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Dealing with frequent migraines and your job?

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Deal Addict
Mar 29, 2012
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Vancouver

Dealing with frequent migraines and your job?

Does anyone else get frequent migraines causing them to be unable to do their job? I just started have migraines frequently, I think it started when I tried antidepressants a few months ago, but this month i've had two terrible migraines episodes that caused me to miss 4 days of work. The migraines I have are extremely vision impairing, I have a migraine right now actually, I can't see out of my right eye and I can't walk straight or think clearly. It's sort of like an out of body experience, I just feel like fainting.

I think the trigger is the weather changes, I live in vancouver and when get sunny days easily turned down miserable stormy days. But my employer doesn't take me seriously when I say I can't work today because i'm having a terrible migraine.

Are there any other migraine sufferers out there, and how do you guys deal with it while having a job? Are there any disability help for migraine sufferers so my employer takes me seriously?
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Dec 11, 2003
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Do you have a good relationship with your manager(s) at work? If you do and haven't lied about anything then I can't see why they wouldn't believe you.

You should probably talk to your doctor about the migraines. Also, ask him if it's a possible side effect. If yes, then get him to write you a note so that you can give it to HR and your manager.
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Jr. Member
Oct 5, 2012
145 posts
48 upvotes
BC
ds2chan wrote: Do you have a good relationship with your manager(s) at work? If you do and haven't lied about anything then I can't see why they wouldn't believe you.

You should probably talk to your doctor about the migraines. Also, ask him if it's a possible side effect. If yes, then get him to write you a note so that you can give it to HR and your manager.
^ that is pretty much what you can do in the short term.

I do recommend talking to your doctor about the migraines though (if you haven't already). There are medication out there to help you with them, which only your doc would be able to help you properly navigate. Probably find a new one if they won't. Migraines are pretty debilitating and there are disability options if you need it. Although I don't know where one would start to navigate disability claim for something like that, I do recommend that you keep some form of journal (simple spreadsheet is fine) to list symptoms (pain on a scale, brain fog, nausea etc), things you've taken for it, foods you eat, as well as your sleeping habits the day before and during. These are all things your doctor will want to see and if you seek disability, they likely will too. Try to take some time listing your symptoms and concerns before your visit and (if you can) don't visit during an migraine episode.

As far as work goes, the places I've worked at have all been pretty lenient. Typically, I pre-emptively show them my migraine prescriptions so they don't wonder why I keep disappearing to pop random pills like an sketchy person. To date, I've never been asked to provide a doctor's note. I habitually will also try to stay as long as I can till I can't deal with it anymore before I go home. So maybe that's why they've put up with my problems. By no means should that be advice for you to follow cuz I've had these all my life, so my management of this all is slightly better and my pain tolerance is pretty high.

tl;dr Seek doctor for migraine solutions. For work, Doc's note and your prescriptions should suffice. If they can't handle it .. you might wanna reconsider working there -- no offense. Doesn't seem to me as if that's the sort of stress you wanna be dealing with in the long run, especially given that you mentioned you're on antidepressants. Hope it works out!
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Nov 10, 2015
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For a few years i was getting brutal headaches, mostly at work. After seeing my doctor and a couple of specialists we finally pinned it down to the florescent lights at work.
They had installed new ones, eight foot bulbs, four bulbs in each fixture and didn't put covers on them.
I resorted to wearing a hat at work which eliminated most of the headaches.
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Deal Addict
Mar 29, 2012
1474 posts
368 upvotes
Vancouver
ds2chan wrote: Do you have a good relationship with your manager(s) at work? If you do and haven't lied about anything then I can't see why they wouldn't believe you.

You should probably talk to your doctor about the migraines. Also, ask him if it's a possible side effect. If yes, then get him to write you a note so that you can give it to HR and your manager.
My manager doesn't care for sick days, he fires people randomly for taking sick days. I got threatened that if I didn't show up to work I would be fired the next week. And I had a sinus infection + brochitis. So I showed up that day, and my sickness got even worse. Plus I spreaded my sickness to my coworker, and he got sinus infection + pneumonia too and couldn't work for the entire next week as well. A week after that, another coworker was out for a week too because he ended up getting a sinus infection.
Audra2202 wrote: ^ that is pretty much what you can do in the short term.

