migraines and work

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2015

what would you do if you were having migraines common and intense enough to interfere with your ability to work?
i've got a doctor's appointment, but it's not until the first week of Dec because they're so backed up. i had the same problem last winter, and i didn't say anything but i'm not sure that's the best course of action - to my managers /coworkers /patients i probably just looked like i was hung over or had a bad attitude/didn't want to be there.
(i didn't do anything about it last year because i figured the frequency was just a temporary thing. i've been dealing with migraines literally forever - since the first grade i would miss a few days of school every year, but until last year i'd only get them once or twice a month, sometimes once every 2-3 months.)
anyway, i don't qualify for FMLA so i'm not sure what to do. i'm afraid of getting fired if i call out too often or come in to work dragging like a zombie.

I can understand how you feel I have chronic migraine, typically have them 20 days out of the month. And I understand the fear of getting fired. Been there, etc

Why don't you qualify for FML?

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Oct 30, 2015

Also curious why you don't qualify for FMLA.

I've been plagued by frequent migraines, too. Thankfully, there are numerous treatment options available now. My best advice to you is to find a neurologist that specifically specializes in headache management. I tried with my primary care doctor for forever. She tried a variety of abortive options with me, but never really identified my need for prophylactic treatment or followed through with follow up. When I saw the neurology group is when I made progress. Once I saw the general neurologist, I was further referred within the group to their headache clinic. Discuss, specifically, treatments you can use at work without hindering your ability to provide patient care.

Use a headache journal to look for triggers and trends. If you're an iPhone person, I recommend ecoHeadache.

It may also be worthwhile to see an ophthalmologist. My sister ended up getting different glasses from her regular prescription glasses for computer use that dramatically decreased her headaches at work.

RobotNurse · Oct 30, 2015

I can understand how you feel I have chronic migraine, typically have them 20 days out of the month. And I understand the fear of getting fired. Been there, etc
Why don't you qualify for FML?

I'm PRN, and I agreed to cover a FT nurse's maternity leave for 12 weeks starting in Nov so I can't just work minimal shifts until I get rid of the migraines. (obviously when i agreed to 12 weeks of full time work this was before they started getting really bad!)

I'm sorry you're dealing with the same thing!

RobotNurse · Oct 30, 2015

Also curious why you don't qualify for FMLA.
I've been plagued by frequent migraines, too. Thankfully, there are numerous treatment options available now. My best advice to you is to find a neurologist that specifically specializes in headache management. I tried with my primary care doctor for forever. She tried a variety of abortive options with me, but never really identified my need for prophylactic treatment or followed through with follow up. When I saw the neurology group is when I made progress. Once I saw the general neurologist, I was further referred within the group to their headache clinic. Discuss, specifically, treatments you can use at work without hindering your ability to provide patient care.
Use a headache journal to look for triggers and trends. If you're an iPhone person, I recommend ecoHeadache.
It may also be worthwhile to see an ophthalmologist. My sister ended up getting different glasses from her regular prescription glasses for computer use that dramatically decreased her headaches at work.

wow thank you; this is really helpful!

margin261 · Oct 31, 2015

I don't really have any advice about your work situation, but wanted you to know I can sympathize!

I was dx'd with complex/chronic migraines about 3 yrs ago. An excellent neurologist put me on Topamax qd & for exacerbations (which are infrequent) I take Zomig or Relpax (whichever my insurance is paying for at the time).

He also put me on a REALLY restrictive diet for a few months but then I could add back things to see what my triggers were.

My quality of life improved greatly. That's really what I wanted you to know--hang in there, there are many treatments now & it'll get better!

Until you can get to the Dr, just try to rest as much as you can, maybe a massage? And, lol, reduce stress!

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 31, 2015

I have migraine condition. I just push through it, at times. I have several meds to take,which I do. But some days, nothing works but a dark room and quiet.

I am sorry you are suffering.

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2015

i didn't say anything but I'm not sure that's the best course of action - to my managers /coworkers /patients I probably just looked like i was hung over or had a bad attitude/didn't want to be there.

Please DO NOT discuss this with your patients,that is if I am interpreting what you said correctly! This is not their problem and it may serve to undermine the nurse patient relationship. They or their family may worry that you may not be able to provide the care they need. Be very selective if you decide to share this with any coworkers and make sure they are a true friend that you can trust! Some coworkers may believe that you are asking for or may require special consideration and may resent that especially if they believe that you cant carry your load. I have learned it is best to keep your medical issues fairly private at work!

As far as work is concerned you need to check your polices and also call HR and speak with someone that is knowledgeable. Many allow you to get a medical certificate for a chronic illness for you or an ill family member that acknowledges you have a chronic condition and allows you to call in when you have an exacerbation and it will not count against you! The form must be filled out by the MD or any LIP and usually must be re certified every 90 days or so. Once in place your manger must be informed. I have found that many employers are not very generous in announcing this policy!

Yes,get that treatment started as soon as you can and take good care of yourself until then!

RobotNurse · Oct 31, 2015

Please DO NOT discuss this with your patients,that is if I am interpreting what you said correctly!

Of course not! i meant that perhaps i should have let my managers know what was going on, because I got the vibe from them that they thought I just turned into a terrible employee for no reason.

OCNRN63, RN · Nov 1, 2015

i didn't say anything but I'm not sure that's the best course of action - to my managers /coworkers /patients I probably just looked like i was hung over or had a bad attitude/didn't want to be there.
Please DO NOT discuss this with your patients,that is if I am interpreting what you said correctly! This is not their problem and it may serve to undermine the nurse patient relationship. They or their family may worry that you may not be able to provide the care they need. Be very selective if you decide to share this with any coworkers and make sure they are a true friend that you can trust! Some coworkers may believe that you are asking for or may require special consideration and may resent that especially if they believe that you cant carry your load. I have learned it is best to keep your medical issues fairly private at work!
As far as work is concerned you need to check your polices and also call HR and speak with someone that is knowledgeable. Many allow you to get a medical certificate for a chronic illness for you or an ill family member that acknowledges you have a chronic condition and allows you to call in when you have an exacerbation and it will not count against you! The form must be filled out by the MD or any LIP and usually must be re certified every 90 days or so. Once in place your manger must be informed. I have found that many employers are not very generous in announcing this policy!
Yes,get that treatment started as soon as you can and take good care of yourself until then!

I'm not aware of anything other than FMLA that gives you a 90 day certification for chronic illness.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2015

I worked with a nurse with your issue. We were working for an in house staffing pool.

If you can make it that day fine, if not.. don't call requesting to work that day. This pool paid premium time for any shift worked, and we were eligible for basic benefits.

Best of luck.

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2015

We have a policy that allows you to get a medical certificate so that you can call in sick (even if it an ill family member or child that lives in your home) and it will not count against your allowable call in sick days, So if the certificate is for migraines and you call in with the flu then that will count. The bummer part of of it that you must get the paperwork filled out frequently. I was going to do this when my daughter, who is an asthmatic, kept getting bronchitis so I researched it.