[hyperm]

#1069710

Hey,

3 of my sisters are nurses one of them has had GD since she was 13 and got the op about 13 years ago but she was nursing for a good 10 years prior to the op and was unwell with the condition but is and I say this with great pride fantastic at her job. The other was recently diagnosed. I am an OT and I find no reason why I cannot carry out my professional obligations with this condition. Obviously the double vision may pose a problem more from your point of view – that feel awful.

However, although I was very tired most days and my concentration wasn’t as good as it was prior to GD diagnosis but a lot of that was because I was so tired and my levels were all over the place.

Please try not to worry too much. Are you in the USA or states? Either I imagine it will be Occupational health you are going too? They are fantastic and so understanding so please try and relax. Stay focused you have come this far!! You will make a fantastic nurse just by the fact you have been through all this "insight, empathy" understanding the lingo eh?

M xxxx

[Sue_Conard]

#1019157

I have a serious question that I need to research with anyone on this site with GD in the medical profession. I’ve been going to school for approx. 3 yrs., while working full-time, to take pre-requisites to become an RN. I’m finally eligible to apply to nursing school (December 09) but currently fighting HYPERthyroidism and TED (double vision). With my application for nursing school they want a PHYSICAL! With the physical, they are going to take "laboratory tests" which consists of titers, CBC, etc. etc.

I approached the lady running the nursing program and told her that within the past yr. I’ve was diagnosed with GD and experience double vision. I told her that my plan was to go into remission and have the surgery to correct my vision and asked if this would keep me from entering the program. She said that my dr. would have to SIGN the application stating that YES, I would be able to perform my duties as a nurse upon submitting my application.

I’ve continued to "push through" to meet my school commitments, b/c I won’t ALLOW GD to control me; however, right now I’m having trouble getting out of bed in the morning b/c of muscle pain and today was the first day that I asked myself, "why". I’m discouraged to have come so far to fall flat on my face from this disease and not pursue my dream of becoming a nurse.

Can anyone here give me encouragement, suggestions or recommendations on what you would do, given my current situation? The best part of this scenario is that I’m in my early 50’s and since my diagnoses, I haven’t experienced remission yet.

Thanks to all for your opinion.

[susant]

#1069711

Hi Sue,

I completely understand your hesitation, given how you are currently feeling. Remember you will not feel like this forever, and yes you will return to feeling fantastic again. Apart from that, it is really important to feel that you have a sense of control over this disease. By that I mean continue to plan for the future. If a profession in nursing is what you want to do go for it. I personally can’t see how Graves will inhibit you from being eligible to undertake this wonderful profession. GO GET IT.

The way I plan for the future is throw myself into it. If I am not feeling good at the time, I defer/take leave and get back to it later. If there is anything that this disease has taught me, and that is we are all vulnerable – but life is not a rehearsal. Not sure if this helps – all the best

susan

[Sue_Conard]

#1069712

THANKS Hyperm & Susan!! To Hyperm, I AM in the US. You’re BOTH absolutely RIGHT in that life is NOT a rehearsal and this is a dream I pursued after my son was grown & left the house and it’s one I WILL HAVE!! I guess that I wrote my post out of FEAR after my appointment with the college. I’ve heard a saying about fear, in that, IT"S NOT "REALITY" (can’t remember how it goes, guess it’s GD (memory issues too)! ” title=”Wink” /> ) All I can do is take care of myself & prepare to enter…let things fall the way they are suppose to and make my dream a reality. Although I will have GD the rest of my life, I WILL NOT BE in my current state FOREVER, YOU’RE BOTH ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!! Like MamaBear says…EEE! THANKS for responding and giving me what I needed today, encouragement, educate & empower!!

[mamabear]

#1069713

sue, from the time i was 14 i wanted to be a nurse. i married by 19 had 1st child at 21, divorced, remarried a few yrs later had 3 more kids and a great dh. maybe i’ll be a nurse when kids grow up

[mamabear]

#1069714

sorry for second post, pc weird.
ok,so as i was saying… i might later on so i say go for it!!!!!
there is nothing sweeter than accomplishing your dream while kicking a diseases butt!! you go girl!!

[Sue_Conard]

#1069715

I will keep everyone posted as I make progress. My current plan is to enroll is Child Psychology next semester along with the 4 part exam to enter nursing school. The college will provide my book on tape (audio) for the semester since reading is difficult. The 4 part test has to be passed at 95% or they will withdraw my application. The double vision is my only concern with taking the test b/f December as I don’t think my dr. will be ready to correct the eyes with surgery prior to taking the exam. Thanks for all your encouragement…will let you know when I get into nursing school so we can all celebrate!! ” title=”Very Happy” />

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