Young Patients

Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Mar 4, 2003

There are many reasons for people to be sickly. Genetics, poor choices as teens, diabetes, smoking, drugs, obesity, poor nutrition.

All are risks to good health. Some people can get away with these bad habits more than others d/t genetics.

If you know what is good for you and you still choose to make poor choices, you have reason to worry.

You are a nurse, educated and know better, so don't worry. Now go for a long stress reducing walk!!!! :)

Flynurse · Mar 4, 2003

You're not alone! I kinda freak out when I see someone is around my age....I'm only 24! Thank God it doesn't happen that much!

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Mar 4, 2003

I am 42, and hate to see people my age with bookoo admissions, and a history longer than most people who are 80!! You almost wonder what happened to that person to predispose them to things, some people have no apparent history of drug abuse, obesity, etc, but seem to have fallen apart by 40.

I had a pt a few months ago with lung cancer. She was 23 and had a ten week old baby, developed a cough in labor and never got over it, finally investigated and there it was. And she didn't smoke!!!!!!! Made me come home and preach at my kids about their smoking. Not that they listened!!

Trauma Columnist · Mar 4, 2003

Yeah - in the last six months we've had three full arrests all younger than me!!!! Am I living on borrowed time or what??? Glad I'm very healthy - knock on wood - lol.

deespoohbear · Mar 4, 2003

Had a co-worker 5 months younger than me (29 at the time) that was diagnosised with cervical cancer (I believe that was the original location). Had surgery, chemo and went into remission. Then the cancer reared its ugly head in her colon. Very aggressive, very painful. This poor woman suffered for 2 years before she died. She died in our hospital and I thank God I was not taking care of her at the time of her death. It was hard enough dealing with it otherwise. She left a husband and three young children behind.

When I take care of someone around my age or younger with serious conditions I think: But there for the grace of God go I.

Really puts things in perspective....:stone

amy · Mar 4, 2003

I had a patient near my age, newy paraplegic. Hard to see...

rachel h, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2003

Doesn't freak me out because the hospital that I work at tends to attract people who don't take care of themselves and that is the root of their problems. I never take my health for granted, though.

BadBird, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2003

It is sad to see so many sick patients that are so young, the other night I worked on a lung transplant step down floor, the patients were 30-40's and so sick, terrible to see. I also noticed how the new residents look like they are 12 years old. I guess I am just getting older.

A Kitty RN · Mar 5, 2003

On the other hand, I feel more confident taking care of them. I am in my late 20's and honestly, I don't know what it feels like to be 70 or 80! On the rare occasion that I get a 30-something, at least I can relate to them and know where they are coming from. I just take the perspective...How would I feel if it were me. I tend to talk even more with these patients to help them thru the illness. Anyway, just trying to look at the + side of it, but bcuz I work w/ Cardiac probs, it makes me worry about my hubby more.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2003

I'm pretty fit and slim, and 43. I get spooked when I got those 40 somethings who've lived the rough life of smoking, or drinking or both, or poorly controlled diabeties and obesity and look like their 60.