Any other professionals?

[aubgurl]

I'm a scrub tech and am currently in my second semester of nursing school

[Jules A]

I'm a scrub tech and am currently in my second semester of nursing school

Very cool, welcome and best wishes with school!

[meburnett2004]

I am in medical school and newly diagnosed. it's not going to stop me

[Jules A]

I am in medical school and newly diagnosed. it's not going to stop me

Congrats on getting into med school!! Do you have a specialty in mind?

[ajmarsh]

OT here

I am an occupational therapist, dx in 1991. Decided to become an OT after learning about my dx. Heal thyself kind of thought/plan? . Fortunately, there is a lot I know and I enjoy reading from the professional OT at MS World. Good stuff.

[bamabelle]

I am an MRI tech. I had very little knowledge about MS, other than being able to identify the plaques on a scan. My husband's dx a little over a month ago has landed my here in this forum absorbing every bit of knowledge that I can.

Learning so much about MS has helped me to relate better to my patients. I often see patients with no evidence of physical symptoms. This is usually during a yearly check up for evidence of progression.

I now realize that just because you can't see a symptom or the person is happy at that moment, doesn't mean there isn't a multitude of other problems they are dealing with.

In my facility, I have always tried to bring a smile or laughter to my patients. I can calm a claustrophobic patient and ease a scared patient. I am given many compliments and hugs as a result of my special patient interactions.

Many of my past and present coworkers say that I have a special gift with this talent. I am very thankful for this ability. I wish more of us health professionals could take the time to learn more about MS.

Nice to meet you all,
Belle

[kelm10]

welcome

welcome to all of you that joined this forum recently.

bamabelle,

I too have that touch and I have explored the field of Reiki (A form of theraputic touch.) It has opened my eyes as to why I may have been the same way for years.

[Auntbean]

I'm a nurse. Had first optic neuritis in nursing school. Ten years later, my symptoms could not be ignored any longer....but in retrospect there were plenty of them for years. I'm worried about how long I can work all these hours. I live alone, have no children and have four siblings that live very close but couldn't be bothered to even help me throw trash away when I have an IV hanging out of my arm. Not sure where I'm going with this train of thought except, hi, I am a great psychiatric nurse with 15 years of experience. I'm scared. I'm alone. I Just keep going to work, doctor appts, and tysabri infusions. Work is therapy

[Jules A]

I'm a nurse. Had first optic neuritis in nursing school. Ten years later, my symptoms could not be ignored any longer....but in retrospect there were plenty of them for years. I'm worried about how long I can work all these hours. I live alone, have no children and have four siblings that live very close but couldn't be bothered to even help me throw trash away when I have an IV hanging out of my arm. Not sure where I'm going with this train of thought except, hi, I am a great psychiatric nurse with 15 years of experience. I'm scared. I'm alone. I Just keep going to work, doctor appts, and tysabri infusions. Work is therapy

Hi!
Work is definitely my therapy and security blanket also.

Psych nurses are being utilized in my area in increasing numbers for the companies that do out patient crisis management. One of the gigs I have heard about is telephone triage. Probably doesn't pay as much as floor nursing but way more flexible if the MS gets ugly.

Hang in there.

[Auntbean]

Thanks Jules I was lucky to get off the floor and away from door to door intensive community treatment just in time b4 the ugly symptoms of brain fog and vertigo hit. I landed a day program job that had to match my previous salary. I worked 11.5 hours today. I'm a case manager too. I have discussed diagnosis but have not revealed symptoms. The Trigeminal neuralgia and subsequent procedure was tricky but I'm Concerned they will think I'm unfit. Sometimes I think they want me to quit. I need the insurance. I love the idea of telephone triage or even utilization review. All ads I saw required MSN. Always wanted to be a nurse practitioner. That dream has been altered. ... not yet replaced. I appreciate your feedback. Has anyone here received negative feedback or been confronted regarding symptoms affecting job performance?

[moz205]

Hello all! Well I am a healthcare profession, rad tech and gastroenterology assistant. I am now status post just over one year of diagnosis. Knew I had MS, not sure how but just knew it and used my connections to see a specialist in the city who confirmed those uglies on my head and cervical scans! On the good side of being diagnosed after becoming symptomatic, two lung ca's were also found! TG for MS! Had my surgery for the lung and am on my treatment for MS. Continue to work as I don't really have a choice. Lost my husband 3 yrs ago and have a 15 yo son. One day at a time I guess. Oh well, could be worse I guess. Just got my follow up MRI results and all looking markely improved or stable! TG for small favors.

[Camsue]

welcome moz205..I like your positive attitude!

I worked in the Mental Heath field for 30 years first as a Psychiatric Technician in the living unit and vocational program and then branched into the field of Social Work. I retired on state disability 16 years ago when our facility closed.

I miss my work and probably still be there with some accommodations if they had remained open.

[moz205]

Thanks Camsue! Sorry I haven't answered but things have been so crazy and busy with me! Just moved and of course still working full time and trying to raise 15 yo son! Best wishes and hoping all is well with you.

[malligator]

Medical student

I am a fourth year medical student, I was diagnosed with MS 3 months before I started medical school. I actually joined this website wondering if there were any other medical students or doctors out there with MS. I am about to start residency interviews, and am unsure how much of my situation to disclose. Any advice would be welcome!

[Jules A]

I am a fourth year medical student, I was diagnosed with MS 3 months before I started medical school. I actually joined this website wondering if there were any other medical students or doctors out there with MS. I am about to start residency interviews, and am unsure how much of my situation to disclose. Any advice would be welcome!

Not a doc but I wouldn't advise disclosing anything at an interview unless your MS is visible. I have disclosed to the employee health department during my work physicals but only after I had an offer letter in writing.

As I'm sure you know hospitals can be somewhat incestuous and have the capacity to be a competitive arena. I tell no one at the hospitals where I practice about my MS and don't plan to until it can no longer be kept a secret.

Good luck.