Osteoarthtis

Nurses Disabilities

Published

Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.

I had a fall at work yesterday. Someone left the standing hoist right outside patients door way and in the dark corridor (night shift) I missed it and took tripped over the feet of the hoist.

Anyhow, went and got xrayed, (previous hx l1 compression fracture) and it turns out I now have a formal diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the spine.

:(

So does anyone else have osteoarthritis and if so how do you deal with it and keep working?

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Specializes in Pulmonary, Med-surg.

Hey there- I have psoriatic arthritis... Tylenol! 650mg at the beginning of the shift. Also know your limits. Ask for help when lifting. Alternate between sitting and standing. Get extra sleep. I have found a low carb diet helps reduce the carb-crash pain associated with gluten. Also good shoes!

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I have concerns about OA of hands/fingers & giving many injections in a short time such as at a flu clinic. Tips/hints would be most appreciated. Thanks.

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

I have rheumatoid arthritis & often wonder what the future holds for my nursing career. I was diagnosed just over 4 years ago but much damage had already occurred because of being misdiagnosed for 30 years. Since being diagnosed, I've had both knees replaced (best decision I ever made). I'm now having more pain in my ankles, wrists, & elbows. The pain that worries me, though, is that which affects all joints in all my fingers. If I can't use my hands, how can I care for people?

Every once in a while, I have pain that's severe enough for me to break down & take 1 Norco along with Tylenol 650 mg. that only happens maybe once every 2 months. I'm on a daily dose of Meloxicam so the rest of the time I just take arthritis strength Tylenol. It helps most of the time.

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

I had to change from floor nursing to care. Coordination with a large MCO. I work remotely from my home. I drive to see members in about a 100 mile radius and the rest of the time I work on the computer, in my house, in my Jammie's. I know rough, huh?! BUT it allows this old nurse with RA, osteoarthritis, osteopenia, and OA of the spine since I was 26, to still be useful as an RN even though I don't do physical care , there is much I can do to help the members I serve.

I like imak compression gloves when my fingers and hands hurt.

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