Nursing and Fibromyalgia

hayesd166 · May 30, 2011

I'm sort of scared to comment on this, because I was going to be the one asking the question. I'm 49 years old this year and have worked at a desk job in the insurance industry for almost 30 years. I did that kind of work because it was the only thing I've known since I was 18 years old AND it helped me support my two children. When I was in my thirties, I started to feel bad quiet a lot. I was exhausted and had total body aches all over, but it was more sporadic. I think it is worse with stress. The last 3 years have been pretty rough. I fell horrible most of the time. I'm hoping that by switiching to the career I've always wanted, some of the stress will be relieved, and therefore some of the symptoms will be relived. I went thru 1.5 years where all I could manage to do is show up at my desk, work all day (probably not very productively), go home and go straight to bed. I stopped having any life other than work and bed. It was very difficult. I tried lyrica, at first I think it helped, but after a while it really made my brain feel strange and foggy. I see a rheumatologist who currently has me on Tramadol, muscle relaxers and I am own antidepressants, as well as xanax, as needed. I HATE taking all these meds, but have no choice if I want to make it thru the day. I recently quit my job in the insurance industry to focus on getting well, or at least feeling better. After that, I want to become a nurse. I'm just concerned that I could never do the floor nursing with 12 hour shifts. I'm worn out after going to the store. I love talking to and helping others. Empathy is my strongest attribute, and I really would like to interact directly with patients to assess and assist with their needs. I've recently reapplied to colloge to start my classes for nursing. Does anyone have suggestions as to possible specialty jobs or any nursing job where I can help others, but not have the grind of a 12 hour shift? I'm so afraid of failure. At 49 years old in the insurance industry, you are pretty much washed up. I'm divorced, with no savings and need to be able to continue supporting myself. HELP!!!

virgo,student nurse, CNA · May 30, 2011

Hello, I did not have a chance to read through all the posts, so please forgive me if I say something that someone has already said. I was diagnosed with fibro when I was 25 yrs old, after numerous tests had been run. I have tried Lyrica and it works, but I gained alot of weight so I had my dose adjusted. I also notice that if I don't sleep well, it triggers alot of pain and discomfort the next day, and the discomfort can last for weeks.

I go to the gym twice a week at least, and that has helped alot. Please don't get feel like you are the only one out there. U are not. You may have to try a few medications until you get it right. There are doctors and others who will take you seriously.

:heartbeat

Moogie · Jun 5, 2011

Haysed166, I don't want to give you false hope because nursing school can be physically and emotionally demanding, but yes, I think it is possible to have a career as a nurse even if you have fibromyalgia. As an LPN or LVN, you could do office work. (It seems, at least in my area, that more offices and clinics hire LPNs than RNs.) If you're thinking about becoming an RN, a BSN will give you more job flexibility than an ADN or a diploma. You could do case management or public health. You could also use your insurance company background and work as a nurse (RN or LPN) at an insurance company. I also have heard some nurses say that hospice is a little less physically demanding, although it can be emotionally challenging at times.

Virgo, I would like to hear more about your experiences as a student. Do you have any particular challenges in completing your clinicals?

I can't do 12 hour shifts. The pain and fatigue are too much and medications did not work. I had terrible side effects from everything. I find that my fibro flares when the weather changes, especially when it gets colder, and when I am stressed. I am still learning how to better control my stress but having fibro has helped me to understand that I need to take care of myself.

virgo,student nurse, CNA · Jun 5, 2011

Hi Moogie,

I am currently doing basic classes right now, no clinicals. I do have my CNA and work per diem. I have found that after alot of lifting and tugging all day, my body is too through. I often have to space out the days I do per diem. Lately, I have only been working once a month, and honestly this seems to be alot for my body. I also work full time with developmental adults.

I have gone back to my Dr. who has helped me "get a grip" of my symptoms. I now take flexeril, and elavil at night. I have noticed an improvement in how I feel. I hope everyone that has this disorder, or any disorder can find someone who will listen. It is not all in your "head" THE PAIN IS REAL. :redpinkhe

Moogie · Jun 6, 2011

Virgo, thanks for your response. I've had symptoms for years but wasn't diagnosed until two years ago. I taught clinicals for a while and always felt fatigued. The work wasn't terribly physical---I wasn't giving bed baths or moving patients---but I was constantly on the run trying to catch up to my students. It was also hard to wake up in the morning. I always felt like I was dragging and didn't get enough sleep.

I think I would be okay teaching evening clinicals but not days. Days are hard for me because of the fatigue.

SpEdtacular, MSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 11, 2011

Neither Lyrica or Ultram are narcotics...both do have side effects, which need to be watched for. My experience with Lyrica is to start out with the lowest dose possible, see how it effects you.....Even with the right meds, floor nursing may no longer be an option, if you can't control the symptoms of FM....

Lyrica isn't an opiate but in my experience it is a controlled substance

futurenicunurse2008 · Sep 10, 2011

I am right there with you after years of being told i was "depressed" I finally had a doc suggest FM. nsaids and alternative medicine is how I treat there are days I hurt so bad I can barely move. it sux ((hugs))

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 13, 2011

Lyrica isn't an opiate but in my experience it is a controlled substance

Nope. Plain old prescription med :)

http://www.lyrica.com/Default.aspx?source=msn&HBX_PK=s_+lyrica&HBX_OU=52&o=23085594%7C166163649%7C0&skwid=43100000376936825

morte, LPN, LVN · Sep 13, 2011

Nope. Plain old prescription med :)
http://www.lyrica.com/Default.aspx?source=msn&HBX_PK=s_+lyrica&HBX_OU=52&o=23085594%7C166163649%7C0&skwid=43100000376936825

http://www.mmm-online.com/lyrica-launches-with-professional-education-push/article/22945/

It is in the "narc" drawer of every place i work.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 14, 2011

http://www.mmm-online.com/lyrica-launches-with-professional-education-push/article/22945/
It is in the "narc" drawer of every place i work.

I guess it depends on the facility. I had one place lock up Phenergan, and others that let Xanax, Klonopin, etc lie around in drawers.. :)

morte, LPN, LVN · Sep 14, 2011

I guess it depends on the facility. I had one place lock up Phenergan, and others that let Xanax, Klonopin, etc lie around in drawers.. :)

hmm strange, never saw any of those purposefully outside the narc drawer, and per the link it is schedule "5".

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 15, 2011

hmm strange, never saw any of those purposefully outside the narc drawer, and per the link it is schedule "5".

Yeah, I saw that. :) Guess it depends on the facility. I was in TX when I was in different places that did and did not lock up Phenergan, and benzos.