My health is suffering..vent I guess...

[MJB2010]

:eek:I think nursing has really aged me. I have a very long commute, over an hour and I work 12 hour shifts which as you know can turn into 14 some days. I have been steadily gaining weight, I look and feel awful. My ankles are swelling and sore, my knees are killing me so even on my days off I just want to rest. I hobble around after 3 shifts in a row. Anyone else experience this? I know I need to hit the gym, but my body hurts. I barely eat at all during my shifts, then watch out! I make up for it after! Then I sleep......... I am a mess. I am working on improving my diet. But it doesnt seem to be making much of a difference yet.

So I guess I need some advice. I am getting heavier, which only makes my ankles and knees hurt more. But I am too tired and broken to exercise. How do you keep up your health? Does it get better? I am still in my first year, will my body get used to this? I am supposed to get married next year and I look and feel my worst!

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

In nursing school an instructor shared with us what has to be one of the great injustices of life. When you're under stress, your weight will do the opposite of what you wish. I've witnessed it in action many times. The thin get thinner, the heavy get heavier. It's just not right, and somebody should do something about it, I tell you! Maybe if congress passed a law or something....

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

As much as you might dislike it now, exercise is a major part, it rejuvenates you (more energy) and burns down what you eat. Your body might also be storing food because of the erratic way you feed.

In sympathy for the op who sounds like her situation is very similar to mine- seriously- someone wants us to exercise?? when we ar LIMPING in pain from not sitting down for literally 12 or more hours? If anything op will be informed to find a different job so she doesnt end up like me with bilat. torn menisci and OA of the knees/hips.And prior to me nursing, I was a very active -rode and trained horses( and my knees were just fine when I did that prior) etc. I can't enjoy any of that anymore either. :-(

granted I dont follow my own advise- but maybe op can see to get out of her current "hell" and get on schedule to recover and get healthy and institute an exercise program so she can be beautiful on her big day!

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

I can identify with the eating. I rarely eat at work, almost starving myself for a 12 hr shift, and then when I get home all I want to do is eat. I get home at 8pm, so I just grab a quick bite and can call it good. I know it's not healthy. I'm going to start trying to drink more water during the day and have snacks like veggies, cheese and fruit. Maybe that will also help me lose some weight too.

Can you move closer to work? We are in the process of selling our home because the 45 min commute is just a pain. During bad weather the roads are nasty.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

@ Katie5- no this is my only job, but I like op do live about an hour commute each way,and rotate night and eve shifts. But it sure feels like I work more that one job :-/

[sourapril]

Nothing is more important than your health. Personally when my body gives up on me (like when I have a horrible flu) I feel the worst. Don't let work take over your life. You need to take care of yourself, find a new job, switch to part time.

[Katie5]

In sympathy for the op who sounds like her situation is very similar to mine- seriously- someone wants us to exercise?? when we ar LIMPING in pain from not sitting down for literally 12 or more hours? If anything op will be informed to find a different job so she doesnt end up like me with bilat. torn menisci and OA of the knees/hips.And prior to me nursing, I was a very active -rode and trained horses( and my knees were just fine when I did that prior) etc. I can't enjoy any of that anymore either. :-(

granted I dont follow my own advise- but maybe op can see to get out of her current "hell" and get on schedule to recover and get healthy and institute an exercise program so she can be beautiful on her big day!

Sounds tough, but it can be done. Which is the better alternative for the OP or any of us for that matter?feeling overweight, sluggish and clumsy?I'm sure not.

I would venture, that at this point, the OP possibly does not need company in her misery(sorry). Your sharing such does nothing to innervate anyone -not only do we have to worry about gaining weight but we should also worry about "bilat. torn menisci and OA of the knees/hips".

Just as constantly moving parts need oil to reduce friction, so does our constantly moving body parts need exercise to loosen up tight muscles.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Not so much wanting her to share in my misery- more so to learn and get out before she gets to that point. I know I am not the only nurse that feels this way. I am sure many nurses are satisfied in their positions- but they are not in her or my positions- ie- they dont typically stay there long enough to wonder if things will get better. They won't get better, and hopefully op will be in a position to see this and get out of her situation.and have a better quality job/life.

