Four months ago, I went to bed with a bit of a headache and woke up with a migraine that I can't get to go away. I've tried pretty much all of the different preventative medication classes; most cause such violent side effects that I can't take them(I'm taking antiseizure drugs now, but they aren't taking them away completely). I use the abortive drugs, but they are so expensive--$70 per dose, and I have no presciption coverage...my neurologist says the best he can do for me is to get me down to 2-3 headaches a month. The problem is that they don't just last for a few hours...they last anywhere from 3-10 days... I've had all the tests runL CT, MRI...there are some problems up there, swellings, strictures, etc...but nothing to be done about them.
The advice I'm looking for is what to do about my job. In the past five weeks, I've called in once a week. I'm worried about getting fired. I'm good at my job, I love my job, Ive gotten awesome performance reviews...but I can only call in x amount of times before they fire me. I'm per diem, so I haven't got any sick time, vacation time, or PTO...what do I do?
Specializes in rehab; med/surg; l&d; peds/home care.
don't mean to derail the thread here, but could someone explain how the fmla works? if you have to call off, as i have, once a week for the last four weeks for my migraines, do you just tell them you're taking a fmla day? i actually had fmla papers filled out when i need about two weeks off last fall, and am just wondering how to go about it....
i go back to my neuro the 23, i have been taking topamax and can barely stand it anymore, it makes me feel miserable and sure doesn't help my migraines. maxalt is my lifesaver, but very very expensive! i don't know how i would survive without it.
I do not have migraines, but am very prone to motion sickness and can get it from turning around too fast on a bad day. The lasting sick headache and nausea are miserable, although I'm sure nothing compared to a migraine. In any case, I am sympathetic.
She can't apply for FMLA yet; you have to be employed for 1 year before you are eligible. I think there might be a requirement that you also be working a certain amt. of hours, but I don't remember that at the moment. But you definitely have to be employed for 1 year.
don't mean to derail the thread here, but could someone explain how the fmla works? if you have to call off, as i have, once a week for the last four weeks for my migraines, do you just tell them you're taking a fmla day? i actually had fmla papers filled out when i need about two weeks off last fall, and am just wondering how to go about it....
i go back to my neuro the 23, i have been taking topamax and can barely stand it anymore, it makes me feel miserable and sure doesn't help my migraines. maxalt is my lifesaver, but very very expensive! i don't know how i would survive without it.
h
FMLA can be used when paid time off is exhausted; basically, you can use it for a serious illness (yourself/spouse/child). You have to have been employed for one year to be eligible.
You get a total of 12 weeks w/ FMLA. You can it all in one block (for surgery, pregnancy), or it can be used intermittently for chronic illnesses; migraines do qualify.
I used FMLA for migraines and can tell you from first-hand exp. that employers may not like it, but they cannot deny you the leave and cannot count those absences against you.
One year and I believe 1250 hrs; I think too you have to work for a place with greater than 50 employees? Could be wrong on that tho.
She can't apply for FMLA yet; you have to be employed for 1 year before you are eligible. I think there might be a requirement that you also be working a certain amt. of hours, but I don't remember that at the moment. But you definitely have to be employed for 1 year.
I also have migraines, I am one of the lucky ones I guess, because I have migraines without pain. Mine provide me with a glorious light show that lasts 20 minutes beginning to end. The major difficulty is that during them I have distorted depth perception. It's not safe to drive during one. They tend to be stress related.
In this case, I would certainly look for a second opinion. I would consider massage therapy and or E stim Rx. It is non invasive, and no side effects from meds. Another thing to look into is bio feedback. It may enable you to take control of the headache instead of it controling you.
I have to say, after having migraines since age 14, spending alot of time with neurologists and various other specialists--for someone to say there isn't much different between a tension headache and a migraine is like saying there isn't much difference between a parakeet and a parrot. Same thing (headache) but SO VERY MUCH difference. One is alot bigger and can bite alot harder. I have had both and they are totally absolutely different.
The only thing that has even taken care of part of mine is amitryptaline *spelling is probably wrong I don't want to look it up right now*. It made me very sleepy at first (I take it every night) but I got used to it. I used to have migraines lasting anywhere from 3-14 days, this has gotten them down to lasting less then a day. I still get them but they are less severe and don't last nearly as long. Compared to what they were (incapacitating) this is livable. I know the hell you are going thru and I hope you find something that works for you!
I have to say, after having migraines since age 14, spending alot of time with neurologists and various other specialists--for someone to say there isn't much different between a tension headache and a migraine is like saying there isn't much difference between a parakeet and a parrot. Same thing (headache) but SO VERY MUCH difference. One is alot bigger and can bite alot harder. I have had both and they are totally absolutely different.
My pathophysiology teacher is an MD and he swears by a big bottle of gatorade to rid yourself of a migraine. I've never had a migraine so I haven't had the opportunity to try this. It's worth a shot though so I thought I would mention it.
rehab nurse
464 Posts
don't mean to derail the thread here, but could someone explain how the fmla works? if you have to call off, as i have, once a week for the last four weeks for my migraines, do you just tell them you're taking a fmla day? i actually had fmla papers filled out when i need about two weeks off last fall, and am just wondering how to go about it....
i go back to my neuro the 23, i have been taking topamax and can barely stand it anymore, it makes me feel miserable and sure doesn't help my migraines. maxalt is my lifesaver, but very very expensive! i don't know how i would survive without it.
h