nurses that have fibromyalgia

helikias · Feb 27, 2010

I don't know any nurses with fibromyalgia, but I worked with someone once in a library who had it. She was a little restricted in her movements, but she seemed to get along OK and went walking, dancing etc. She could shelve books OK. It seems like you would do fine. Best of luck!

Ahhphoey · Feb 27, 2010

I know a nurse who works in ICU and has fibro and let me tell you she gets around great. She is also very overweight, but she can give any one of her coworkers a run for their money. I have seen her in code situations and running to Medical Response Team calls and barely misses a beat! I have rheumatoid arthritis and am also very overweight (I'm working on that, lol), but I have a lot harder time getting around, especially with this cold weather. I am in pain everyday, all day but my medication has actually significantly decreased the pain. Now, I also work in ICU part-time, but I'm looking to leave the bedside because I'm just getting worn out-I am in a lot of pain after working a 12 hour shift on the floor.

My coworker who has fibro said though she does have days where she's in a lot of pain, hers is mostly under control. I know she's taking Effexor, but am not sure if thats the only thing she's on. Everyone is different though and your gonna have to decide how much, physically, you can endure. ICU is very physically intensive as many of our patients are knocked out and dead weight when you turn and reposition. Med-surg can be heavy too, but you may at least have a few walkie-talkies in your assignment. Pediatrics may be ok, but I've honestly never worked peds, so I'm not sure. Pysch may also be a good choice, and then of course there are the office jobs or school nursing. See how you feel during the different rotations of your clinicals and use those experiences to help you decide where you may function best.

lovinowls101 · Feb 27, 2010

thanks for the responses! appreciate the feedback! lovelylpn-glad you are feeling better and meds are helping :)

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2010

I know of someone who takes nothing but Tylenol. She was very, very heavy and lost a lot of weight.

She is doing fabulous and I am thrilled for her...!

DogWmn · Feb 27, 2010

I have it, it's a gift side effect of chronic EBV & Lymes. I manage mine with tylenol for the most part. I also have found that eleminating certain things from my diet will help, each person is a bit different, for me it's sugar, wheat and dairy that are the killers. Some days are worse than others but I can make it through the day. Good luck!

LPN0207 · Feb 27, 2010

I have fibro as well, and work a lot of long days in pain and exhausted but in a good way. I have worked in nursing homes, worked overnights in a hospital and now am in a clinic which is very busy. Like the person above stated some days are better than others, but I love what I do, that helps tremendously!

cherrybreeze, ADN, RN · Feb 27, 2010

I don't have fibro, but do have a couple of chronic painful conditions (IC and endometriosis, plus some degeneration in my back....all at 30, I feel like I'm 90 most days!). If you aren't in a pain management program, it might be an option. Even if you pain isn't debilitating, a pain MD can get you the MOST relief possible. I don't think I'd be working without mine. It's been a godsend for me.

On a side note, I'll disagree with the poster who said that med/surg may be better than ICU. Walkie-talkie patients or not, we take assignments of 6 on days and pm's....it's heavy work, and personally, my unit is becoming more and more of a big IMCU all the time. I find myself wondering how long my body will hold up doing this job.

Best of luck to you.