Dropping out of Nursing School.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I'm so sad. So very sad.

I've been diagnosed with Addison's Disease and I'm starting to doubt my ability to finish my nursing program. I'm tired. I'm anxious. I'm weak. I'm nauseous. I'm running on 4 hours of sleep a night, thanks to insomnia. And I'm seriously dreading 12 hours of clinicals. I also have this crazy startle reflex right now every time something minor happens - it's like an electrical volt running through my body, and I then I get weak and dizzy...and blah.

I've only been back at it for a week and I feel like road kill! I'm on edge and panicky and definitely not the most pleasant person to be around, and I'm not entirely sure I can last. Then when I'm done, I know I can't work nights, and I'm unsure that I can even pull off 12 hour shifts, judging by my reaction to one 12 hour clinical a week.

I feel like dropping out right now is a bit premature (I'm nowhere near failing) but at the same time, I don't know if I can run my body down the same way I did last year. I don't know if it's worth it. I haven't even brought it up to my instructors - don't know why, except I don't really know what I'm asking for.

I just hate the idea of all the work and struggle being for squat. And I feel like my body has completely betrayed me.

And I guess I just needed to vent.

Life can be really unfair sometimes!!!

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Are you getting treatment yet? Dont give up yet, your condition may improve!

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I am so sorry, you have worked so hard to get this far!!! I pray you find a way to get on top of this, feel better, and make it through!!!

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I am so sorry. I know what you are feeling. I have been struggling with chronic pain for a few years now, and the stress of nursing school has really taken its toll on me. Please talk to your doctor or NP about it. I have seen several and am finally getting the answers I need about treatment. Many days I feel like my body hates me. I can only take it one day at a time. I hope we both can find relief!

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I am so sorry, Steph, I have enjoyed your posts for the last year I have been a member on AN. I recommend talking to your professors and letting them in in what is going on. They can help you figure out a plan of action. You are more than halfway there so I do not recommend dropping out if you don't have to.

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I'm sure it's the disease talking. Notify you're instructors just so they know what's going on but hang in there. Maybe once your body settles down with treatment things will look a lot better. Good luck! It's good that you aren't flunking. Maybe taking a semester off to get yourself back up to par would be helpful?

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I am so sorry for what you are going through. I can relate to the insomnia issues, I have to be medicated to sleep. When I cant take my medication before clinical I am up for 30-38 hours. It is very difficult for me to work nights. I do prefer 12 hour shifts but keep in mind some hospitals and other areas of nursing have 8 hour shifts available. I have really enjoyed your posts here on AN and when I saw the title I was in shock. I believe you have a difficult choice ahead of you, but I think you can do this. Speak with your health care providers, and instructors I think you will be able to come up with something to get you the rest of the way through.

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Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

Oh no. I was wondering where you have been lately. Addison's is tough, but how long have you been diagnosed and getting treatment? Are your cortisol levels rising?

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and when I first got diagnosed and was beginning hormone replacement therapy, I felt horrible. I was spending about 20 hours a day in bed. But, 6 months to a year later, I was my old self again. So, I guess what I'm trying to say with that is that you need to give yourself time for your treatment to kick in, and don't feel that the way you feel now is permanent.

I would DEFINITELY talk to my professors and the head of the program. They need to know what is going on with you. They may very likely be willing to help you out with shorter clinicals, or special accommodations in some other way. I know that in my program, they are very understanding of health issues or family emergencies. It is the health care industry, after all.

The only other thing I wanted to say is that I know you are a straight A student. Could you do a little less work, sleep a little more, and settle for a B? Probably not, but thought I'd throw it out there. ;)

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

Thank you, everyone!

I was exhausted last night and having a major pity party, but after a good nap today I'm feeling MUCH better. (I sound like my two year old...) It's crazy how much the little things can affect me nowadays.

I am currently being treated. Experimenting with med dosages and trying to recover and all that good stuff, so I really am hoping that I'll leave this quality of life behind and feel normal again in the future. I'm just overwhelmed waiting for that to happen!

I'm going to talk to my professors next week and let them know what's going on. I don't like feeling limited and I don't like OTHER people thinking I'm limited, so I've been very quiet about the whole thing. Other than my immediate family (and now y'all) I haven't really spoken to anyone about it. Pride comes before the fall, I know. :)

Rubato, hah! I don't know how to be Type B!!! I always feel like I'm going to fail, so I can't really gauge the "zone" between making an A or a B or a C. I just study until I'm only minimally afraid of failing lol.

And I had no idea you have Hashimoto's. Hormones...can't live without them, can't live without them, eh? So glad you've made an awesome recovery! It gives me hope.

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

Oh Steph.....please don't give up. Life throws us curve balls all the time. I think you not being a nurse would be a real loss to us all. It's OK to have pity parties...as long as when the party is over you get back up and move on....((HUGS))

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Sorry to hear this Stephalump.

I could tell by your posts that you've "got it all together" and I never would have expected to hear you were having trouble.

I suffer from endocrine issues, myself, and it is more than I can bear, at times.

My TSH shot up to 30 during nursing school and-- obviously-- I damn near didn't complete the program because of the fog and the fatigue. I was a zombie.

I do hope you can get you disease under control.

I was able to get things under control enough to be successful in the end.

Best of wishes...

Hygiene

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I'm glad you're feeling better! PLEASE have a heart-to-heart with your instructors. I hope you get this all straightened out soon.

Praying for you...

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