Posts by katieydid2

I am a nurse as well. I must say it is a difficult, stressful, exhausting, gross, and wonderful job.  While nursing may not be for everyone, there are a very wide variety of opportunities in nursing.  It is a hugely rewarding career, how many people can honestly say they have saved a life, how many save lives on a regular basis? If you are considering a career in healthcare, I would second the recommendation to try working as a CNA. It will give you an idea of what to expect, an opportunity to explore different roles and specialties, and often makes nursing school "easier" - you can concentrate on the science and theory parts verses how to give baths and turning patients which are very intimidating and embarrassing to many who are starting out. I was very glad I worked for a nursing pool in college, and worked on nearly every floor in every hospital within 100 miles. It gave me a very good idea of where I would like to work after finishing school.

Also, I would concur with the others that bathing classmates sounds odd. While in nursing school, we often practiced on each other, particularly taking vitals, starting IV's and assessments, the students were always clothed. The only exception to this (that I can think of) would be learning to listen to heart and lung sounds, when one student would place a stethoscope on another's bare skin (under clothes, over undergarments.)

You will find a lot of support here. And you only need to tell as much as you are comfortable with. Thank heavens for the blessed anonimity of the internet. Many of the people here struggle with the same demons, and reach for the same triumphs. Just ask for what you need, be it a sympathetic ear, a kick in the rear, or well deserved praise.

If you are not comfortable with the forums, PM me.

Katie

I'd like to join if it is not too late. I have been really struggling lately with getting back on track. About a year ago I had lost 50 lbs, the I got sick, had a death in the family, and had a variety of other problems, some major, most minor that kept throwing me off. Long story short, I have regained almost all I lost and am furious with myself. I am 32, currently 270 (eek) with a goal of 150.

Black Team

Week 0.   12/30-1/1: 247.8
Week 1.   1/6-1/8: 245
Week 2.   1/13-1/15:241
Week 3.   1/20-1/22:241
Week 4.   1/27-1/29:
Week 5.   2/3-2/5:
Week 6.   2/10-2/12:
Week 7.   2/17-2/19:
Week 8.   2/24-2/26:

Very frustrated. I've been to the gym 5 times in the last 7 days, and haven't gone over my calories by more than 200 calories, and I can't get the scale to move.

Black Team

Week 0.   12/30-1/1: 247.8
Week 1.   1/6-1/8: 245
Week 2.   1/13-1/15:241
Week 3.   1/20-1/22:
Week 4.   1/27-1/29:
Week 5.   2/3-2/5:
Week 6.   2/10-2/12:
Week 7.   2/17-2/19:
Week 8.   2/24-2/26:

I had a pretty good week!

I have had several abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds due to cysts. I am also a nurse, so I have seen a lot of them performed. I am not an ultrasound tech, but I can tell you that they measure ALL of the structures in the abdomen and pelvis,  thats what all those boxes and pictures are about. They measure your bladder, bowel, reproductive organs, both kidneys, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, sometimes the aorta, usually from two or three directions each. That can add up to lots of pictures right there. Then they also measure any cysts, fluid collections or anything else they see. Many of these things are totally normal, even many ovarian cysts- they are what the egg comes out of. But until the radiologist looks at it, you won't know for sure. The techs usually are not allowed to tell you because they are not doctors, they may see something that might look funny to them but is totally normal for you. Don't worry too much, (I know how hard it can be to wait.)  Let the doctors do thier job- thats what you are paying them for!

As far as how long the results take, if it's an out patient study, the rad will usually read it within 24-48 hrs, then send the results to the ordering physician. That MD's office should contact you within a week of the study, often sooner if there is a problem. Depending on the results, they will send you a letter, call you, or have you come in for an appointment. Usually a letter means all clear, but the others are a toss up, depending on your doctors preferences.

You wrotethat you deliver prescriptions, does you employer offer tuition reimbursement? Many mid to large healthcare organizations do, and even though it may not be enough to pay for school entirely, that could take a big chunk out of the costs. Also, check into Federal and state aid,  that can make a huge difference, and you can get low interest deferred loans for the rest. Check out state schools, or tech schools, they can be a real bargain depending on your area of study. 

 Part time studies may also be an option. Alot of schools are catering more to adults who are going back to school, people who have families, mortgages, and other obligations that make working less than full time impossible. More and more evening and accelerated classes are available that might not interfere with your work schedule as much.

I know how hard it can be, I put myself through school while working full time, and ended up with some loans to repay, but it was totally worth it. I was able to get some aid, and my employer kicked in a little over $1000 per semester, so it was do-able.

I wanna join too!

