Starting school in August and need surgery!

Smartferret · Jul 3, 2008

..... " a very limited range of motion in my wrist" .... this is obviously effecting your ability to function to full capacity. I'd go ahead and get it fixed now. There is a good chance that you'll be back to normal for clinical, and if not.....is it any worse than having to quit mid-semester because it gets so bad you CAN'T function any longer? And face it, it is NOT going to magically go away. Your school may also have issues with allowing you to participate in clinicals if they find out that your "impaired." Just my :twocents: .

(BTW, I know how you feel. I was put in hospital 2 days before my Micro final lab practical with a ruptured gall bladder. The Dr. wanted me on IV antibiotics (and NPO) for a few days before he did surgery. I actually talked him into letting me out for the day so I won't miss the exam. It was that important to me! I'm proud to say that I go a 98 while under the influence of some pretty heavy pain medication.)

M

caliotter3 · Jul 3, 2008

Based on your description of the problem, I would get it dealt with now while you have the time. Otherwise, you will have to wait until your next summer vacation to have a large block of available convalescent time, provided you won't be involved with school in the summer. I can't see putting up with it for that length of time. This is just what I would consider if it were me, and considering your inconvenience, as we aren't allowed to provide medical advice on this board. Hope that you can get relief from this as soon as possible.

coolpeach · Jul 3, 2008

Oh the fun of medical problems during school.

I had my appendix rupture while taking Biology my first semester at school. I remember the whole time telling my mom to bring my toothbrush and my biology book to the hospital. I was on so many drugs, and she never brought the book. The day after I got out I got a ride to school, and took a biology test, and an algebra test while SKY HIGH. I made an A on the Biology test which didn't surprise me because I love science. The surprise was algebra. I am horrible at math, and made my first A on an algebra test. I guess the pain meds killed the math test anxiety. Too bad I can't get them for every math test.

I would get the surgery now, and get it over with.

WayneStateKatie · Jul 3, 2008

Get it done now!

At my school if you aren't fully functional (ie you break your leg and are on crutches or if you can't lift due to bad wrist etc) you are not allowed in clinical. You have to wait a whole year for that course to be offered again and are only allowed to start again if there is space for you. No way would I do it during the school year. If you can get it done now and have it healed before school starts that's the way to go! If your school has a similar policy you don't want to risk an injury that could put you behind in the program if you can get it taken care of now.

Hope the surgery goes well and that it corrects the problem:loveya:

LMRN10 · Jul 3, 2008

I would go ahead and deal with it now. If not, you'd end up waiting a very long time. Better to have a hand that is not in pain than deal with it while working with patients. Best of luck!

lilhev333, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2008

I've had a ganglion cyst removed from my left wrist and was only laid up for a couple weeks. After the surgery they put it in a brace so there might be the need for physical therapy post-surgery. I've never had an issue with it reoccuring and it has been 16 years ago. Do it now while you have the time and not have to have another stressor during school.

Best of luck.

jla623 · Jul 3, 2008

I would go ahead and get it out of the way. I had surgery and missed a week of school in May-June. I know that isn't a lot compared to your recovery, but I would assume you can still atleast attend lectures, right? It may put you behind, but if you have instructors that are willing to work with you it makes life much easier.

I would talk to your instructors and/or dean of nursing and ask them their opinions on the matter. They will know what is best.

lynz06 · Jul 6, 2008

Actually, I just had my surgery for the exact same thing in June. It showed up in December and finally decided to get it taken out. I Had my surgery on June 12, had a "soft cast" until June 23 and then it was taken off and that one day had to still have it kind of wrapped then got to take it off the next morning and finally a regular shower!!!! I am happy I got it but just kind of dealing with the scar tissue but there is technically "no pain". I have hit it sometimes on a few things and it will hurt for a second but something I would tell you to just go get done and over with in a heartbeat!!! I wanted it gone before school starts so I didn't have to worry about it because pain progessed in the following months. I didn't want to see what it was going to be like while in school with all the pain. I have a check-up a week from Monday then I am cleared... Was a very easy process... Don't wait to do it when you are worrying about classes because for that first week you will be on pain meds which Knocked this girl completely out everyday, no matter where you are or what you are thinking about.

Good Luck with whatever you decide :)

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2008

I would go for having it done while you have the time.....otherwise, the school may start wondering why you aren't willing or able to do some extra work with your wrist(helping to roll/lift/etc patients) and schools usually are NOT very willing to work with you on many issues. I would say that once you put your mind to it, you would work on making it stronger for clinicals and hopefully it wouldn't cause you too many problems....