I just wanted to give an update on how Im doing back at work since mid January! I am 10 1/2 months since my accident. I went back to work 2 days a week doing 12 hour shifts....and this time it was during the day. I made the mistake last August and September of trying to work night shift and bought myself a 3 month disability. I did lose my old position and was unable to get a position in my ICU on day shift so i was just filling in on days when they were short.

February 12th i started my new job at a Scripps Memorial La Jolla in Interventional Radiology. Its a brand new area of Nursing for me and so there is a lot to learn. I was initially worried that i would have a setback with all the stress that comes from a new job and learning.....but i have been pleasantly surprised that i am keeping up with the pace just fine and not having many symptoms.

I occasionally get little headaches when i am overwhelmed at work, but once i take a fiorinal or tylenol, it goes away. My energy level is great. The shifts are 8 hour shifts and i have been working 4 days a week. I have enough energy to go to the gym after work or yoga, or hike. I havent had any problems with the lights at work, the dizziness pretty much disappeared right around when i started the new job, and i dont have any trouble with word-finding anymore.

I have been sticking with Acupuncture bi-weekly, i am taking chinese herbs to help with the breakthrough headaches and in hopes of getting my period back (havent had one in 10 1/2 months since the accident). i also try and get a healing touch treatment every other week, along with doing treatments on myself most nights. I still take omega 3s, B complex, B 12 shots, multi-vit, and still taking 80 mg nortriptyline at night. I decided to wait on weaning myself down until i am done with all the stressors that come along with the new job.

I feel very happy, positive, excited for everyday, and looking forward to new challenges and experiences!

I just wanted to share since i know a lot of people feel like no one gets better....but it is possible. All the rest and taking good care of my body really does work. I am so happy i stopped pushing through my symptoms last september and truly took the time to heal because i can see the results everyday now. Hoping the same for all of you out there.