Just started a new job, found out I'm pregnant & have epilepsy

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

So I started a new job not too long ago. It was stressful (especially since we were understaffed but I am lucky and have an awesome boss who got us fully staffed) but I really like it! I found out a couple weeks ago & a month into the job I am pregnant. The pregnancy was NOT planned & is really stressful because I have epilepsy.

I was on Topamax 300mg BID but my neurologist switched me due to the possible side effects to the baby. He put me on Oxtellar 300mg TID & it comes with horrible side effects. I sleep all day, feel dizzy & just not myself.

I had seizures last night & went to the ER. They couldn't do much since I'm pregnant, just a bonus of normal saline & my neurologist increased my med to 600mg BID. I don't have another appointment until Thursday. I've missed a lot of work & I'm afraid I'm going to get fired even though my boss says it's ok. :(

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

((HUGS)) Life is challenging. Go to HR right now and apply for an intermittent FLMA it will allow you to take intermittent time and protect your position. Check with HR. http://www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/fmla.htm

Although your pregancy is unplanned....Congratulations. Things always have a way of working out....((HUGS))

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
((HUGS)) Life is challenging. Go to HR right now and apply for an intermittent FLMA it will allow you to take intermittent time and protect your position. Check with HR. http://www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/fmla.htm Although your pregancy is unplanned....Congratulations. Things always have a way of working out....((HUGS))

A new employee is not eligible for FMLA until after working 1250 hours and employed for 12 months (does not need to be 12 consecutive months but must have worked at least 1250 hours in last 12 months (about 6 months full time work)

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Yeah, I know. I just hope after I go to my neurologist I can go back to work. :( I like my job, I need one before the baby is born.

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Yeah I know. I just hope after I go to my neurologist I can go back to work. :( I like my job, I need one before the baby is born.[/quote']

Silly question because I don't work with pregnant adults...

Oxtellar is advertised as a once daily extended release medication. Are you taking it more than once daily because you are pregnant? I've only experienced giving it to peds patients to cut the twice daily Trileptal dosing to help with compliance.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I have no idea why my neurologist increased the dosage to that. I have an appointment tomorrow, thank goodness. I hope he changes my medication completely, I hate it!

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Usually the less you tell the boss about your personal life, the better. But you might be eligible for FMLA due to pregnancy.

My boss held my job for quite some time, even though I wasn't eligible for FMLA. She said no one wanted it, LOL. Good luck.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

An employer may choose to hold a job for an employee who doesn't qualify for FMLA, but that's really one of those things that happens depending on the good will of the employer. You can't accord FMLA to someone based on diagnosis. It's strictly as described by a PP.

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Girl I hope it gets better for you.

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