Disk bulge, disk degeneration, and neuro foramina stenosis. Does it affect ICU nurses?

Published

Hi,

[COLOR=#000000]I would like to ask some recommendation from ICU nurses.. I was once an ICU nurse in another country and this month, I am now given an attractive job offer in Texas/ California. TN working visa for 3 years . I would like to grab the opportunity but then last 2014, I had an MRI and found neuroforaminal stenosis, disc bulge, with disk degeneration particularly affecting my lumbar area L4- L5 and cervical spine C3-C6. I have a small-built body. My doctor and physio would recommend me to shed some weight to relieve the back pain. I weigh about 59kg with 5'2 height. I thought this idea can help but in terms of deciding back to work, I would really like to work back in the the ICU again. But it seemed that my spine is hurting me, causing pins and needles over my left lower [/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]extremity.

I understand that the job in an ICU setting can be demanding especially when lifting and turning the patient every two hours. This time I am trying to do stretching exercises, swimming and getting back in shape but the lumbar pain aggravates whenever I carry something heavy over 1Liter in repetitions/successively.

I would appreciate ICU nurses advise who have probably undergone almost the same back issues. Should I not go with the job offer or shift career path? As of this time, I could not really find a better job except this one. I would like some enlightenment before i can finally decide.

Thank you so much for your time and help.

God bless[/COLOR]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

These are things you should be discussing with your healthcare provider. Only he or she has the medical records access and an ability to directly assess you and determine how this can affect your ability to work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks Rose_queen. My doctor have told me to keep out of the heavy lifting when it comes to work, though, she's not much of a talker so I went to another doctor and advised me that Im okay to work because Disc degeneration is just due to aging.. I am still not satisfied with how my doctors respond. Im still in my 30's and I could not believe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Will you be able to meet the physical requirements for the job? Nurses are at high risk for overexertion injury from manual lifting, moving and repositioning of patients. Given your pre-existing condition, do you understand the implications if you suffer additional back injury?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Yes, please definitely run past all of your concerns and questions by your Healthcare Provider even if you get another opinion.

Per TOS, we cannot provide the medical advice you seek.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion