So I worked sat and sunday(8hrs both days) for the first time in a month… I feel like I got hit by a truck…I am currently off all meds cause I’m having a bad reaction to them… I am currently in school to be a nurse and my biggest fear is that I’ll finish school but won’t be able to handle working…and that kills me…my work is my life…I currently am a cna but I pass meds …so it’s not like I’m straining my body physically…yet I will be taking care of the residents next weekend and I’m not looking forward to it…
Wow I know exactly how you feel . I just worked off 3 days 12 hour shifts in so much pain right now . I love my job also … Maybe there will be better meds soon for us… Hugs!
Deej, I used to work in a nursing home and know the stress of working there, plus the physical strain incurred by CNAs.
Once you earn your degree, maybe you could ease in to nursing gradually, like working on call for an agency. That way you could tell them up front what kind of hours you want. Another thought is maybe you could be a paperwork nurse or else one who trains other nurses.
I truly understand that this is a tough illness and tough to navigate through when you work in a nursing home, so my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Warmly,
Petunia
Deej,
Wow! I know exactly what the life of a CNA is. I was one for 8 years in my 30’s. Even a QMA (we used to call them DD = drug dealer LOL… Not quite as funny as it was back then, but oh those were the days!!) has to be on her feet ALL the time and I used to help out the CNA’s with transfers when I was a DD, so that really puts a strain on your body!!
I finally became an Activities Director in a nursing facility becuase I just couldn’t handle being on my feet so much. So, I sat in meetings mostly and charted as well as planned out all the activities for the month, purchase supplies, etc…etc.
I finally got to a point where I couldn’t even do that! I ended up an office manager for a DirecTV dealer who sold bulk television to nursing facilities, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, etc. I just now got to a point where I can’t even do that anymore. I mean really…I can’t be a desk jockey??
I have ALWAYS worked, it is quite an adjustment not working now. It’s almost like a part of me is gone. So, I guess it’s time to figure out who I am without work!
I used to dream of going back to school for Physical Therapy, but well…that dream is dead and gone as well.
~Tina~
Tina, I can relate so well to what you're saying. When I was in my 30's I delivered papers and then delivered meals on wheels. When you deliver papers, you have to carry them in huge, bundled stacks, then cut the bundles apart and fold them, throw them, deliver them to 200 homes, etc. Took A LOT of strength! Now I can BARELY deliver the meals - barely. Am marvelling at how I walked up a steep driveway today and am suffering terrific pain from it tonight - I mean REALLY?
I used to be an Activity Director too but pushing those wheel chairs around KILLED my back and almost killed me. Being short, I had even more energy expended on it. Did all of the transporting and it was WICKED!
My point is that fibro does gradually progress. You can originally do so much, then a little less, then a little less and before you realize it, you can barely do anything. It's kind of freaking me out, the driveway thing made me realize how bad it is now. When I first got my own route back in July, I did a fair amount of walking on it, along with stairs. About 3 weeks ago, it became just impossible. And now even a driveway is impossible???
You know, you may find something else that you can do that may not expend much energy. Maybe something online or along that line. You never know.
Good wishes,
Petunia
Hi Deej, my heart goes out to you, I am a nurse and loved everyday of my 24 years, I finally had to let my great job go, I miss it so much, but let me encourage you to continue in school and not worry about how, or what kind of job you may or may not be able to do. Once a nurse always a nurse… There are many things you maybe able to do. I’m not giving up, even though I can’t do the job I had, I’m hoping things will get better and maybe there is something I can do.
Take on day at a time,
Hugs & blessings
dee
Hi Deej,
We have many nurses here and a PA, so please know you are not alone. I understand you being drawn to the work as both of my granddaughters are, I actually think that one may be determined enough to go to med school.
Hopefully there is a branch of nursing that will not require the strain, and perhaps teaching is something to look forward to. One of my girlfriend's daughter was a military nurse in Iraq, came back and worked in the local ER a couple of years and is now taking classes so that she can teach a natural childbirth technique.
Talk to your Rheumatologist and see if he would have any suggestions, if yours is as wise as mine, you have a wealth of helpful information at easy reach. I hope you can find a way to make this work.
My best wishes are with you!