Migraines and work

I have always gotten migraines. HOwever, after I had my daughters the migraines are on a whole new level. To a point where it is difficult for me to function. I get cluster migraines, so I will get them for a few days or a week. Then they will be gone awhile. I thought I found the magic cure (no aspartane), but last week they came back. I teach, so when they hit I am not even close to being at my best. The lights kill me and the kid's voices make me sick to my stomach. I have had to throw up in a bag on the way home from work when they have hit me hard. Also, Cognitively I feel out of it when it hits. So, I took a day last week (for the migraine)and this week a sinus infection hit and I think it triggered the migraines again. So, I guess the question is, can my work punish me for calling in due to the migraines. I work for the NYC Doe. I have a new principal and she seems to be writing people up for everything. Are migraine covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The reading I have done does seem like it is. I am just not sure if there is paperwork for my dr. to fill out documenting how these migraines make it almost impossible to do my job when they hit hard. tia

Message edited 12/16/2011 7:20:54 PM.

Re: Migraines and work

I would talk to your dr about medications to break the clusters.

I have had them and I had medicine I took and it would break the cluster. I can;t remember the name of it because it has been years but def talk to your Dr. My dr said to always let them know cause they can help and I should never suffer for days.

Re: Migraines and work

Migraines are covered by the Disabilities Act. I suffered from severe migraines for many, many years and was once given an extension on an assignment in grad school bc migraines are covered.

Not sure about your job though, regarding sick leave. I don't think you can be fired but as a teacher, I'm sure it's hard to function with a migraine and you can be seen as not fit for the job (i imagine they would have to give you another position or something). Again, I don't know, I'm guessing.

I got them at work a lot, and very, very severe. I was having so many at one point, daily, that I was out on disability for 6 weeks. Are you under the care of a neurologist who specializes in migraines? You should be, mostly for your health and migraine management, but also in case you need documentation for work.

Feel better! I wouldn't wish migraines on my worst enemy. There were many times when I asked God to please let me die bc I couldn't live with the pain anymore. Under the care of a fantastic neurologist my migraines were brought under control and actually almost disappeared after I had my son.

Re: Migraines and work

you can qualify for FMLA for migraines too. A girl at my job did this. She didnt take the 12 weeks consecutively, just when she was feeling real bad. A day or 2 here and there..

Re: Migraines and work

Have you tried seeing a headache specialist to treat your headaches. I suffer from daily chronic migraine and the preventive treatments have improved my quality of life significantly. I take medicine for prevention and acute attacks and I also use zofran to treat the nausea. Honestly I do not know what I would do without the amazing care from my neurologist and psychologist (I go for biofeedback training and counseling). I also get additional treatment (nerve blocks and medication) for status migraine...when an attack lasts for days/weeks.

Re: Migraines and work

Re: Migraines and work

A headache specialist is a neurologist that spends an extra year doing a fellowship learning to treat various forms of headache. You can do an Internet search or contact your insurance company for doctor that take your insurance. I go to the Montiefore Headache center in the Bronx. I see Dr. Grosberg- he is AMAZING! My migraine experience is similar to what you describe I use to have occasional headaches but now they are very frequent. Stress and lack of sleep are my 2 biggest triggers. I have also found that the right combination of medicine is very important.

Re: Migraines and work

and dr mauskop at ny headache center is amazing as well!!!!!

Re: Migraines and work