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.

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S1-L2 fusion and an scheduled to extend the fusion up to T10 in June.

I do home health 20-30 hours a week and have a niche position in a Peds ER another 24-32 hours a week. I use a wheelchair for speed and distance, a cane for easy stuff.

I'm not planning to do this forever, my BSN will be done in June and I'm on track to start a NP program in January.

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I hope your scheduled op will be successful kids!

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t1-t12 is fused, and i work inpt hospice...

doing total care and all sorts of lifting.

leslie

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

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.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Hi ERNeck, sorry to hear about your situation. I beleive my back will make it impossible for me to complete a CPR class, and I can lift no more than 10 pounds. Since mu back problems are from aging, not work, my employer wont let me work at all in any capacity. I've filed a complaint with the EEOC. Since it's unlikely I'll ever be able to do direct patient care again, I'm taking every online course I can find about Case Management. I could qualify for SS Disability but I miss the people at work too much. I'm sharing because it sounds like we've so much in common. Hope you find better work.

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Specializes in education, Peds ICU, cardiac, LNC, psych.

I have L3 to S1 fused with a full laminectomy at L3 and 2 partials at L2 and L4. I lost my job in July 2009. I was working child/adol psych. My expertise is in peds.

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Specializes in education, Peds ICU, cardiac, LNC, psych.

Oops, forgot to add. I had 3 spinal fusions.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

I'm doing pain clinic next, then laminectomies if that doesn't work. I can't begin to imagine all you've been through, and so young.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

C5-C6 fused, C3-C5 bulging, C6-C7 nearly herniated. I've done ER and Flight post operatively. Currently full time in ambulatory oncology clinic with ER prn. Trying to hold off on second fusion to maintain cervical mobility but the pain is becoming intolerable. Neurontin is my friend.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

WOW! Thanks for giving me hope. Maybe sitting around since January is getting to me.

My neurosurgeon makes it sound like I'll be on permanent sedentary duty. Hope he's wrong and I can do as well as you! Don't see a lot of jobs advertised for sedentary nurses. Maybe I can open my own "call a nurse" line. I'll just get out my tarot cards and when people call...............

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Specializes in Oncology, Med/Surg.

L4-S1 fusion with implementation (4 titanium screws and spacer) for spondylithesis and scoliosis with a 40 degree curvature. Off work for 6 months, in a back brace for 3 months 24/7. Worst surgery I've ever had. I still get injections in my lower back every 2 months; they last for 4 weeks. I also see a chiropractor. At home I use a cane. I work full time on an oncology med/surg floor without restrictions. Still have some numbness in my feet as well as radiculopathy. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up. Pain is my constant companion and I'm 6 years away from retirement.

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