Is there anyone out there who has been fused and can

[lawandaluxnurse, ADN, BSN]

Is there anyone out there who has had spinal fusion and can work without problems except you have a flare up about every 6 months to a year with sciatica and assorted back pain and needs one or two epidurals and then is good to go again without problems until the next flare up? This describes my life. just wondering if I am alone in this or if others experience this also. I am flexible and can do any nursing function , it is just these stinking flare ups and noone seems to get it. THey ask what did you do ex lift a pt etc. It is not any specific thing that I do , sometimes it just flares up. It is so frustrating at times because to look at me I look healthy but if I move an inch the wrong way I have excruciating pain until I can get the epi.

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

i work with a nurse that has had a spinal fusion, and gets occasional flare ups. yes, she has to call out every once in a while, but when she is well, she does an excellent job. almost anyone that is human will have to call out once in a while for a medical reason. dont beat yourself up about it, and you shouldnt have to explain yourself any further to your manager. you have a documented medical problem that can sometimes make you unable to perform your duties, so you need to call out once in a while. if youre only flaring up every 6 months, it doesnt sound like it would be very disruptive to your employer. i know people that call out way more often for much more trivial things.