MichelleLS

Hi all, Just looking for a little support. I was diagnosed with a progressive form of sensorimotor polyneuropathy almost two months ago. I work 3-4 12's each week as a NOC nurse. Don't know yet what disease process is causing it, but am awaiting test results and a neuro appt in a few days.. I am having considerable nerve pain, even on theropeutic doses of gabapentin/percocet. My arms and back have a strange mix of numbness/tingling, and a contstant burning that drives me crazy. My legs hurt so much it is difficult to walk, climb stairs, etc. My grip is very weak in both hands. I feel like everything takes so much effort. I have trouble swallowing lately. Being touched is very irritating to me, blankets, clothing, anything touching my skin. Things have gotten considerably worse for me within the past two weeks. I am not diabetic. I am terrified. I am scared of what this might mean as a nurse, afraid of my diagnosis and prognosis, and of letting my coworkers and family down. If anyone has any advice for me, it is welcome.

I start my LPN program next week, and I'm curious to know what sort of supplies I should bring? I have stocked up on notecards as suggested to me, but other than the normal pen and paper, what should I bring as far as school supplies? I am so excited to start! I haven't gone to school in 13 years! I'm not too worried about a stethoscope or scrubs yet as clinicals don't start until December, and I'm sure I will be given that information as it comes along. :-)

I am a nursing student with chronic pain, Crohn's Disease and R.A. I had pancreatitus 3 years ago, and was accused of being a drug addict before my bloodwork came back with a confirmation. Now I am afraid to ask anyone for pain meds. I take tramadol on a regular basis, and it works well to control my pain usually. This last month though, my R.A. has flared really badly and my arms hurt very bad. Sometimes tramadol helps, sometimes it doesn't. I had to go to the E.R. this past Wednesday night because even after I took my meds, my arms hurt so much I was in tears, and kept waking up with it. I brought my tramadol in with me to show the doctor and nurses that I have them and am not a drug seeker. I even offered for them to do a drug test on me, and filled out my paperwork as "uncontrolled pain." The doctor was still a jerk to me, and wouldn't even consult with me. He sent his nurse in with my discharge orders, and wouldn't even come in when she went to get him for me. I wish this problem with drug seekers didn't exist. :-(

Try peroxide. Dip it in a cotton ball and apply. OR This cleaning tip is my favorite: Buy oxyclean acne cleansing pads. Wipe the shoe down with one and then set it in direct sunlight. If that doesn't get it clean, wipe it on and then place it in a freezer bag. (So it stays wet) and then place it in the sun. I hope this helps. This way even takes permanent marker and pen out of the plastic on baby-dolls. Hope it helps!

Wow, I am glad to be talking with like-minded people online! Thank you all for your compliments too! You all sound very understanding, and I also wish you the best of luck! I chose an LPN program that is 10 months long. My husband is in the military and it's tough trying to plan around moving and deployments all the time. So many unexpected things have happened to us in the past 10 years. I worked in banking/finance before we got married, and have been a SAHM ever since. I am glad I had the opportunity to stay at home with my kids, but they are 9 and 12 now. This program is what's best for me now, and I'm not going to let anything stop me from getting in. :)

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum, and new to nursing. I'm hoping to be accepted into an LPN program this Spring. I have been reading and studying everything I can get my hands on to give me a leg up on everything, from anatomy to nursing theory. I have had several expreriences that brought me to this place in my life. The first being that I recently watched my grandmother pass away in hospice. We were there for 5 days, but it seemed like a lifetime. I never left her side. I fed her, read to her, painted her finger and toenails, massaged her legs with lotion, brushed her teeth, gave her breathing treatments...and I held her hand as she left. I poured out all the love and compassion I had in my heart over her. I began to feel the same way about the other patients. I was upset when I saw them alone in their rooms. I realized that I should be nursing. I've had my own hospital horror stories that have also inspired me to become a nurse so that I might make a difference in someone's life who may be going through the same. They are long and appalling, I will tell you, but I will save those for another time. This is my dream, and I hope that being a part of this forum will help me along my journey, and I hope that I can be there for you all too! What made you decide to be nurses?