My name is Nicole, I am 29 years old and suffer from NF2. I got diagnosed when I was 16 years old. I currently work as a nurse in Ophthalmology clinic.
I love my job as a nurse and going through many surgeries at a young age is what inspired me to take up my nurse training. The care I received throughout my clinic appointments and surgery was fantastic and knew I wanted to give something back to the NHS and help patients throughout their appointments and stays in hospital.
I choose to work in ophthalmology due to my own eye problems. I have always had an interest in this field. I take pride in my job and supporting patients with various different eye conditions.
Working as a nurse with NF2 I can face many challenges, my hearing is the biggest issue and takes a lot of concentration to understand what the patients are saying to me. I often find by the end of the day I have a headache due to fatigue and concentration.
It’s especially difficult now due to mask wearing because of Covid-19, and the fact I rely on lip reading to understand what is being said. My work now have clear masks which make things a little easier. I am also on the waiting list for a cochlear implant. My role involves rotation to pre/post-operative care and theatre. However due to severe hearing loss I am unable to work in theatres.
Pain is another factor when working long shifts, due to spinal tumours I get a lot of pain in my back and arm.
Although NF2 has a huge impact on me I have not let it stop me and really enjoy working as a nurse. It’s especially rewarding coming across patients who are deaf/hard of hearing and they really appreciate that I understand them and take the time to ensure they have heard and understood everything that I have explained.
– Nicole
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This blog has been created as a way to share stories, ideas, positivity and even sprinkle in some science. Everyone is welcome here and warmly encouraged to join us in contributing to our community through this blog. If you would like to add anything (anything at all!) then please contact myself, Grace Gregory, at grace@nf2biosolutions.org and we can pop it up on our blog. Watch this space and please join in helping us all connect and share with one another!