Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia

HouseWifenpa · Dec 9, 2008

I'm sorry that you have Fibromyalgia. Just know that you are not alone. I have Fibromyalgia and Lupus. Right now I am studying for the TEAS exam for a part-time LPN program. My rheumatologist told me that many people with these and simular conditons become nurses. However, it can be very difficult. People have different severities of the illness, so each person's abilities are different. Have you completed any other pre-requisites ? How have you done with them ? Are you planning to go to school full-time or part-time ? Are you going to work while going to school? Where are you from ? Would love to chat more. Good Luck!

mommalisafc · Dec 9, 2008

I haven't started school yet. I am self employed and will be working part time while I am going to school part time. I am supposed to start school part time next month and full time in the fall. I have pretty severe symptoms and I worry that I won't have the strength needed for the job. I have really bad RLS and weakness and fatigue plus my eyesight is getting worse. I know that meds can help with these symptoms but I am wondering if it is even worth it because I don't want to be on meds all the time. I am just confused what to do. I would like to talk to you more about it also. I live in East TN. Thanks for your reply.

HouseWifenpa · Dec 10, 2008

I am sorry to hear about all of your symptoms. I have a lot of joint pain, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. I can never seem to get everything done that I want to do. Have you taken any less demanding prerequisites yet like English ? If so, how did you do ? Do you have to go full time in the fall or does your school offer a part-time program ? Are you going for LPN, ADN, or BSN ? I know how you feel about meds, but maybe you could reconsider just to get through school. Do you like your job now ? If so, after you are a nurse is it possible for you to get that job part-time and do nursing part-time ? You should also check out books and web-sites for nurses with disabilities. Hope to hear back from you soon. I'm in PA, too bad you don't live closer.

mommalisafc · Dec 10, 2008

I am in TN and it is not required to have pre requisites to become an LPN although I do already have them. I work for my family so part time is definitely an option for work but the school only offers full time in the fall which is 7 hours per day. I will consider using meds also. I am still waiting to hear back from my instructor to see what she thinks too. Thanks for your comment!

HouseWifenpa · Dec 11, 2008

I do not need pre-requesites for LPN either. But, if I get accepted to the program starting in June, I will be brushing up on my sciences from January until May. It should definately help you that you already took prerequisites. Did you take then for preparation for the LPN program or to eventually become an RN ? Hopefully your school has supportive teachers. If you need to take a medical leave of absence, will your school allow you back into the program ? Also, what entrance exam does your school require ? My school has a fullt-time program too, but I decided to do the part-time, which will still be hard for me b/c when clinicals are held they are 8.5 hours. I dont usually stay awake that long at a time, if I do, I'm very tired. I am trying to get myself on a regular routine, to see if I can stay awake for that long. Do you have a regular routine ? Please let me know what happens with your instructor.