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

Nursing pays well sometimes but I can tell you it's not all about the money.

Stress, long hours, hard work, poor diet and sleep patterns. It will get you if you let it.

Try Starbucks. Everyone is usually happy and most of the time they will give a "thank you" when they leave. That or WalMart greeter... That's where I'm headed.

This gave me a good laugh. I might be headed your way!

[woknblues]

The mantra for a long time has been "exercise more", etc. Problem is when people are heavy, they end up hurting themselves. People get into shape fairly quickly(not in the clinical setting, BTW) almost exclusively through diet. Basically, our diets are complete crap in the US (and most other western countries)

The most critical thing we can change is to stop eating "fast" (think white and grain based) carbohydrates. Simply, our bodies don't really "need" to eat fast carbs, especially not those types. We use glucose for energy, yes. Our brain runs on it. That is why we have gluconeogenisis, so we never run out. People seem to get fat over insulin and cortisol issues, much more so than actual dietary fats. (see the masai or inuit who eat 90% meat, milk, blubber, cows blood, etc). Even more interesting is research showing cholesterol problems clear up when you manipulate the carbs in the diet more than the protein/fats. Also, nearly everyone has a grain allergy of some degree. Grains are built to resist digestion. Inflammed bowels hinder absorption, kick out lots of bad stuff, effect other parts of our bodies, etc..

You can never completely remove all refined carbs here in the US, for example, but you can get close. It takes will, and tenacity. It takes patience, and it takes effort to cook most your meals.

I follow a "paleo" type diet that essentially eliminates grains and starchy carbs and fruits from my diet. I am left with meat/ proteins, low sugar vegetables (think peppers, celery, radishes, artichokes, tomatoes, etc) to cover most of my diet. You can actually make an amazing number of dishes with some creative brainstorming.

Anyone interested should look into these things more. I am no dietician, YMMV. Weight kinda falls off easy when you are doing the right thing.

[GRUNGE]

Such a sad bunch of post... But tis the truth

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

I feel for you!

I've been watching my weight slowly creep up...I don't have a problem yet, but having watched my mom struggle with her weight her whole life makes me extra viligant about mine. It's far easier to prevent the pounds and all the extra aches and pains that come along with them than losing them once you've got them. Unfortunately it just doesn't become easier as you get older, it just gets harder.

I've started trying to walk at lesat a mile on my off days; sometimes when I'm extra irritatated I'll find I have the energy tp do so even after a shift. I listen to music with a good beat and off I go. I've noticed that although there hasn't been a payoff yet as far as weight loss it has helped with my stress level; I'm hoping that once I work my way up to longer walks I'll see the weight start coming off.

If you think about it, a mile is only about 20 minutes, and it's not too difficult for beginners. Also not too intense, so even if it's after a shift, it doesn't interfere with sleep very much.

I've also tried to cut out the junk at work as much as is feasible. It's difficult...I crave carbs when I'm stressed, and chips are sooooooo good. I also ask myself any time I'm in front of the vending machine or in the cafeteria "Is this worth it?" There's some days that are so rough it's like "Heck yes those Ruffles are worth it", some days I decide "Well no, lets just get some hummus instead".

It's hard, no doubt. But take comfort that you're not the only one fighting this battle...just do the best you can so you can feel your best for you wedding day!

[morte, LPN, LVN]

I hear you, I have >1h commute/12(right)h shifts too, & I've been in nsg for 22 years.

You didn't say how old you are, but I'm guessing-? you're significantly south of 40. I really think you need a checkup, including thyroid levels, cholesterol, the whole shebang. I think the amount of swelling/achyness is unusual, esp. if you've not been on the floor for a year. You didn't say if you worked night shift? That can make you feel terrible. The other practical thing I can think of, is check your shoes. There are alot of great ones out there, but getting fitted(like at a Sports store) & trying different styles can really make a big difference.

Make choices to take care of you. Nursing will tear you down, you have to do everything you can to build yourself up. Good luck

Linker beat me to this, I agree a visit to the doc is probably in order....

sooner than later