Where Am I Now

Millie2787

So … where have I been and where am I now?

That’s certainly a big question to answer. I’m coming to the end of my first term of my final year of nursing and it’s INTENSE. Managing final project whilst doing placement, lectures and managing home life certainly has been a struggle. My first chapter was due at the start of this week but after a chat with my diss supervisor, I became to realise that wasn’t going to be achievable.

We find our next placement out on Monday … my final placement and I can’t lie im terrified - I haven’t done a 12hr shift since my last placement of 1st year 3 years ago. My most recent placement went amazing - I had some amazing feedback about how well I interacted with children. My mentor made a comment whilst we chatted yesterday, that I seem much happier now I’m living at home. Which is a surprise,seeing as I’ve come home and picked up my caring responsibilities again.

Health wise - we haven’t been great . My IIH has been playing up more times than I can count , the swelling in my optic nerve has gone but my eye sight is slowly deteriorating…. I’ve had 3 new prescriptions since September 2023 and the headaches are no better. I’m waiting to see the neurologist. My iron levels are low despite having 2 rounds of oral iron, So my Gp did a referral to medical day case at the hospital for an iron infusion. Frustratingly they rejected the referral and said because I’m not anaemic (low red blood cells) and my levels are “stable” it’s not clinically indicated.

But some good news on the health front - we’ve finally found a medication that’s significantly reduced my nausea and vomiting. I also had my first appointment with the gastroenterologist on Monday. For the first time I had an appointment where a medical professional didn’t mention my weight or blame my weight for the issue. In fact he wants to help and has ordered a Gastric emptying study, but he also said even if it doesn’t do anything significantly wrong he’s not going to tell me to stop the medication, as it’s clearly helping.

So that’s where I am , Heading into 2025 with health at a 5/10 ,Nursing - stressful but 7/10 … it’s going good and I’ve got so much support around me.

Okay I’ll stop waffling on now 🤣

TheNightmare

Hi, it sounds like you're doing an amazing job juggling everything, even with all the challenges. Your hard work in nursing is paying off, and it’s great to hear about the positive feedback and support you’re getting. I’m glad you’ve found a medication that’s helping, and I hope your health continues to improve. You're handling so much, and it's inspiring to see your determination. You've got this.

independent_

So so proud of you @Millie2787 you have come so so far. I know the journey you’ve been on particularly with your health so it’s amazing to hear how well you’re doing now with everything

Azziman

Hey @Millie2787 - it sounds like you've had quite a year and lots of things to juggle, well done for managing it all! You're doing the best you can, and I hope you get some more good news about your health soon as that sounds like it's been a challenge. Wishing you all the best with your last placement, and well done on getting the positive feedback for the current one! It sounds like some long shifts are coming up, but you've done them before and I'm sure you'll get into the swing of things in time! 2025 is your year!