Nurse with scoliosis

Trauma Columnist · Dec 17, 2010

Many people have scoliosis - why do you think this will end your nursing career??

Ryker · Dec 18, 2010

Many people have scoliosis - why do you think this will end your nursing career??

i'm afraid that I can't passed the medical exam, because of my c0nditi0n, I kn0w its a disadvantage for me because instead of hiring me, i thnk they wil hire those who haven't disability. What should I do

mnbrn · Dec 18, 2010

I don't understand what the problem is. Many people have scoliosis, most are diagnosed as children. It can't be that bad if you're just now finding it. It isn't a disability. Have you seen an ortho specialist? Do you have weight restrictions?

Ryker · Dec 18, 2010

Have n0t yet gone for specialist, I keep it alone even my parents doesnt knew this, its n0t n0ticeable unless u check my back,

leslie :-D · Dec 18, 2010

unless you need surgery, i'm not understanding your limitation.

as a fully grown adult, a brace would be ineffective...so what's your concern? :confused:

leslie

Ryker · Dec 18, 2010

My c0ncern is do I'm fit to work even I have this, my curvature is on left, what sleeping positi0n should I do?

caliotter3 · Dec 18, 2010

Please consult with your physician. We can not give medical advice here. Rest assured there are many nurses who have scoliosis and are cleared to work as nurses, even after surgery. Before you were informed of this, you didn't worry about it and did fine. Go back to doing just fine after you get your questions answered by your doctor.

leslie :-D · Dec 19, 2010

My c0ncern is do I'm fit to work even I have this, my curvature is on left, what sleeping positi0n should I do?

i never knew i had it until i went for a routine exam.

when i saw the curve on xray, it looked like a backwards question mark....serious curvature.

i was never advised to sleep in any position, had no limitations....until after my surgery.

you'll be fine....go for it.

leslie

Nico71 · Jan 13, 2011

Hi!

At the Secondary School medical examination (about 14 years old), the GP noticed an abnormality with my spine. After an Orthopaedic Consultation at the local hospital, I was referred to Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital under the care of Mr Webb, and diagnosed with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. In 1986, I underwent posterior surgery - a Harrington Rod was used. My recovery was good and I resumed schooling within 2 months. Unfortunately, I left school with no qualifications and, in 1989, was hit by a car (whilst cycling home from work), receiving multiple injuries. To make matters worse, in the Emergency Department, I was given an anaesthetic which it transpired I was allergic to ... and it stopped me breathing! Anyhow, I recovered from this ordeal within 6 months and returned to work.

In 1990, I commenced training to become a Mental Health nurse. Graduating in 1993, with a Diploma in Nursing, I commenced my career, gaining both clinical and managerial experience in various mental health settings, along the way achieving a Diploma in Health Services Management and BSc (Hons) in Nursing Practice (now studying for a Masters!). Still in nursing today.

Best wishes. :)

sunflowerross, LPN · Jan 14, 2011

My daughter who is 18 lives with a 36 degree short-thoracic scoliosis. She was diagnosed a little over 3 years ago. I was freaking out cause I didn't really understand it. I received some education about it and found it's not as bad as it sounds--for her anyway. She is just under the curvature degee what she would qualify for a brace or surgery. She went to physical therapy to learn specific exercises that help with the back pain she started to get. She does the exercises and has no pain now. She can live a normal life.

I hope that you can find some peace with having this and hope you realize you shouldn't have many limitations. Go see your PCP to find out what your options are. Are you in pain--is this why you are worried!?! If you do exercises/stretches on your back muscles you should be in great shape!

MANY people live with scoliosis--I just found out many people in my family have it and I never knew. It's more common than you may think!

You will be an awesome nurse!!! Go get 'em!!!

:w00t:

dpowe003 · Mar 5, 2011

I am agreeing with a previous commenter. Scoliosis is -not- a disability.

I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 10 years old. My curvature was originally 36 degrees, but my curvature grew to 50 degrees even though I was wearing a brace everyday for the next 2 years. Surgery was always my fate from the beginning though. I had an anterior spinal fusion when I was 12. My surgeon drilled several screws and one rod into my back. He also removed the lowest floating rib on my left side to use as a bone graft. I was in the hospital for 5 days and on activity/lifting restriction for 1 year.

8 years later, you wouldn't know I have hardware in my back! I'm still a pre-nursing student, but I had an unpaid internship at a hospital in the past that required moving patients around regularly. Presently, I try to exercise as often as I can. I can function 100% like any "normal" person. It just so happens that I had back surgery when I was younger. Any concerns I have about hurting my back are no different than anyone else's concerns. Everyone needs to take care of their backs!

Like someone else said before me: You functioned well even before you knew you had scoliosis. It should be no different now. And if you haven't done so already, you really need to talk to your doctor about your case. Not everyone requires surgery or even a brace. My younger sister (age 16) just found out she has a 30 degree curvature, but she's neither a surgery candidate nor someone who needs a brace. And she still swims competitively!

Just remember that this is not the end of the world. You will still be as good a nurse as anyone else, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.