Migraines and nursing?

[MeganStar]

I just recently graduated from nursing school and am currently sitting for state boards.

One of my biggest fears about starting my nursing career is the fact that I suffer from somewhat frequent severe migraines. I was fortunate enough to make it through most of my clinical days in nursing school without getting a migraine, however I do get on average one a week. I take medication which is somewhat helpful.

Do any nurses on here also suffer from migraines? What do you do when you're halfway through a shift and a severe migraine strikes? How can I approach a prospective boss about my health?

[owlhaveyouknow]

Have you determined what any of your triggers are? I began having migraines when I was in college. I slowly whittled the list of possible triggers down and have realized that my migraines are almost exclusively caused by lack of sleep. I've since put myself on a strict schedule (yep, old lady bed time lol) and have done much better since then. I also take Maxalt at first signs of a migraine and am to the point where I only have maybe one to two uncontrolled migraines a year that interfere with my work.

[bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN]

I get frequent migraines. My triggers are allergies and stress. During peak allergy season it's nothing for me to have 2-3 migraines per week. I use excedrin for the less severe ones and immitrex for the bad ones. I also have zofran and phenergan for when I get the N/V.

I've only called out 3 times for migraines, all of which I had vomiting, dizziness, and light sensitivity. No way I would've been able to work. I typically just take my meds and tough it out. You just need to find what works for you. Talk to your PCP or neurologist if you see one to work out a treatment plan to try. Everyone is different so it really is trial and error in figuring out what will work for you.

[wanderlustnurse88, RN]

When I got my first migraines, I had to take off work for 5 weeks. Since then (2 1/2 years ago), I've called in about 5 times with only one of them in the past year. I make sure I get enough sleep, do massage and chiropractic, and take my Maxalt as soon as I feel one coming on. My coworkers know that when I call in, I'm really sick. Figuring out triggers and looking at alternative treatments has really helped me.

[MeganStar]

Have you determined what any of your triggers are? I began having migraines when I was in college. I slowly whittled the list of possible triggers down and have realized that my migraines are almost exclusively caused by lack of sleep. I've since put myself on a strict schedule (yep, old lady bed time lol) and have done much better since then. I also take Maxalt at first signs of a migraine and am to the point where I only have maybe one to two uncontrolled migraines a year that interfere with my work.

Hi there,

Change in sleep habits are absolutely a trigger for me.... But unfortunately that is only one trigger. My triggers include stress, hunger, dehydration, heat, monthly hormonal changes, among others. I cannot determine the trigger with about 1/3 of my migraines. I also take Maxalt, but am only allowed so many per month. I would run out by the end of the month if I took one with each Migraine. However, I will save my Maxalt for the days that I work.

It would be a dream come true to only have to deal with a couple migraines per year. My dad had to file for disability many years ago because of debilitating migraines. It is my goal and hope that I never get to that point.

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

My 38 year old son suffers from abdominal migraines. They create severe vomiting and unforgiving abd pain.

For him, a combo of Topamax and (OTC) Quercetin with Bromelain has helped keep them at bay for two years. He had to make food adjustments too, however, no nitrates, or MSG in his food choices.

[MendedHeart]

Migraine have been my enemy since I was 11. I have worked in a hospital for 7+ years. I've had to leave work early just a few times when the vomiting started. They understood because I looked CRAZY. I, too, get a weird Aura. It's not visual. It's a weird feeling, sense of doom kinds feeling that is accompanied by body temp fluctuations. Anyone else experience this? ?

I take Imitrex, or Excederin or both and it usually knocks it out if I catch it early.

As for a job, you get a FMLA paper, have the MD sign it. You are covered if you have to call out or leave early. It's the law. You also do not have to disclose to anyone your personal medical business. They cannot ask either

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Has anyone with migraine had the board of nursing question your meds?

[MendedHeart]

Uh how would they even know....its protected health info

[FlyingScot, RN]

As for a job, you get a FMLA paper, have the MD sign it. You are covered if you have to call out or leave early. It's the law. You also do not have to disclose to anyone your personal medical business. They cannot ask either

You have to have worked 1000 hours to be eligible for this. The OP is a new grad.

[MendedHeart]

You have to have worked 1000 hours to be eligible for this. The OP is a new grad.

That only like 6 months of working full time, then they can get it. But you don't have to tell the employer about the Migraines

[FlyingScot, RN]

That only like 6 months of working full time, then they can get it. But you don't have to tell the employer about the Migraines

That's still 6 months of weekly debilitating migraines and probable call-offs. If that's what happens the OP could potentially not make it to 6 months.

[MeganStar]

Based on what I have gotten so far, it would be a good idea NOT to disclose any information about my migraines to a potential employer. That's good to know because I will start interviewing for jobs soon. Also, thank you for the FMLA recommendation. I understand that you have to work so long before getting it, but I will definitely take advantage of that if necessary.