Hopeless,

I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. Is there an HR department or union rep at your job? If so, contacting them might be your best next step. Explain what your manager said to you in a non-defensive way and say you'd like an opportunity to explain how migraine disease affects you, since everyone who has it is different, and not everyone can work during an attack.

I know it's not easy, but try as much as possible to think of yourself as a neutral third party who has noticed a gap in the company's knowledge base. Do your research and be prepared. Bring information containing the full range of symptoms that can be experienced during a migraine attack as well as a written diagnosis from your doctor and a clear explanation of what you go through during each stage: prodrome, aura, attack, postdrome.

Be pro-active and ask what reasonable accomodations could be made if you were to experience an attack while at work, such as having a cool, dark, quiet place to retreat to while you wait for your meds to work, or having ice packs on hand or a vomit bucket handy, or whatever might help you, so that you could potentially return to work once the worst is over rather than go home. The point is to show that you are a responsible employee, want to work and have some ideas as to how to make it possible while you have a migraine.

If there is no HR department or union rep, you can do this directly with your boss by asking for an appointment to meet with him/her and if possible asking if an neutral third party can be present. These are just my personal thoughts based on having worked in a corporate environment while trying to cope with migraine. I hope this is helpful.

I am also sorry to hear about your work situation. It is sad that many people put all migrainers in one category. I have chronic migraines and just like you was on the verge of being written up for so many absences due to migraines until a friend who works in my department told me about The Federal guidelines that protect employees from losing their job due to illness.

Like the last comment contact your HR Dept and simply ask for an application for FMLA intermittent and the MD will fill out their portion. This will protect you when you are out sick or have to go to your MD due Headaches.

I know too well about this situation any questions you may have if not answered by your HR you can email me anytime

Feel better

I feel your pain.  I lost TWO jobs to migraines.  They were very good with me in the beginning but I did miss a lot of work due to the migraines and my rebound headaches.  I have been unemployed since last October 2010.  And did you know you can't get disability for them?  I've gone through two neurologists and am now seeing a headache specialists.  I can't take all of the meds because of a heart condition, I told them about the 4+ concussions I've had since childhood but no one will listen to me.

I wish you well - just make sure you document everything!!!!!