by MsMcDucket 5 Replies latest watchtower medical
Guys and gals, I'm tired all of the time. My endocrinologist tells me that my lymphocytes are chronically elevated. I have headaches all the time. I have additional health problems as well. I am worn out. I am considering giving up my career and filing for disability. I don't want to lose my skills in nursing. I want to keep my license. I don't know what to do??? I need to know what you all think that I should do.
Thanks
Melinda
I think you should go to a nutritionist. They will be able to tell you what imbalances you have. Your body may be in flight or fight mode at all times which causes your body to overuse energy and not be able to restore it when you rest. My suggestion, have someone check out your adrenal glands. My guess is that they are out of whack. The nutritionist will most likely put you on a cleanse and those suck for the first week or so but then you are fine. You will find you have more energy. I am not trying to be disrespectful to your profession, but sometimes modern medicine does not help in certain circumstances and you may need holistic medicine. You should test the waters and see if it works for you. Good luck on your quest for health.
Melinda make sure have everything checked and find out exactly WHY your lymphocytes are elevated. Have every organ function checked. Rule out cancer anywhere in the body. If you are chronically fatigied now, only you can know when you've had enough. You would need a doctor to take you off work, get workers comp disability, then file for SSI/SSD.
I have been through medical hell, misdiagnosed, mistreated, and permanently disabled because of it. I now eat an organic vegan diet and it has changed everything for the better. But I still have challenges. I hope you feel better soon.
Looking-glass and ApostateKate, my TSH was, also, elevated. It was 15. The doctor had been refusing to refill my Synthroid until I came in for an appointment. With all the stuff I had going on with my husband, it was hard for me to go see any doctor. I, finally, got in to see her last week. She felt so bad about it that she gave me some free samples of Synthroid. They are sending my lab reports to an Oncologist/Hematologist, again. I thought that I'd be over and done with this by now. The last time that I went in to see the Oncologist, he said that I didn't have any atypical cells indicating that it could be cancer. They haven't figured out why my lymphocytes are chronically elevated. It's got me worried.
I wish that they'd hurry up and find out what it is so that I can quit worrying about it.
Doing shift work wreaks havoc on your body. Your immune and endocrine systems suffer due to sleep deprivation, and not having a regular sleep schedule like everyone else. Combine that with the stress you've been experiencing from your husband and the twins, and it's no wonder your white cell count is elevated. It sounds almost like you're starting to experience a burn-out (maybe chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia? try to get those two conditions ruled out).
Are you in a position where you can get some paid time off from your job (vacation or sick leave for a few weeks maybe)? It sounds like you need some serious R&R. Would you be able to transfer to another position where you wouldn't have to work as many shifts? Or maybe get into a job-share position? I don't know exactly how it works where you are, but my doctor wrote a sick note for me not too long ago because I was having foot pain - my manager accommodated me by giving me a modified work arrangement. We have some RNs who cannot - for health reasons - work night shift (a couple of diabetics and another with thyroid problems) because their endocrine conditions are exacerbated by not having a regular schedule. The hospital is required to accommodate them. Check with your employer's Occupational Health service and your Union to see what you need to do to protect your job. Maybe you could transfer to another department where you wouldn't have to work night shifts or weekends (like if they have surgical day care clinics, etc).
It sounds like you really enjoy your career as a nurse - it's not something to give up lightly. How would it affect your pension? How much longer do you have before you can retire? Do you really think you'd be able to manage on a disability pension income?
Those are all things that I'd consider before I reached a decision like the one you're facing.
You need to take good care of yourself - it affects your work performance if you don't!
Hugs, Scully
We have some RNs who cannot - for health reasons - work night shift (a couple of diabetics and another with thyroid problems) because their endocrine conditions are exacerbated by not having a regular schedule.
Skully, I have hypothyroidism, diabetes, hypoparathyroidism, a paralyzed vocal cord that causes UARS,...and that ain't all. I work third because all have to do is deal with the patients (well most of the time). I have managed to get my diabetes under control by diet. The thyroid problem and paralyzed vocal cord are a result of thyroidectomy.
I've been through a fight with my previous job about this stuff. They won. The EEOC is nothing but a paper tiger. It really only helps severely disabled people or the ones that will make them look good in the news. Also, even if you win your case, all that does is give you the right to sue. Most lawyers won't take the case unless you've got $10,000. up front. Kind of hard for an unemployed person to sue someone.
I do have short-term and long-term disability. I'll talk to my doctor and see what she thinks about me taking some time off.
Thanks for responding