I do recommend talking to your doctor about the migraines though (if you haven't already). There are medication out there to help you with them, which only your doc would be able to help you properly navigate. Probably find a new one if they won't. Migraines are pretty debilitating and there are disability options if you need it. Although I don't know where one would start to navigate disability claim for something like that, I do recommend that you keep some form of journal (simple spreadsheet is fine) to list symptoms (pain on a scale, brain fog, nausea etc), things you've taken for it, foods you eat, as well as your sleeping habits the day before and during. These are all things your doctor will want to see and if you seek disability, they likely will too. Try to take some time listing your symptoms and concerns before your visit and (if you can) don't visit during an migraine episode.

As far as work goes, the places I've worked at have all been pretty lenient. Typically, I pre-emptively show them my migraine prescriptions so they don't wonder why I keep disappearing to pop random pills like an sketchy person. To date, I've never been asked to provide a doctor's note. I habitually will also try to stay as long as I can till I can't deal with it anymore before I go home. So maybe that's why they've put up with my problems. By no means should that be advice for you to follow cuz I've had these all my life, so my management of this all is slightly better and my pain tolerance is pretty high.

tl;dr Seek doctor for migraine solutions. For work, Doc's note and your prescriptions should suffice. If they can't handle it .. you might wanna reconsider working there -- no offense. Doesn't seem to me as if that's the sort of stress you wanna be dealing with in the long run, especially given that you mentioned you're on antidepressants. Hope it works out!
Thanks, yeah i'm going to try seeing a doctor after my migraine is over with. I'm getting a feeling that this is more serious than just a migraine. My eye is extremely droopy, i've been reading into things like opthalmologic migraines could be serious, I think that's what I might have.

My employer always guilts trip me, they don't understand what it's like to have a migraine I think. Or they don't give a shit. Most likely they don't give a shit. The time I had a sinus infection and lost my voice, they were so hard on me. I showed them a doctor's note and they still warned me about taking too much sick days or i'll be terminated.
Sr. Member
Aug 2, 2012
692 posts
264 upvotes
Based on what you've said, I strongly advise that you start keeping notes about your interactions with your employer regarding illness - and document what's already happened, with dates. If you do get fired, you'll want a reason to contest EI and also possibly other claims. I am not familiar with employment legislation in BC, but depending on what the law says there may be a case for breach of your employment rights if you can show that you've been fired for being ill.

Oh, and start looking for another job anyway. Sounds like the culture where you work is pretty crappy, and who knows if that's contributing to your migraines?

SquirreI wrote: My manager doesn't care for sick days, he fires people randomly for taking sick days. I got threatened that if I didn't show up to work I would be fired the next week. And I had a sinus infection + brochitis. So I showed up that day, and my sickness got even worse. Plus I spreaded my sickness to my coworker, and he got sinus infection + pneumonia too and couldn't work for the entire next week as well. A week after that, another coworker was out for a week too because he ended up getting a sinus infection.



Thanks, yeah i'm going to try seeing a doctor after my migraine is over with. I'm getting a feeling that this is more serious than just a migraine. My eye is extremely droopy, i've been reading into things like opthalmologic migraines could be serious, I think that's what I might have.

My employer always guilts trip me, they don't understand what it's like to have a migraine I think. Or they don't give a shit. Most likely they don't give a shit. The time I had a sinus infection and lost my voice, they were so hard on me. I showed them a doctor's note and they still warned me about taking too much sick days or i'll be terminated.
Jr. Member
Oct 5, 2012
145 posts
48 upvotes
BC
SquirreI wrote: My manager doesn't care for sick days, he fires people randomly for taking sick days. I got threatened that if I didn't show up to work I would be fired the next week. And I had a sinus infection + brochitis. So I showed up that day, and my sickness got even worse. Plus I spreaded my sickness to my coworker, and he got sinus infection + pneumonia too and couldn't work for the entire next week as well. A week after that, another coworker was out for a week too because he ended up getting a sinus infection.



Thanks, yeah i'm going to try seeing a doctor after my migraine is over with. I'm getting a feeling that this is more serious than just a migraine. My eye is extremely droopy, i've been reading into things like opthalmologic migraines could be serious, I think that's what I might have.

My employer always guilts trip me, they don't understand what it's like to have a migraine I think. Or they don't give a shit. Most likely they don't give a shit. The time I had a sinus infection and lost my voice, they were so hard on me. I showed them a doctor's note and they still warned me about taking too much sick days or i'll be terminated.
Don't self diagnose. Personally, I've been dealt some migraine causing genes. For the longest time, I didn't bother getting help. I didn't wanna know what they were, why they hurt so bad until it became debilitating and I couldn't function anymore. Three walk-in GPs (who all said something along the lines of "Sorry, you're SOL. There's no cure. Nothing I give you will help. Try some OTC stuff like xyz") and painful nights later, I did just that and I got far depressed than before I had started (but I digress .. those GPs probably were the triggers). Anyway, /r/migraine for support. And dump any GPs who tell you any BS I was told. GL!
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Nov 25, 2014
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Toronto, ON
Identify the triggers and might be able to prevent it. Bright lights is one of the triggers of my migraine, my monitors' brightness are set to lowest and I am facing towards a wall and using an eyeglass with bluereflect lens. Hunger also so I have crackers. Lack of sleep and weather also. If my eyes started to ache, either need to take a nap or take a medicine just so it won't continue to migraine. Or if I feel like getting a migraine like my head starting to ache a little but not yet migraine I take my med. If I am having a migraine before going to work I do work from home since you can turn off the lights and can minimize the noise.

