posted
Sick for 12 years and just started treatment? Were you just diagnosed?
Treatment can be rough and it is wise to cut down on the things that you don't have to do. I have really had to cut back on my expectations of myself...... be sure to cut yourself some slack. It is not a race.
With that said, it is obvious that you are a trooper, working and school and kids while sick.
Having a goal and a plan is what keeps me going. I cannot imagine giving up on a plan that you have worked so hard for.
There are lots of different kinds of nursing positions. I just loved the home care nurses that came to my house once a week while I had my picc line in.
(they came once a week to change the dressing, do blood work. I gave myself the infusions)
Just an example of the flex of nursing. And they are in high demand all over the country.
AND YES we need more lyme literate nurses!!!
Two thumbs up from me. You have your life ahead of you still. It maybe different then before, but there is more then one way to skin a cat.
Von
Posts: 258 | From Washington State | Registered: Nov 2005
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I know it is a decision only I can make, I just need some outside opinions.
Von, I have likely had Lyme congenitally my whole life (LONG story) and was re infected 12 years ago.
I have been misdiagnosed up until this past September.
I think I am going to hang in there with Nursing.
A huge part of me feels like it is what I am "supposed" to do, to help other people in some way.
Maybe I will just have to work very part-time, which wouldn't be a big deal.
Thank you again, I appreciate your time to help me:)
Posts: 209 | From maryland | Registered: Aug 2007
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Yes.
You CAN do it.
If feeling bad is derailing you too much, work with your doc on easing back on meds so you can treat and work at the same time.
I think it's an admirable goal. Good for you!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
justwondering, I too have felt there is something else I'm suppose to do. I had a 28 yr career that I worked ill at for almost 3 yrs. I kept working because I knew ahead that I was up for a promotion.
I also knew the next promotion from there was only 12 months later. You don't get promoted when you are off work and ill. So in early stages I only took off two months. Went back to work ill and kept going like it was the most important thing in my life.
After I got the second promotion and finally got into my goal (15 yr old goal) position, I lasted 8 mths and collapsed. I have been disabled since that date 12/26/01.
So my next career is going to be...sometimes I feel it has to do with children and other times it has to do with medical field. I'm not ready for any of that yet. But I can dream.
Finish your schooling if you can mentally and physically. I don't know how you've kept up with all that responsibility. WOW. Then move yourself and your health up your list of important things to do.
Your nursing career will still be there when you feel better. Just the opinion of someone who was a Type A, career identifying person since age 16 for the company that sent me a letter telling me I was terminated after one year of sick leave (4 days before Christmas '02), unless my doctor would write a note and say in writing that I would be back in a few months.
My doctor said no way. You're not going back to work until you are well. He wouldn't let me kill myself. Bless him. You & your health and your children rank way ahead. That's my advice. Of course I don't know your whole circumstance????
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
It would be hard for anyone to tell you what to do. I would say go for it but listen to your body and your LLMD.
I was sick for 5 years before finding out I had Lyme. I have worked during my treatment but have a fairly flexible schedule and a supportive husband who picked up the slack at home when I needed him to.
It is now 2 years after I started treatment and I am off abx and feeling good. I am finishing up with the Cowden protocol (I'm now at the end of month 3 of 6).
I think it really depends on the person, the job, and their support system.
Good luck!
-------------------- Lucy Posts: 342 | From Hawaii | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Did you know that some of our best LLMD's have Lyme themselves???? Go for it, we need good LLRN's out there to work with the LLMD's.
You can do this, just pace yourself. I know the clinical hours are long and hard, but with help from your loved ones and friends, you can do it!!!
Hugs,
-------------------- ICEY Posts: 468 | From Las Vegas NV | Registered: Jun 2005
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tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
No one can tell you what to do, but from all you say, I would say for you to persue your dream. Without our dreams, we die inside.
And as others have said, we definitely need more in the medical profession that truly understand lyme and all the ramifications...so I would say, go for it.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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