4loveoflife

Wow, ccu nrs, you seem to have a lot of good ideas going on, not to mention the fact that you are also very passionate (seemingly) about these issues. Why not join forces with cheerful, or come up with an outline of your own listing all of the problems/solutions?

Oh my, wait a second, I just found out that there is no cure for this and it causes death. Yikes, that makes me not want to tell her unless I am really sure this could be an option, as I dont want to scare her. But then again with those symptoms he has, almost has to be something rather serious I would think, and yes nuerological.

Thanks Jolie, I am looking into Canavan's desease now on the web, and will mention this to her. She is in Pittsburgh, and her doctor refered her to Childrens Hospital. She has been there for a first series of tests and is going back later this month.

A very good friend of mine has come to me with questions on her 17 month old's troubling health condition, that dr's cannot seem to figure out. She has taken him for blood work several times over the past few months, and is scheduled to again next month to get more blood tests, and also they want to do an ultra sound to see if his liver and spleen is the right size?? . So far, however, doctors have no clue. His symptoms are this: It started out with trembling in his arms. He passed a year and could not walk (ie, lack of motor functions) more troubling that that...he has STOPPED crawling, which he had been doing for several months. He has not said one word either, motor functions of hands are there, but slightly. He struggles to pick things up and hold them in his hands. Well, I originally thought maybe autism? Especially since he has taken a few steps back as far as progess in his motor function. She thinks it is parkinsons desease, but I think that is rare to surface in a 17 mo, right? Any ideas would be appreciated, he is the cutest, most addorable little guy and she is going out of her mind trying to figure things out...I know she wants to help him have a good life, but is is difficult when doctors keep saying they just dont know and without any clues as to what ails him, well, how will she be able to help? Let me know if these symptoms sound familiar to anyone. Thanks -Christina

Something similar happened to me not too long ago, when I was working in a ltc facility over the summer. During a short break, I pulled out my BIO notes for review. One of the LPN's said, "Oh, You're still in school?" Of course she had no idea that I was 26 and in nursing school, not knowing a thing about me, she assumed I was in high school, I guess. "Still in school?" I guess I should shrug it off as most suggest, but it does bother me too! I have a long blonde ponytail and that does not help me look anymore mature. I have often thought of cutting my hair to look more "adult". I want to be respected and not looked at like a kid, darn it! Afterall, if you look closer you will see the makings of crow's feet and frown lines, I swear it. And I feel as if I have earned these wrinkles that aspire to oneday be. But what can we do? Enjoy it while it lasts, you say? I have come to realize yeah, thats about all we can do!

Wow, I cannot wait to see you on Dr. Phil. When will it air? I think it is awesome that you are taking a stand!

I still can't get past the fact that you refer to patients as "customers". That is alarming to me for some reason.

Best to get with your doc on this, he will gradually lower your dosage...safely. The side effects from trying to stop on your own when you feel you are better, are real. (as your past experiences have proven) Most importantly, they can be avoided.

I agree with what renerian said, try doing a search nationally. I think you may be surprised at what you uncover, that is, if you have'nt tried already AND your willing to relocate. I too thought the grass would be greener, but I can tell you; two nursing school semesters, one cna license, and one hell of an eye opening experience working as an aid in a LTC facility later, I now know it isn't nessisarily so. Certainly try working in your field of study first, before you go back to school. Otherwise, how will you know what it is like? You may be the next Ashley Banfield. (or whoever) And if nursings allure still draws you in, like I think you mentioned, get some experience as an aid first. This alone will be a great first hand look at the profession, for someone unfamiliar with it.

My approach on the subject, as a pre clinical student.... go into nursing because you enjoy nursing and try to avoid all other reasoning along the lines of an over population. If you enjoy your chosen profession, you will not need to worry.