Begining to feel like I will never be able to return to nursing

Published

Specializes in Oncology (OCN).

I am beyond frustrated and really just need to vent. I have been on disability since March 2008 due to RSD/CRPS. It has always been my desire to return to nursing as I was only 40 when I had to leave my career. In Dec 2013 I started a new treatment option (high dose ketamine infusions) that has dramatically changed my quality of life. It has been a long process but I have slowly regained the use of my arms, have almost complete range of motion in both shoulders and have close to normal strength now. Although I still deal with chronic pain, I am no longer taking daily, high dose opioids that once ruled my life. I finally had reached the point where I was going to be able to take a nurse refresher course necessary to renew my RN license. (I had placed my license on inactive status in 2010 when it became clear that I wasn't going to be able to return to nursing.) I originally was going to start the course June 1 but due to my husband's job we are facing a move in July so it became necessary to push that back to late August. I was okay with that.

Well, ten days ago I suffered a major set back. I have a broad displaced fracture of the tibial plateau in my left leg. I also fractured the fibula. I wish I could say I was doing something fun and exciting like sky diving but I simply stood up and felt my left knee buckle. I did go to the ground but did not fall. Initially the ortho thought my bones must be osteopenic due to steroid use however bone scans came back normal so who knows what has caused this. RSD/CRPS can cause bone changes but usually it is in the areas affected and my RSD is in my upper body. Anyway, the recovery is going to be a slow, painful process. I am currently in a Bledsoe brace completely straight, non weight bearing for 6 weeks. Then they will slowly adjust the brace to allow for ROM and I'll be on a walker for 3 months and walk with a limp for at least 6 months. The orthopedic surgeon said to plan for a good year of therapy.

So much for that refresher course and returning to work. I'm begining to think it is just an unrealistic dream at this point.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I feel your pain and I'm very sorry to hear about this recent injury. I took suffer from RSD in my BLE and lumbar area. I also have moderate to severe RA to just about every joint in my body. I'm only 40. I had to leave nursing in 2011. The ups and downs of RSD are so very frustrating. Every time we start a new treatment, I have high hopes of relief, that relief never comes. I to so badly want to go back into nursing. But after 3 years of intensive aggressive treatments and the advice of my doctor, I am applying for disability. The application process is a beast itself. I just recently retained an attorney, he feels he can win my case.

I am very sorry you had this set back. Be positive, maybe once this new injury heals, you will be able to take that refresher coorifice and get back into nursing.

I have wanted to start a thread pertaining to nurses with RSD, but haven't due to fear of no response. One of these days I will. I just keep going through old threads, hoping to gain some insight.

I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

Peace MM

MissyRN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So sorry to hear of your setback. Could you possibly prepare for some kind of telephonic advice nurse role that you could accomplish from your home? I saw ads placed by one of the major insurance companies one time that was for some kind of telephone work regarding appeals/eligibility that required an RN license. If you could identify such a position, it would give you a goal to work toward that involves keeping your nursing license active. Just a thought. Best wishes for a successful recovery.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I have wanted to start a thread pertaining to nurses with RSD, but haven't due to fear of no response.

Why?

I am a nurse with CRPS from traumatic injuries and have slowly returned to full-time work; I'm sure people would've responded; I know I would have. :yes:

OP, sometimes a setback is a setup for a comeback-take care of your health, then do a refresher course next year-it will be there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

It's hard to not feel useful anymore. I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2001 and it controlled my life for almost 10 years. I ended up ondisability back in 2009 because it looked like I was never going to be able to return to the workforce. I had a very bad seizure in 2009 in which I ended up in the hospital for three months due to blood clots and a bunch of other injuries from the seizure. I spent more time in the hospital from 09-11 than I did at home. My health was a mess. I also have fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed with that at the age of 15 and the pain can be unbearable some days.

I worked hard though and never gave up. I found the right mix of physicians who helped me adjust all of my meds and I am happy to say I have been seizure free for a long time now and I have my pain manageable. But, it took me years and years to get there and to realize that I have to take care of myself first. I think that is what you need to do. I know it is hard to see now, but there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I know it's easier said than done to keep your chin up and keep trucking along, but if you start to get really down and out and depressed, it will take you longer to heal. I fully believe stress and depression kill your body and immune system and it gets harder and harder to get better. Then you say to yourself, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired all of the time!!!

Get yourself back to 100% first and foremost. I like what the PP said about trying where you can work from home until then. At least it will keep your license active and give you something to look forward to and feeling useful again. That was the hardest part for me, was just feeling like you were shoved in the corner for something you didn't want to begin with.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I Too Have Been Out of Work Since 2010 it has been a nightmare. I had a ankle injury and the Health Care I got was so unbelievable mucked up, no one would believe the hell I been through except few nurse friends that witnessed my ordeal. I finally applied for disability 2013 denied, appeal denied. Now Starting new case and I was suppose to have forms filled out in nov 2015 i'm still working on them. I finally started watching youtube videos from lawyers giving helpful tips. Which is do paperwork and forms asap etc.....if I could do all this crap that ssdi wants then I could be working!!! Mental Status was Normal but these last 2 or more years I am so depressed I cannot function normal basic need to manage my home! I can't afford to see another Doctor for mental issues because they don't help and from my experience with this ordeal I found Doctors tell you how bad your injury is and never be normal but fail to write it in my notes....I can't even finish texting this because of the hell I been through I have panic attacks going in stores. I'm single parent, lost my home, lost my independence lost my pride and now losing my mind.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

I have wanted to start a thread pertaining to nurses with RSD, but haven't due to fear of no response. One of these days I will. I just keep going through old threads, hopin

Start it

I'm another nurse that suffered thru RSD

I'll respond

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have crps/rsd on my right arms from a patient falling and it was a choice of her cracking her head open or me attempting to ease her to the ground.

This is hell.

I am in nursing school? So far able to maintain nursing school, I begged the dr to take me off restrictions. I got offered a job as a CNA on a cardiac unit and they had to rescind their offer based on workmans comp notes, and the fact that they think it's not safe for me to work. I'm super depressed, I picked up a job in admissions. It's just not the same.

The only reason they found out was because when I did me pre employment physical and I ticked the yes box for filing a workmans comp claim. Worst mistake of my life!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

I suffered with RSD for about 18 months of my life after a traumatic injury obtained in a car crash. The worst 18 months of my life.

Thank God i had a orthpedic surgeon that recognized it almost immediately. I got treatment from a pain specialist during that time period-- multiple nerve blocks. Today, I don't have any ill effects. Other than horrible memories

When i read about people sufferring for years, it makes me shudder for what could have been. You have my sympathy/empathy and my heartfelt wishes for a total recovery.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion