home health nurse with disc herniations... is working ok??

Nurses Disabilities

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I was involved in a minor car accident on 1/15/13. At first I had no injuries, no complaints. No ambulance called, was on my way to my first patient. I am a community health nurse in Brooklyn. Several days later I began to feel terrible low back and neck pain as well as headaches. Went to one chiro who I feel totally made my condition worse, then went to another that I still attend a few times a week. MRI showed I have 2 cervical herniated discs and all lumbar discs are bulged. I also have bl pedal neuropathy and tingling in the hands. Being that this is my second nursing job after graduating nursing school, I committed to myself that I want to stay for awhile. I have worked for this company for about a year. Anyway, I have been working full duty all this time and feel that while my back feels better, my neck is in terrible shape. I have this pain that feels as though it hurts to hold my head up. I have been wearing a cervical collar at home on and off to help support my neck. I feel like I don't know what to do. I definitely want to see a neurosurgeon but am really torn about whether or not to leave my job. I dont think I can continue much longer like this. I can barely stand for 2 minutes before plagued with severe pain. If I lose my job how will I keep my apartment? How will I take care of my husband who does not work? Can anyone suggest anything? Thanks!

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Who's fault was the accident and did you notify the insurance company and let them know about the pain when it started?? Im not sure if you can claim this now so many months later.. FMLA may help you depending on the size of your company. Do you have any PTO you can use??

I'm sorry, I have more questions than answers, either way, you really need to get this fixed before permanent damage is done. My friend was out of work for 3 months after her cervical surgery; this at least gives you a time line for recovery although it may vary.

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Thanks for your response. What happened was I was driving straight in the left lane (not a designated turning lane) approaching a major intersection, some smart lady on my right made a left turn from the right lane right in front of me. It was too late to stop. She was totally fine. The police report was submitted and insurance found the other party 80% at fault and me 20% because apparently I could have "prevented" it. Whatever, not according to physics no one can. I am getting my treatments using no fault insurance. I know people with injuries tend to take off work immediately to heal their injuries however I decided to wait it out. And at this point I don't think I can last much longer. The neck pain comes with dizziness and headaches which all interferes so much with my work especially running around seeing patients. I dont know what to do.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I'm so sorry for your troubles. But the person to ask about your pain and your physical limitations is your healthcare provider. As nurses, it's beyond the scope of our practice to offer medical or legal advice, and per the Terms of Service of this site we are not permitted to do so. Please talk to your doctor(s) ASAP.

Best wishes for healing and a good solution to your job situation.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

As per site terms of service members can neither offer or request medical advice. You need to discuss your limitations and options with your treatment team. I'm sorry for your troubles

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