Any other students with special health considerations?

[cara922]

Hi all - I am a nursing student, finishing my last pre req this spring. I should have graduated by now, but back in feb 2006, I came down with guillain barre syndrome. for those that dont know what this is, it happens after an illness, sometimes a vaccine, your immune system goes haywire and attacks peripheral nerves. I ended up in the hospital for two weeks, including icu, as the breathing nerves are not spared. I dodged the ventilator though, as my right side was a little stronger than the left. Anyway, I cannot have a flu shot, as a nurse. And I am nervous as hell about any vaccine now. Is there anyone else out there in the same boat?

[sproeber89]

My friend was actually told she cannot be a nurse at all because of health reasons, she has mixed connective tissue disorder which is lupus, arthritis, polymyotitis, and scheleroderma she also has dysautomia, so basically her system is attacking her, she's 18 and most people affected with this are in their 40's/50's or older.

[cara922]

My heart goes out to her. I am familiar with those autoimmune diseases. I am lucky in the sense that mine was considered an acute condition, which unfortunately took two years for full recovery. I have received clearances from my neuro and other doctors.

[sh1901]

I have rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, it is not a severe case, and I've had it since I was 3, so I am more than a pro and knowing my own limitations and managing my symptoms. I don't really have any special considerations, and I do get a flu vaccination each year being autoimmune. I would suggest talking to your doctor about your concerns and whether or not he feels that your situation would limit you in becoming a nurse.