I have two chronic conditions that have been an incredible hassle over recent weeks. One of them has been a huge part of my recent employment issues (epilepsy, which rears its stupid, ugly face when I lack adequate sleep, though that wasn't everything at work). Both (epilepsy and spondylolisthesis) have made this week the suck!
What have I learned?
1. Don't go to Disney if you have any type of ortho or neuro issue that restricts your ability to ride almost everything. You'll be in pain and watching your vacation fly by from the sidelines.
2. If your inlaws are selfish jerks, do not tell them how your handicapped arm band works. They WILL hijack your pass (and your entire days making you unable to do anything you want) and treat you like ess when you shut that crap down because you're tired of sitting around waiting for a turn to use it (never happened until the end).
3. It makes my blood boil that people do NOT understand chronic medical issues, or at least open their minds to the fact that they may not understand what they are seeing. Instead, people go straight to, "I bet it's her meds for her back. That is not what epilepsy looks like." No, I didn't learn this one. I was reminded of it. My husband loved being called a liar. PEOPLE! EPILEPSY LOOKS LIKE "EPILEPSY" LESS THAN IT DOESN'T.
4. Girl Child has anxiety. This rips my heart out. My husband needs some coaching on this, but so far he's done okay.
5. Winning a fitbit workweek challenge against people who regularly go >20k is the best feat ever consider all the stuff above going on. I had a 28k day! Nurses, get a pedometer (if you don't have one) and challenge yourselves!
I have so few health/nursey (somewhat) things to add. Mostly I share this to help others when working with patients who share similar conditions. Lived experiences can sometimes trump textbook learning. So, ditch the inlaws early, get plenty of medicine, get benzos in case of persistent seizure episodes, and going to Disney right before spinal fusion is stupid. Wait a year.
I hope you all have had great weeks! I have not kept up at all.
Guest OP requested for this coming Saturday. Another week of not working, uncertainty of the future, and honestly, I am tired of complaining!
The week after that, look for a very pain and opiate-laden OP entitled: "WILTW - post-op, and they just took my happy button away", or, it may be "no I do not want PT because this ess already hurts enough". Orrrr.... "Pretty sure I'm gonna get a DVT and post-op infection. Just because."
I may need someone to proof read that post first.
I would, but I'm not sure I'm qualified.
I did find a humorous/inspirational quote for graduation, so all is well.
ETA: I learn more from you and the students that post here than anyone else.
"The only thing that could make this day better is ice cream" - M.Scott
Thanks! I'm always learning something new, but retaining and applying it is a whole different story. If no one else volunteers, ixchel, I would be willing to. And I do graduate in a month and intend on taking the NCLEX ASAP, so I will (hopefully) be a nurse fairly soon!
Specializes in Med Surg, ICU, Infection, Home Health, and LTC.
I call them imposters. They are vile little creatures that bite and if you squish them they smell retched and stain whatever surface they're on. They are an Asian ladybug. My shop vac smells like a 400-pound squished imposter ladybug...I have to leave it outside so as to not stink up the house. Bleck.
Are those the same little bugs we call lady bugs down south? They bring good luck and are a sign of spring. i would never kill one. If one gets on you and you make a wish and the lady bug takes off in flight yourwish may come true,
Are those the same little bugs we call lady bugs down south? They bring good luck and are a sign of spring. i would never kill one. If one gets on you and you make a wish and the lady bug takes off in flight yourwish may come true,
Click the link in the post you responded to. Definitely not the good luck ones.
Farawyn
12,646 Posts
I'll proof read ya, if you TRUST me, but I can't do your thread this week.