Chronic Pain Support Group

Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...

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/ Chronic Pain Support Group

Grad school with pain

Aronia
Aronia

i took the plunge and applied to grad school. Classes start in the fall, I will have a major in adult nurse practitioner. 


I worry a lot about how I am going to manage full time employment with class attendance.  I am either in pain or completely exhausted from adrenal fatigue. 


In the first week of March I am going back to my endocrinologist to get ACTH challenge test ( cosybtropin) to determine the primary cause for my suppressed adrenal glands. I suspect that the cause is narcotics. My cortisol level was very low in the morning, and it should be high. Low cortisol is appropriate only at night when it is time for bed. 


Anyway.. this is what scares me.. my extreme fatigue. 


Wish me luck. 

billwfriend
billwfriend
you got it nursie! hugs and hope you get that nurse practitioner degree and the paychecks that come with that....hugs bill
GreyDuck
GreyDuck
Congrats! What a brave thing! I always try to get a Nurse Practitioner as my PCP, if I can. You got this!

I totally get feeling worried whether your body and energy level will cooperate with the plans you have for your future. I hope your March appointments give you some answers and you’ll be feeling in a better place come Fall.

Best wishes! You got this!
Hangingonadayatatime
Hangingonadayatatime
I wish you all the best, it is such a challenge for those of us with chronic pain related medical conditions. I know myself if I don't take frequent breaks during the day, doing anything past 7 pm is extremely difficult for me. The two areas of scoliosis in my back cause compression fractures in my spine. Standing, walking, even sitting upright causes pain after 2 hour max. A shopping trip with my daughter left me bed-ridden the next day due to intense spasms. Being in a classroom it's not like you can ask to lay on the floor next to your desk! I NEED my horizontal time to take the pressure off of my spine.- even my back brace won't give me that relief. On days that I do have an evening appointment or engagement I make sure that I have time throughout the day to rest my back- that doesn't sound like it's an option for you. Does stretching help? Gentle yoga and swimming have been very helpful in building up my core area.
I applaud you in your endeavor and pray that all goes well for you :) xoLyn
Vanyel
Vanyel
Your story sounds very familiar. I am an ACNP and worked through school. Had knee replaced one semester and had to quit school for that one. I have adrenal failure as well and have to take hydrocortisone among other things. Have severe arthritis that is eating through all my joints. But I made it through and worked for 10 years after so far. Good luck to you!
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