HELLO! HELLO! HELLO! I'M ALIVE...AND (almost) WELL

[nursegirl6572]

Hi everyone!  I've dusted the cobwebs off my pc and am ready to get crackin!  First, let me say that I've missed this site very much and missed the people, the posts, the wonderful sense of community and support.  To spare you all the gory details, I fell very ill in August and have spent the last 6 months working with numerous specialists trying to narrow down an exact diagnosis...I have what my hematologist thinks is a pretty significant genetic blood disorder.  I was so ill that I honestly was not sure of the outcome....so that's what kept me away.

Good news and bad...I still don't have an "offical" diagnosis yet, but still working on it...plus the best thing is...I'm finally feeling much better.  Lydia knows the range of extreme symptoms and life-threatening scares I had....and to be actually be coming out on the other side (slowly but surely) is truly a blessing.  To be on the other side of the hospital gown was awfully weird, but humbling in so many ways.  

They say that good comes out of the bad and I can say that in my case it is absolutely true...I had time to reflect and work thru some regrets...and really came to appreciate so much in my life that I took for granted.  So, if anything (despite the obvious fact that I sincerely thought I would die...as did my doc.....and did not)....I've come out of this (so far) a little more appreciative, and to not "sweat the small stuff" so much.

I look forward to being back amongst all the wonderful MH folks....hopefully helping people who need it, and offering my support wherever it is needed.  I hope you are all well....I've TRULY TRULY missed you all.  A special thanks to Lydia...a TRUE true friend, CJ and the MH Admin for keeping me in their thoughts and not writing me off.  The power of love and friendship is beyond anything we can imagine.

Hugs and Kisses.....

[jlroesner]

Hi nursegirl!  I'm new too, so we may not have "met" yet...  You're enthusiasm and positive attitude came through loud and clear and I'm looking forward to knowing you!  Not to be too nosey, but in your post you said "you were on the other side of the gown", so that and your user name lead me to believe you are nurse...  But, I don't want to assume anything...  In any case, I'm in nursing school now and wondered if you had any tips for someone who has suffered through panic attacks for the last 17 years.   I"m just about to start my clinicals (in the fall) and I'm nervous about having panic attacks on the floor or not being able to do a NG tube or start an IV or what if I mess up meds, etc....   I'm a wreck!  So sorry to be selfish and ask you these questions especially since you're still recuperating and if I'm being too nosey please just tell me.  Thanks so much and welcome back.  Jen

[nursegirl6572]

Thank you, M! I appreciate the supportive words!  And, you're so right about it not being that easy to let things go.  I definitely have a better appreciation now for those circumstances where my patients are very ill, or at the end of their life...and some of the thought processes that go with those situations.  I've always been compassionate, but have never been able to fully empathize as I had never gone through anything remotely similar...and hope to never again, at least not until I'm 105 yrs old.  ;0)

Anyway, thanks again for the kind words and thoughts!

[MMahon]

Welcome back.  Sorry to hear of your health issues and I can appreciate your comments about not 'sweating the small stuff' for the same reasons you mention.  It is easier said then done sometimes however.
I hope you return to good health and put the whole episode behind you soon.
Your presence was missed here.   A good nurse is always the best medicine!!

[nursegirl6572]

Thank you Alison!  I appreciate the kind words...looking forward to reaquainting myself with people and getting to know the newer folks.  

[Alisonj29]

Welcome back! I am fairly new so we have probably never "met" I am glad your doctors are working well and helping you get a diagnose and best of all that you are feeling better!!!! I look forward to seeing you around the boards