looking for definition

Hi, I don't know if this is an appropriate place for this question, but it seems like a good forum to ask.

I'm not a nurse and came across the word "retrolisthesis" in a medical report. Can somebody define what that is for me? The context is "there is slight retrolisthesis of C5 on C6 that may be related to chronic degenerative changes ... " I looked at an online medical dictionary and it wasn't there.

Thank you for any assistance.

Hello, SeekingChange,

This means a posterior displacement of one vertebral body on the subjacent vertebral body. Associated with or without degenerative changes.

The prefix "retro" means backward. The suffix "listhesis" means to slip or slide.

Hope this helps.

Gosh, thanks a bunch siri! That helps a lot! :wink2:

You are most welcome.

I see by your ID Name: SeekingChange, that you are, well.....seeking change. Do you have plans to become a nurse?? :)

Yes I have been considering and seeking change :). I have been weighing my options and started considering nursing. But then I found out I may have to pass Organic Chemistry which scared me :uhoh21:. Did you have to take a lot of chemistry courses? I wasn't reading medical reports because of my interest, however...heehee. I had to read it.

If I may ask, what do you like and dislike about being a nurse? What is the job market really like for new and experienced nurses? heehee, love that smiley.

I am very glad you are considering nursing.

You can do a search within these threads and see just what a nurse, LPN, RN, NP goes through on a daily basis......MANY areas of nursing.

I am a nurse practitioner in obstetrics and gynecology and family practice. I have been practicing for years in this discipline. I decided shortly after nursing school that bedside nursing was not what I wanted to do, so, I did a 4 year preceptorship with an OB-GYN board certified physician and entered an NP program afterwards. I practiced as an OB NP for a while and realized the high malpractice rates for private practice were too great. I then switched to family practice and now utilize both disciplines.

I am very satisfied with my choices.....yes, I know what you are thinking. Why did I not go to med school......well, I did consider that and actually was accepted into a program. But, family and other issues prevented me from doing this. I have not regreted my decision. I practice just like the physicians do and have total physician acceptance.

As for chemistry..........a BIG yep!!! :rotfl: Sorry. This is mandatory. I, too, hated it in school and practically lived in my profs office.....I will not tell you what I threatened to do to the lab........ Chemistry was hard, but, you can do it!!!!

There is an overwhelming shortage of nurses in the U.S. You will always find a job!!