Back injury at work

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  1. This is a discussion on Back injury at work in Nurses With Disabilities, part of General Nursing ... Ok so what nurse does not have some back pain, right? Well that was me, and then last June while...

    by Jul 7, '12
    Ok so what nurse does not have some back pain, right? Well that was me, and then last June while working on a very heavy med-surg unit, I caught a pt, and prevented him from falling. I held him in a hunched over position until help could come. I have been out of work since. I underwent a laminectomy in Oct 2011. Got fired in January because I was not cleared to return to work, and now A fusion of L5-S1 is needed to eliminate numbness, tingling, and pain. I am very anxious about what my nursing future may hold and wonder when I will be able to return to work. Has anyone suffered or know anyone who has also experienced anything like this?
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    by japomeroy67 Jul 7, '12 12:23 pm
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  3. 2 Comments so far...

  4. Asst. Admin
    Jul 7, '12 by
    although we cannot offer medical advice...i can give you a personal story.

    i was lifting a patient with a "hoyer" lift (hydrolic) and the weld holding the patient broke. i grabbed him out of thin air and pulled him onto the bed. i couldn't straighten up and was taken to the er. i was 18 years old and 6 months out of school. i had a laminectomy of l3,4,5, and s1 with a fusion. i have been a bedside nurse for 34 years even though i have recently been diagnosed with an inflammatory form of md and i am not working right now.

    i have back pain every day and there are some days worse than others. i have learned to live with pain on anti-inflammatory meds, heating pads (my favourite is a heated recliner that massages my back), and ice packs. i have learned to be careful. i kept my back strong by swimming and core strengthening exercise.

    your career is not over.....follow you pcp/surgeons advice. learn good body mechanics.

    i wish you the best!!!!
    DSkelton711 and VivaLasViejas like this.
  5. Aug 4, '12 by
    Whhile I won't go into my horror story I will tell you that there are opportunities for employment for those with pain issues. It may take time and maintaining motivation, but they are there. I wish you all the best. I love the advice from the previous poster about keeping yourself strong through exercise. know your limitations and care for yourself as much as possible...