Ankylosing Spondylitis (Bekhterevs) and Nursing

Published

hi everyone :)

are there any nurses here with ankylosing spondylitis?

i'm just curious as to how the opportunity is to get a job as a bsn in the us with that disease? can it be difficult because of the bad periodes this disease carries?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Interventional Cardiology, MICU.

I have ankylosing Spondylitis.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Cardiolyte! Im 26 years old from Canada. its my last year of BS nursing.Then recently I have sacroiliitis and positive HLa b27. I am waiting for my Rheumatologist referral. But my doctor said it is Ankylosing spondylitis. i just want to ask how is it?im getting so anxious about it. I dont know if I can still pursue Nursing with my illness. or if I graduated if I can get a job with this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Interventional Cardiology, MICU.

Hi Hilda,

I work as a nurse in a MICU with 23 beds, fast turn over of pt's. Just this week I have begun Humera. It is worrisome. We are exposed to everything in my unit, and sometimes are unaware of the exposure for a day or two.

I also just ordered a lumbar brace. I haven't received it yet so I don't know if it will help my lower back pain.

On 7/23 I sustained a spontaneous fracture at my heel. I am in a walking boot and on FMLA. This past year has been my first issues with Ankylosing Spondylitis and my work as a nurse in the unit.

I do not have my BSN. I'm glad to see that you are finishing yours. There are many more job opportunities for a BSN. At my age I don't think it would benefit me...

I was diagnosed with AS 20+ years ago. Have taken all of the NSAIDS with one GIB.

Best of luck to you!

PSM/RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg Tele.

I have ankylosing spondylitis. Yes, it can be difficult especially if you are not on anti-TNF drugs like enbrel or humira. I'm on enbrel injections weekly and it really helps. I don't have many problems anymore but I do have the occasional flare up so I had my rheumatologist approve me to take FMLA breaks during these flare ups. FMLA is a protection provided by the government. It helps protect your job. I was approved to take 2-3 days of leave 3 times per year. If I need more, I have to get it approved by my rheumatologist. I've only ever used it once but it is really nice to have. For the most part, I feel pretty good. I take enbrel 50mg SQ x 1 weekly, effexor 75mg BID (fibromyalgia), zanaflex 2mg QID PRN, naproxen 500mg BID, neurontin 300mg BID, tylenol 500mg QID PRN, and norco 5/325 QID PRN (not while working). Between all these medications I am able to work like any normal person.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi everyone.

I do not have this disability (I have POTS) but I want to let you know that the great thing about nursing is the flexibility of different positions and specialties. There are specialties in things I've never heard of. Keep fighting. You are not necessarily stuck with only hospital positions. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

as ankylosing spondylitis is a disease which can be very dangerous as it can make bone to break easily specially of spine and it also precipitates in pulmonary disorders

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion