nurses with spinal fusion and current area of practice

Nurses Disabilities

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I just want to know other nurses who have had spinal fusion and what specialty/area of nursing do they work in...

I have L4-S1 spinal fusion, working in psych.

Specializes in NICU, Newborn Nursery, Pediatrics, CM.

I have discs that bulge at C5-6 and C6-7. They were 5.1mm and 5.7mm and now, with the help of an excellent chiropractor, they are down to 4.0mm each. The neurosurgeon wanted to remove both discs and fuse from C5 to C7 and I said no. I have also done epidural steroids to get rid of the radicular pain. It took me almost two years to get back into the workplace. I am currently doing Peds. Home Healthcare because I have a 20 lb. weight lift restriction. I am still trying to get back into Neonatal ICU, but alas, no jobs available in my area. My current employer is very good to me and we make absolute sure that these babies do not weight close to my restrictive limit. You could also try case management as I have done that as well with great success! Good luck to you!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

I appreciate how much you've all shared with me, and I admire all your strength in the face of suffering. How have you found employment? My most recent employer states they have no work for people with lifting limitations. They are totally indifferant that this, plus the high cost of COBRA insurance leaves me living in my car in a few months. I'm using up my retirement savings now. I live in small town NM. I guess I need to move to a bigger, more diverse job market. Still, when I talk with recruiters, as soon as I mention tactfully wanting a less taxing job, I hear this huge swooshing sound as their interest goes away. I have woked in ER/trauma centers till now, gathering the entire alphabet of certifications. I've been unable to get any response for entry level anything that doesn't require lifting. My biggest goal now is to keep insurance until I can get surgery, but want dearly to work rather than collect disability.

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Herniated L4-5 and L5-S1 in 1990. Off work 13 years, during which time had a car accident and herniated C4-5-6. I will NEVER have back surgery. Too many friends did and have been miserable since. I did have a triple cervical fusion an 2001 with great success. No mobility issues noticed in my neck since then. Left bedside nursing in 2008 and now travel around doing EMR implementation.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med/Surg.

L-5 S-1 fusion with instrumentation 5 years ago. I've been a nurse for 13 years. As of now I'm on a medical disability because I can no longer walk more than 200 feet wtihout having intolerable pain and radiculopathy. I also have about a 45 degree scoliosis, spondylolithisis, and LOTS of arthritis. I'm 61 and I've been working on a med/surg unit full time pulling 12 hour shifts since I graduated from nursing school 13 years ago. I'm now using a cane. I have always wanted to be a nurse and I loved it so much. I know I'll miss interacting with patients and their families and my awesome co-workers but I just can't do it anymore. Waiting for soc. sec disability.

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I have been A shock trauma and ccu nurse for 13 years and other little nursing jobs. I have lost use of my arms and now my legs are beginning. I have had fusion on c567 and now c4 is corrupted. lost my job cause I can't do cpr or codes or walk or write etc. proceeded to lose my home my car and now have no insurance. no one will even look at me. does anyone know of any agency s:confused: that will help someone like me at least to go to the doctor?

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L-5 S-1 fusion with instrumentation 5 years ago. I've been a nurse for 13 years. As of now I'm on a medical disability because I can no longer walk more than 200 feet wtihout having intolerable pain and radiculopathy. I also have about a 45 degree scoliosis, spondylolithisis, and LOTS of arthritis. I'm 61 and I've been working on a med/surg unit full time pulling 12 hour shifts since I graduated from nursing school 13 years ago. I'm now using a cane. I have always wanted to be a nurse and I loved it so much. I know I'll miss interacting with patients and their families and my awesome co-workers but I just can't do it anymore. Waiting for soc. sec disability.

I am in the same boat. ssi seems like it takes forever. most of all I identify with the need for interaction with my patients and being needed. I hope things get better for you.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
Not fused. 3 Doc's said there's so much wrong there's no place to start. I've been working 12's in ER's for 24 years. Now I have to find a sedentary job, just walking causes pain. With all my experience and certifications there must be someplace I can work. If it matters, I'm male, 57, in New Mexico but can relocate. I'm hoping you all can give me suggestions on how to handle a major life change, and suggest career opportunities. Thanks for any suggestions and hope you never have to do this.

Look for a research coordinator/nurse job at any university/health science center or private research facilites in your area...

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auuuggghh

Had a extruded disc L3-L4

spinal stenosis L4-incision L2-L5

intractable pain

misdiagnosed for years

the knee-hip guy never took a mri of spine (after mri of hip or knee sent to PT)

worked for 3 years in pain...

was a new RN so those 3 years are all the experience I have

6 months tele floor GN to RN had a flare up of pain - had no insurance at the time...let go

2 1/2 years in LTC/sub acute hell

2 level bone fusion and laminectomy

sx one year ago...

This was my third career...57 y/o

On disability - ah whats a girl to do

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Specializes in OR, OB, EM, Flight, ICU, PACU.......

Had L5-S1 fusion in '97 with Ray cages when I was 40 ( not even used anymore) and happy to have had it done for spondy etc. Was nearly paraplegic( could barely walk) pre op and nearly normal post op. Got my life back and except for some occasional pain when overdoing it, wouldn't hesitate again. btw, am an OR nurse speccializing in, among other areas, Spine/Neuro surgery. I'm always sorry when some of you relate your bad outcomes. Especially when I know, and have worked with, so many good surgeons that have great outcomes.

Just my $.02.

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Just a question from someone who is considering going into nursing with a herniated L5-S1 had numerous injections but surgery is not an option. Will I survive being a nurse? Did you all get your injuries from the job? This is a bit scary as my injury was from a car accident and I have had years of pain and frustration and don't ever want to be back in the acute phase again.

Any thoughts would really help my decision before I commit to school.

Thanks

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Specializes in ER.

I broke my neck 2 years ago at age 58. I returned to work without restrictions. Half way through my 12 hour shifts, I do loose some of my fine motor skills but am fortunate per my surgeon, I shouldn't be walking.  Now, I  have to have a L4 to L5 fusion with the same surgeon. He actually uses the patient's stem cells to aid the fusion.  

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