's mom · Jun 27, 2003

niteshiftnurse,

My hubby was dx with MS about 6 months ago, my sister 15 years ago - so you are in my thoughts.

2 suggestions - learn everything you can about treatment options (ms society site is great) and find a support system - whether it's friends, ms support group, family, whatever - but develop a strong support system!!

Linda

PS Lexapro is a new antidepressant, seems to work great for ms/interferon depression.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jun 27, 2003

My dear MIL has dx with MS at 28, had my husband at age 30, blind and paralyzed one side in mid 40's, with Prednisone went into remision to graduate as LPN at age 53 and work for 10 years!

She made one of the best nurses as had been thru the healthare system and her experiences helped many individuals to adapt to their life. Several posters can offer you advice as have MS or their spouses do. Contact Jenny P --has been helping her husband for years per writings here. Search here for MS to learn from others stories.

((((((HUGS)))) )) Metallic taste of Solu Medrol can not be disguised. Many of my homecare patients just drank milkshakes during course of TX as nothing tasted right and only thing they could tolerate.

wishing you better days ahead

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jun 27, 2003

((((((niteshiftnurse)))) )) Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. Can only imagine what you are going through. Just know that we care. One of my former nursing professors has MS and she is quite an inspiration. She is very open and transparent about her struggles, is still teaching at the university, and seems to be functioning well. PM me and I will give you her business email if you would like to get in touch with her.

MelRN13 · Jun 28, 2003

niteshiftnurse,

I send my prayers your way. I have worked with MS pts, and my suggestion is to learn everything you possibly can about the disease. If you ever need anyone to talk to, pm me or email me at [email protected]

(((((hugs)))))

Melissa

niteshiftnurse · Jul 1, 2003

Thank you for all your warm hearted replies. I still haven't gone back to work yet but might try for saturday. Will keep you posted as to what is going on. I can honestly say I have never met a better bunch of people that all you folks here

redwinggirlie · Jul 1, 2003

Know that there's a whole bunch of people here for you. We are and will be. You're in my prayers. Come here often, send a private message if you'd like. It's always good to make a new friend. Take care....