Week 0.   12/30-1/1: 247.8
Week 1.   1/6-1/8:
Week 2.   1/13-1/15:
Week 3.   1/20-1/22:
Week 4.   1/27-1/29:
Week 5.   2/3-2/5:
Week 6.   2/10-2/12:
Week 7.   2/17-2/19:
Week 8.   2/24-2/26:

That sounds like you are having issues with a low blood sugar. The shakes and sweats or clammy skin are very typical symptoms of hypoglycemia.

To prevent this, try to eat less simple carbs in general, go more for whole grains that take longer to digest. Avoid white bread, sugar, white rice, pasta, ect. If you eat alot of quickly digested foods, your body will want another quick to digest meal in a few hours, and adjust you insulin levels in preparation for it. By eating whole grains your body can use the fuel from your food more slowly as it breaks it down, preventing those highs and lows in your blood sugar. Have a snack of some carbs and some protein about a half hour before you work out.

If you find yourself having spells like this often, try to keep a few small snacks available, a granola bar or almonds in your purse. If you start having symptoms, then eat some carbs immediately, OJ, hard candy, and glucose tabs are what doctors recommend to diabetics, because they work almost instantly. Candy and sugar tablets are also easy to keep with you, in a purse or pocket. After the symptoms subside, its important to eat some protein to prevent them from coming back.

Edit: You may also want to look at your calorie goals. 1400 is awfully low if you are doing any sort of exercise unless you are in your 60's and under 5 feet tall.

CC SW: 275

Challenge SW: 241

Challenge Goal: 205

Final Goal: 145

• Week 0 (Aug 25): 239.2
• Week 1 (Sept 1): 238.2
• Week 2 (Sept 8): 235.8
• Week 3 (Sept 15): 235.4
• Week 4 (Sept 22): 235.0
• Week 5 (Sept 29): 233.2
• Week 6 (Oct 6): 227.8
• Week 7 (Oct 13):
• Week 8 (Oct 20):
• Week 9 (Oct 27):
• Week 10: (Nov 3):
• Week 11 (Nov 10):
• Week 12 (Nov 17):
• Week 13 (Nov 24):
• Week 14 (Dec 1):
• Week 15 (Dec 8):
• Week 16 (Dec 15):
• LAST Weigh in (Dec 22):

Total Weight Loss: 13.2!!!!

5.4 lbs this week, but I've been sick all week.

CC SW: 275

Challenge SW: 241

Challenge Goal: 205

Final Goal: 145

• Week 0 (Aug 25): 239.2
• Week 1 (Sept 1): 238.2
• Week 2 (Sept 8): 235.8
• Week 3 (Sept 15): 235.4
• Week 4 (Sept 22): 235.0
• Week 5 (Sept 29): 233.2
• Week 6 (Oct 6):
• Week 7 (Oct 13):
• Week 8 (Oct 20):
• Week 9 (Oct 27):
• Week 10: (Nov 3):
• Week 11 (Nov 10):
• Week 12 (Nov 17):
• Week 13 (Nov 24):
• Week 14 (Dec 1):
• Week 15 (Dec 8):
• Week 16 (Dec 15):
• LAST Weigh in (Dec 22):

Total Weight Loss: 7.8

Better this week, almost 2 lbs, and that's despite a big dinner out last night for my anniversary!

I have an egg shaped exercise ball. It is a little more stable than a standard round ball, but because of that it doesn't work you as hard. It definitely has it's uses, but is not as versatile as a regular ball.

I think I bought it at Target, but it was quite some time ago. I believe it is Gaiam brand.

Her suspiciousness, paranoia, and beliefs that others are talking about her sounds like she may be a little psychotic. Psychosis can happen with depression in certain people, most often with "manic depression" or bipolar disorder.  Schitzoaffective disorder is another possiblity, as is schizophrenia . All of these are TREATABLE, not necessarily curable. It sounds like she needs medical attention in the near future. Offer her a sympathetic ear, and if you ever believe she may hurt herself or someone else, get help immediately. If she is not willing to get help, or go to the ER, call 911. If she or someone else is at risk, they can force her to get evaluated, and treated if she needs it.

I eat them plain, sectioned with the membranes removed, or halved with a spoon with a little pomegranate juice on top for sweetness.

A little research on the Internet for each ingredient:

Mulberry leaf: may lower blood sugar (if you are prone to low blood sugar, this could cause major problems, ie fainting, dizzy spells)

Cassia seed: "loosens the bowels" - a laxative

Jobs tears seed: a grass seed sometimes used as a food source

Amylum: starch

None of these sound like they will help you eat less, and could cause some problems.