Any nurses with fibromylagia or any other disability?

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Hello everyone! I am a 17 year old girl, and for as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a RN. I want to take care of people, and help them get better. It's the only job I can imagine myself working as and truly enjoying!

However, I do have fibromyalgia...I was diagnosed when I was 13. I was wondering if there are any nurses here who have fibro or any other disability where they deal with fatigue and pain? I think I'd be able to handle a 12 hour shift every other day(M-W-F), because generally if I push myself too hard my body needs about 1 or 2 days to recover...are RN's allowed to set their own schedules? Or should I just chuck the idea of being a nurse? Any tips are helpful...thank you! :D

Edit: I just want to say that there most likely will be times where I'll have to work holidays, weekends, night shifts, etc...which I don't really mind. It comes with the territory. I just wonder how I'd be able to physically handle it, and be at my best to take care of patients....

Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

Gabapentin is a wonderful thing. It took a few weeks, but I feel like a new person. Work is much better, thank goodness. I actually decided on a different career path. I wanted to do NP because it seemed like a safe choice, not necessarily because I wanted to be one. So things worked out for the best :) I'm happy with my decision and now I at least know there is a feasible treatment plan for me. I'm doing PT as needed, and I just need to accept that sometimes I won't be able to do the things I want. I think that's the key to successfully managing disability, regardless of your career choice. You learn to incorporate it into your life as something that is just a fact. I am left handed, I am tall, I am a kickass nurse, and I have fibro :) It's just part of me.

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Specializes in ICU.

I like Neurotin also. It helps with the nerve pain but I am also on an extended release narcotic. I don't ever have that "high" feeling because it is extended release. But it does help with the pain. For flare-ups though, nothing touches it. I try to watch what trigger a flare-up. For me it is lack of sleep, antibiotics, and prednisone. It is a catch 22 because sometimes I put off going to the doc when I have an infection so I don't get put on the antibiotics. I will not take a steroid unless I have no other choice. For the simple reason that nothing helps during a flare-up and it usually takes me three days or so before it's gone. I just have to suffer through it and smile. Even when I feel like I want to die. I let a sinus infection go and I ended up with a superinfection in my esophagus. I felt like someone was sitting on my chest and I couldn't swallow so eating and drinking were out. I got treated for all of it but I had to do clinical last week with a major flare-up and I was miserable all day. I just suck it up and keep going.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

I have fibro too. I didn't know it for years but was diagnosed this year. The pain and mind fog could be debilitating at times but I finally found a good doctor who supports my treatment plan and works with a holistic practitioner. I eat an anti-inflammation diet that has worked wonders to relieve most of my body pain without narcotic medication and feel better than I have in years. Also you need to make sure that you are getting good quality sleep and rest.

Hppy

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