I work through the first phase of my migrains. But the second the last phase are impossible. I cant see and cant put senteces together. No matter how much medication Im on. I miss about 40% of work. Does anyone else??? Is there something you take at work that helps you get through the day without the side effects of sleepiness?
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
10/ 7/09 2:41pm
Hi Lisa S,
Believe me you are not alone in this struggle with work and Migraines. In fact, Teri just wrote an article on this topic you may find extremely timely: Migraine Presenteeism Creates More Lost Work Time
eThe best thing is to try and abort a Migraine attack. This means at the first sign of a Migraine, take an abortive, if you have one from your doctor. If you wait til you are in the middle of an attack to take any medication the likelyhood of it working is not so good.
Do you have an accurate diagnosis? For purposes of treatment, learning about your Migraines, being able to get care if you're away from home, etc., you need a full diagnosis of what type of Migraine you have. You can read more about this in The Type of Migraine Does Matter.
Preventive, Abortive, and Rescue Medications - What's the Difference? is an important article because it explains these three confusing medications very nicely. I refer to it frequently!!
Good luck
Nancy
10/ 8/09 2:53pm
I don't have an answer but I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone. My boss gave me the 'get better or else' speech last week. I missed yesterday but he hasn't said anything to me as of yet. Don't know if I will still have a job by the end of day on Friday.
10/ 9/09 4:24pm
Oh my. Im so sorry to hear that. Its rough when you have deal with folks who either don't get them or get them once a year. thanks for writting. Its good to hear that others go through the same struggles. I had a boss like that before too. And it took HR getting involved to get that straighten out. Good luck and I hope you have a job at the end of today.
10/ 8/09 5:07pm
Can you negotiate flexible working hours where you can make up the time later on (or in advance by getting things done in advance) and working from home arrangements. Then at least when you need to go due to the migraine then you can complete your work at another time when feeling better.
When my migraines were bad I would go early and do longer days at other times.
Also as others have mentioned have you tried abortives? I recently was prescribed immigram and have found it's made a large difference to all symptoms.
Good luck
DJ
10/ 9/09 4:42pm
Hey there,
I wish I could do that. Its not that easy. Luckly I have a boss that understands my pain. She mainly wants to know how I can stand to work with them. I tell her Ive been doing it for so long you just get used to it.
I mainly asked the question to get everyone's opinion on how they get through the day. But I hear you, at the last place I worked I used to do what you suggested. I would come in early or stay later. To balance out the days (if any that month) that Ive missed.
Ive only had one boss who didn't get what I was going through. That changed when he walked out of his office and found me passed out on the floor at my desk. But Im not at the job any more. Long story.
Again, thank you for writting back, it means the world to me!
10/ 8/09 6:20pm
Hi Lisa,
I wish I had an answer for you but I can't help you out. I'm not sure what type of work you do but when I went to work with migraines I would wear sunglasses and applied ice frequently during my shift.
You are not alone with this problem. Actually, I am an RN and work at a hospital and 2 years ago my manage and my union basically forced me out even though I would go to work with a migraine. I have also had a lot of accolades from patients and was even nominated for a Nightingale Award(an award that is given during Nursing week). My work ethic is strong and I am very loyal. You would think a hospital or the medical field would be more understanding but they are not.
Unfortunately even though Migraine awareness is up and coming work places are not very empathetic or understanding.
I hope you find the answer you are looking for and remember you are not alone.
10/ 9/09 4:47pm
Im sorry to hear what you went through. Its not fair when you work with ppl who don't get it. I had that issue with one boss. That changed when he walked out of his office and found me on the floor passed out. I had taken Immetrex for the first time and didn't know that I was allergic to it. Well we know now, LOL. I can laugh now, but not for a long time. He then took it more serious and worried any time my eye twitched. But I understand. Now I have a boss who when she sees my eye twitch she gets worried. I haven't passed out on her. I'm praying I don't.
I do injections in the optical nerve in the back of the head now. They do one on each side. The next step is to burn them. We are still talking about that. Not real sure about that.
Good luck with yours.
10/ 8/09 7:07pm
Hi Lisa S,
Just like the others have stated, you are not alone. I used to work with migraines and it was a disaster. I was continuously told about my absences and then when I forced myself to work and made mistakes, I was in trouble for that too. It was a no win situation for me and the stress made my migraines worse.
I no longer work and am on disability because I was always getting fired. It has been 4 years since I held a job and I definitely miss working. I wish I had words of wisdom or useful advice, but I really don't. If they keep giving you a hard time you can always mention to them the American with Disabilities movement or speak to your human resources rep? Good luck with everything and always remember you are not alone. It makes me feel a little better to know there are some people out there who understand.
Brianne
10/ 9/09 9:36am
Hi Lisa S,I do know how you feel ,It was so hard for me to work also ,I did very physical work at a nursing home you just have to show up even with a migraine i have had to get out of nursing the only thing i found to help a little was being put on an antianxiety medication it did helped me in the way it eased the tension and panic so the migraine didnt get worse ,but anxiety meds are not without there problems ,they dont help the underlying cause you are in my thoughts and prayers.Lisa R....
10/ 9/09 11:30am
The only thing that has helped me is either Relpax by mouth or Imitrex injection. I know that sometimes the migraine can get so bad that even these meds won't help. That's when I end up in the ER. Good luck to you!
10/ 9/09 4:31pm
Thank you for your kind words. I know the ER very well. I end up there every three months. The type of migrains I have are not caused by any stress or food related but they sure are increased by stress sometimes. Im now getting injections in the head on 3 preventive meds and three break through meds. Its loads of fun, not. I try to stay in high spirits. Having you all helps. Again, thank you for responding.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By Lisa S— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 10/06/09
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hi there,
We've tried different kinds of abortive meds over the years and non seem to stay working for very long. I wish they did. With the type of migrains I get its hard to pin point them. I had one that last two months. Im now seeing a pain mgt doctor. Im on three preventive meds and three break through meds. We've even tried anxeity meds (srry about the spelling). I just wanted to see how others were handling missing work when they get a migrain or working through it. I still go to work and pray with some excedren or vicaden ( it doesn't make me sleepy any more). But when I get home, look out. I make the cocktail and go to bed, not be seen until the next day, LOL :0)
Again, thank you for the advice. Hopefully one day they will find something that will work for me and last longer than 6months on me.