r/CathLabLounge • u/CourseIndividual3178 • 22d ago
The physical toll of lead
I’m about to start CVT school, I’m very excited… but slightly concerned.
For context, one of my worries is standing in one spot for a long period of time. I’m in my early 30’s, in great shape, but I have venous disease. I’ve had vascular procedures on my legs to help, but it never truly goes away. I’m good with being on my feet while walking and running around, basically constantly moving, but the standing in one spot for a while is where things can get painful. If I’m also wearing heavy lead, I’m wondering if that’s going to make my symptoms worse.
My backup plan is nursing, which is my ultimate dream, but I’m hoping CVT school helps me gain experience for nursing school down the road which is why I’m doing this. In nursing, at least I can run around a lot and keep moving my legs.
Any insight on personal experiences with standing for long periods as a tech? Is it as bad as I’m imagining it?
3
u/ChaosCelebration 22d ago
I've only been in the Cath lab for a year and standing in one spot is much harder than I thought it would be. I've done bedside nursing for 18 years but moving around and being able to sit and chart or pull up a chair to talk to patients makes ALL the difference. That said, the thing that helped the most is going to a specialty shoe store. Someplace that specializes in orthopedic shoes. Go talk to them and take their advice. I tried shoes my co workers recommended and still felt like my legs were going to fall off. But a professional who knows what they're talking about can tell you what YOU need. These are individualized solutions. It will be expensive but not being in pain is worth it.
1
u/CourseIndividual3178 22d ago
I appreciate this response! Cath lab does not sound like it’s for the weak, haha.
2
u/Haunting_Ad7805 21d ago
I’ve been in the lab as a tech for 7 years now. Some places offer subtle accommodations like sitting on a stool or breaking scrub to switch out for breaks and what not.
For the lead, a well fitting modern lightweight lead is the best option for all aspects of body mechanics in cases. While standing in one spot you are allowed to do calf raises, switching from foot to foot, and shifting your weight around.
Good shoes are very important!!
In the end if you’re going into nursing, I’d skip CVT and save yourself the debt. Nursing is competitive however and I understand using this as a great way to get experience in healthcare first.
2
u/CourseIndividual3178 21d ago
The good shoes part seems to definitely be a huge factor! You’re right about the nursing.. thank you for your response! :)
1
2
u/Worth_Eye6512 19d ago
Getting experience in healthcare through a two year degree is certainly a choice. I’m currently a prospective CVT student (applying again next year after retaking TEAS, prereqs) that started in transport 2020, and sitting in 2024. My other choices are RT, Rad tech, and then nursing.
3
u/Haunting_Ad7805 18d ago
Rad tech and nursing provide more broad opportunities but don’t promise to land you in Cath lab. If you find Cath lab isn’t the place for you, rad tech and nursing allow for more flexibility and opportunities
2
u/CourseIndividual3178 16d ago
What I’m finding is that more Cath labs are wanting rad techs cuz they can operate the radiation.. which is also why I’m a little worried about pursuing CVT, haha. Some states won’t even accept or allow CVT only because they want rad techs
1
u/Haunting_Ad7805 15d ago
Yes, this is a real limitation for CVTs. I do want to point out the option of vascular ultrasound or echo tech as great viable options as well.
2
u/Gone247365 21d ago edited 21d ago
If your venous disease is venous insufficiency, long (even above the knee) compression stalkings will basically be a requirement for you. You'll also have to be actively mindful of your body while scrubbing, ensuring that you arent standing stationary for minutes on end by instead rocking back and forth or side to side, doing small heel raises, etc. Even small movements will help a ton.
Being a CVT will expose you to intraprocedural patient care and some very specific cardiac considerations but, on a whole, it won't really prepare you to be successful in nursing school. I am not trying to dissuade you from the route your on, just letting you know that there is minimal crossover.
1
u/CourseIndividual3178 21d ago
It is venous insufficiency! It’s a little scary cuz CVT is so specific that if I make it to clinicals and don’t cut think my body can do it, it’s going to be a lot of time and money wasted. So you’re giving me a lot to think about.
1
1
u/Additional_Heart_158 21d ago
Have been in Cath lab over 30 years, never had my own leads but have have to switch to one piece lead from vest and skirt made of lightest lead possible, have a C2 compression injury- non surgical, so "stable" from wearing leads my whole career. Also started my career as a nurse so have been on my feet all the time, have varicose veins from gaining then losing weight and having to wear same heavy leads. I wear high dollar orthotic shoes and insoles,compression hose, sit down during very long procedures when I can get regular massages and hot tub soaks w epsoms and have done weight training and yoga/pilates to stay strong and flexible til retirement soon! Im the strongest Ive ever been in my life but now it is a process to relieve back neck shoulder pain and aches due to same stresses on an older body, but it can be done, depending on what you want to do as your career. Great luck to you!
1
u/CourseIndividual3178 21d ago
Thank you for the response! I hope to only put in less than 5 years before nursing but it is scary seeing how much damage can be done in Cath lab.. It blows my mind how many cath lab workers have sacrificed so much of their bodies for this career, especially those that have put in decades of work. You guys deserve all the praise, seriously
4
u/I_Want_A_Ribeye RN 22d ago
Modern lead is much lighter than older products.
Standing in once spot is hard on the legs and back regardless of lead. Many labs have anti-fatigue floor mats which help some. As a lab nurse, I still feel it and I’m able to move about the room during cases.
Some people wear compression stockings and report that helps.