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Any nurses out there living with uc? I am in nursing school now and also in a flare, and when I think about when I'm actually out there working in a hospital AND trying to deal with the awful cramping and bathroom symptoms.....how do you do it! obviously there isnt a lot of time for bathroom breaks and we're supposed to be taking care of others and I dont want my symptoms to take away from the care to my patients! tell me how you deal with it please

scared

 Reply posted for krii.

thats so comforting that your fellow nurses are looking out for you. hopefully i will be as lucky. im always asking my gi kind of in depth questions about what EXACTLY is going on, like at the cellular level, rather than just 'there is pain' i always want to know why, whats making it that way and so on, and i can blame the nursing for making me so curious about that, but sometimes i feel like some of my teachers could explain it better bc the docs arent used to describing about the physiology, but i dont want to go up to my teachers and tell them i have uc and could they explain this bc that would just make them nervous and make it seem like im trying for sympathy or something, but anywaysss glad to hear you have great support!

 Reply posted for ritap.

P.S.  (sorry, techno-glitch!)  My GI doc loves me, because I use my nursing skills to help manage my own care: I keep a detailed food journal, and I track all my meds, and any changes with either. Once you're in the hospital setting, don't be shy about advocating for adequate breaks and safe staffing. All nurses deserve that, IBD or not.   :-)

 Reply posted for ritap.

I'm a nurse, I have Crohn's. I was just diagnosed in Oct. 08, but in hindsight, I've had symptoms for 4 to 6 years. (I just blamed it on stress: nursing school, new job!) silly me. But then when life settled down and my belly wasn't, I realized there was a problem! I actually wish I had known in school, I think I would have been totally supported by the faculty.

I'm an oncology RN, I work 12 hr night shifts. So, yes, anything is possible. I have FMLA set up, so my job is protected if I need to call in sick and am out of "sick time" or if I have trouble scheduling appointments that fit my work / sleep schedule.

I have found that all my friends have really not been very understanding, or they are just too busy with their own kids & busy lives to give me the support I need, but my fellow nurses are fantastic. Several of them keep an eye out for articles and new gut-friendly recipes for me. I actually look forward to work: it makes me feel normal.

 Reply posted for ritap.

I'm a nurse, I have Crohn's. I was just diagnosed in Oct. 08, but in hindsight, I've had symptoms for 4 to 6 years. (I just blamed it on stress: nursing school, new job!) silly me. But then when life settled down and my belly wasn't, I realized there was a problem! I actually wish I had known in school, I think I would have been totally supported by the faculty.

I'm an oncology RN, I work 12 hr night shifts. So, yes, anything is possible. I have FMLA set up, so my job is protected if I need to call in sick and am out of "sick time" or if I have trouble scheduling appointments that fit my work / sleep schedule.

I have found that all my friends have really not been very understanding, or they are just too busy with their own kids & busy lives to give me the support I need, but my fellow nurses are fantastic. Several of them keep an eye out for articles and new gut-friendly recipes for me. I actually look forward to work: it makes me feel normal.

 Reply posted for crystalball.

mini wheats- they help to slow the diarrhea?

 Reply posted for ritap.

Hi, I just joined so I could talk. I am in nursing school too and have Crohn's. I had to go to clinical and was nervous, which made things worse. I don't really know how I would have made it without Mini Wheats! They slow things down, but create gas at night. I am single, so I don't need to worry about that! The girls aren't too happy about the school, but I need to do this. We need to be able to take care of ourselves, it's a pride thing. What else can we do?

 Reply posted for ritap.

I am not a nurse but I am an occupational therapist.  I have had UC for just over 2 years, or at least diagnosed with it, had symptoms longer.  It was hard in the beginning because while I was waiting for a dx, I had little treatment options. Luckly, things are in control now. I have been honest with my employer and let them know so they are understanding. I have moved into a managment position now, so I do less hands on care, which makes getting away to the bathroom easier. Somedays I just have to push through which is easier said than done.  Hang in there, you can do it!

 Reply posted for ritap.

I am a nurse and I have had UC for 12 years.  It is hard when I am in a bad flair always having to go to the bathroom, but I have learned to just suck it up and do it.  I have no choice.  Nursing is my passion and what I was meant to do and I feel like it has certainly made me more compassionate for my patients.  I work in a pediatricians office and I do have times when I have to step out of a room to go to the BR. I just politly say excuse me for a second I will be right back and I go.  Its either excuse myself and go, or go right there.  If anyone ever asks, and they havent so far, I would just explain to them i guess. I am not really sure.  Some people dont get it and they never will but you are the only person who will take care of you so do that.  And when you go to take care of your first patient remember the fear and anxiety you felt and use that to be the best nurse you can be, even with the possible 20-30 BR breaks you may have to take!  You will be okay!