Migraines and work

[Price 2002]

Hello all! I have a concern. I am graduating in 26 days and will probably sit for boards sometime in late Nov early Dec. I am so excited and have worked so hard! I have been suffering from extremely bad migraines for many years. I manage to keep them under pretty good control by watching what I eat (limiting caffine), wearing sunglasses in the sun, and taking Topamax 4 times daily. But I still get a few migraines a month. They are so hard on me and I see a really good doc that has sent me for all kinds of tests and tried all kinds of meds. Okay this is getting long I said all of this to say...I am nervous about being looked down on when I go to get a job because of the medications that I take when I get a migraine. My doc prescribes me Fioricet, Xanex and Soma for my migraines and it actually helps. We have tried so many other things that have not worked. I am worried that when I go to take a drug test and hand them all of these prescription bottles they are gonna look at me like I am a risk to divert meds. Will I be seen in this light? I am crying as I typing and mad myself for being weak. I am willing to stop taking it all and suffer if it means that it could make me look bad and hinder my chances at showing a facility what a great nurse that I know I will be. Please no one flame me for any of this...I am not a pill head...I don't mean to sound defensive but I kinda am. I am just looking for input. Thank you so much in advance for your comments and advice.

[Valanda]

I keep hearing everyone say that if you have a valid prescription for meds that show up positive on a drug screen, then everything will be fine if that drug shows up on a drug screen.

I just wanted to say that it may not be as simple as that. One of the nurses I work with is currently on probation by the Illinois board because she tested positive for morphine. She does have a valid script for morphine (she has rhuematoid arthritis). When a vial of morphine came up missing tho, everyone was tested and she was the only one who showed a positive result. She is under probation while they monitor the levels of morphine in her system over time.

Sometimes this drug testing thing really does not work. I've known several nurses who diverted drugs to sell to others or to give to ill family members. They will never test positive for these drugs because they are not taking them.

[elizabeth8503RN, MSN, EMT-B, NP]

I have also suffered from migranes...at one point they were so bad that I was hospitalized for 4 days....the migrane lasted for a week and a half. I am on topamax also, and have been on for almost two years now. It is my saving grace when it comes to migrane prevention....along naproxen with and imitrex. Of course there are times when even those don't work....I end up in the ER and tordol and visteral is the only thing that saves me. I have suffered with migranes for years. The past three years however they have been bad. The past two years I have been on preventative measures to prevent the never-ending pounding in my head. I know that if you have found something to help you with stopping the migranes......GO FOR IT!!!

As for working with migranes.....let your body tell you can handle.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

[Price 2002]

Thank you all so much for your kind replies. You all made me feel like I have nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide. It also nice to hear others talk about their struggles with migraines, and its true if men had them like women do the whole world would stand still until they felt better! I have tried many many many different rx over the years, I have been suffering with them since childhood, and at this point in my life this is what is working best for my body. I know my triggers for the most part and I try to always be mindful of them. I am going to apply for a PRN job as a STNA to fill the gap until I can take my boards and I after reading all of your responses I am going to take my bottles with me and hold my head high and be up completely forth coming about my migraines. Thank you all so much! :heartbeat

[lpnflorida, LPN]

Sorry about the migraines. It should not be a problem for getting a job. Once you have been hired, I would recommend obtaining FMLA papers and having your doctor sign them. That way it can not be held against if you have to call in sick due to migraine.

[AmyBRN]

Hi, Just an FYI. I have been going to a Chiropractor for my back, and felt relief from migraines with just a few back adjustments. She said it could be that some of my migraines could have been from neck misalignment, even though I didn't have neck pain. She also does some therapy on my head. And in the month since I've been going to her, I have noticed a hugh reduction in frequency and intensity of my migraines. One thing about my chiropractor is she also did a lot of post-gradutate work on headaches, and TMJ issues (which I also have). This might work for you too. All you need to find out is one initial assessment.

A.