Tired Nurse Warrior

By NPrim

1 min read

I was diagnosed in 1994, the same year I graduated from nursing school. I have been living with multi-system involvement- most recently the death of my right kidney and more involved cardiac.. Every day I thank God for allowing me the chance to see my grandchildren and great-grandchild grow. I noticed the cognitive impairment lasts longer and is more profound than before and I fear I may not be able to nurse as long as I want.. Frankly, I am scared.

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Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="NPrim" user-id="4703233"/> You are dealing with so much and your feelings are valid. It is so scary having to deal with those issues. I am definitely sending you gentle hugs and holding space for your continued strength and ease of your fears. I hope if you do have to stop nursing that you know and understand that you are still a magnificent person that will adapt and be just as vital in the lives of others in many different ways. I am so happy you are watching the grands and great grands
Anne1 Member
Dear Warrior, I am a respiratory therapist and I'm in the exact same place. We are natural warriors and the fear that we may be coming to end of our ability to continue to be warriors is scaring the heck out of me. I have 42+ years and without my work I feel I would be totally lost and loose even more of my mental function. I wish I knew how to come to grips with the fright but I don't. All I can do is thank god he allowed me the last 28 years after my diagnosis to do what I love, raise an amazing son and have a wonderful, understanding and supportive partner standing beside me. The fear is real and my thoughts and prayers go out to you if you do find a strategy to help you cope with this very real fear I would love to hear from you. Best of luck and thank you for doing what you do. 
1. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Anne1" user-id="4735979"/> I can completely relate. After having to stop working I was so fearful of not being as relevant as I thought to be. It took a while to come to the realization that my job as a social worker and teacher had to end in a traditional sense. As time has progressed, I see that the job didn't define me and that I will always work in that way in some shape form or fashion. Sending your gentle hugs and encouragement. Holding space for your fears to be quelled and clarity to be found. Thanks for sharing. ~Racquel~ lupus team member