Back injury at work

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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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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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!!!!:loveya:

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Specializes in OB/GYN/Neonatal/Office/Geriatric.

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...

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