Since you boss is like that, it might be better to look for another job but no guarantee that you will have an understanding boss
Deal Expert
Oct 6, 2005
16872 posts
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SquirreI wrote: Are there any other migraine sufferers out there, and how do you guys deal with it while having a job? Are there any disability help for migraine sufferers so my employer takes me seriously?
Excedrin works well - it's Aspirin + Tylenol + Caffeine, too bad it's not sold in Canada only in the US. It's apparently illegal to mix caffeine with drugs in Canada.

You can get the generic version at CVS or Walgreens next time you're in the US for $4 a bottle.


SquirreI wrote: My employer always guilts trip me, they don't understand what it's like to have a migraine I think. Or they don't give a shit. Most likely they don't give a shit. The time I had a sinus infection and lost my voice, they were so hard on me. I showed them a doctor's note and they still warned me about taking too much sick days or i'll be terminated.
That's illegal, you should keep notes and perhaps file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour.
Last edited by coolspot on Feb 6th, 2018 10:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
Deal Addict
Mar 29, 2012
1474 posts
368 upvotes
Vancouver
Don't self diagnose. Personally, I've been dealt some migraine causing genes. For the longest time, I didn't bother getting help. I didn't wanna know what they were, why they hurt so bad until it became debilitating and I couldn't function anymore. Three walk-in GPs (who all said something along the lines of "Sorry, you're SOL. There's no cure. Nothing I give you will help. Try some OTC stuff like xyz") and painful nights later, I did just that and I got far depressed than before I had started (but I digress .. those GPs probably were the triggers). Anyway, /r/migraine for support. And dump any GPs who tell you any BS I was told. GL![/quote]

I went to my doctor and he said he doesn't know what's causing my dizziness, I asked to see a neurologist, but he said he doesn't recommend it yet. I think a neurologist is what I need to see.
boldventure wrote: Identify the triggers and might be able to prevent it. Bright lights is one of the triggers of my migraine, my monitors' brightness are set to lowest and I am facing towards a wall and using an eyeglass with bluereflect lens. Hunger also so I have crackers. Lack of sleep and weather also. If my eyes started to ache, either need to take a nap or take a medicine just so it won't continue to migraine. Or if I feel like getting a migraine like my head starting to ache a little but not yet migraine I take my med. If I am having a migraine before going to work I do work from home since you can turn off the lights and can minimize the noise.

Since you boss is like that, it might be better to look for another job but no guarantee that you will have an understanding boss
I think the triggers for me is stress and weather. I am definitely really stressed out in my life overall, not just work. And I live in Vancouver so the weather is atrocious, sunny one day, extremely high humidity cloudy the next day.

I never had a problem with food. And I don't think its a light problem since i've been using the same lights for more than 5 years at least. I did order new lightbulbs, but I don't think its a trigger.
Last edited by SquirreI on Feb 6th, 2018 2:04 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Deal Expert
Oct 6, 2005
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SquirreI wrote: Thanks, i'll look that up. My doctor prescribed me "Prochlorperazine 10mg" yesterday, I ended up having to take another day off because I am extremely dizzy to the point where even my hearing is distorted. The migraine started last Thursday so for it to still affect me this Tuesday is absurd. That's 5 days in total off due to a migraine in the past 30 days.
Also, have you been checked out for high blood pressure? I was getting really bad neck tension + headaches prior to being diagnosed.

Another thing to check is whether you're sleeping properly - Sleep Apena can cause migraines too and since getting a CPAP machine I am much more rested and headaches are rare.
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Mar 29, 2012
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Vancouver
coolspot wrote: Also, have you been checked out for high blood pressure? I was getting really bad neck tension + headaches prior to being diagnosed.

Another thing to check is whether you're sleeping properly - Sleep Apena can cause migraines too and since getting a CPAP machine I am much more rested and headaches are rare.
I just did blood testing today, they drew some blood, + a heart test. I think that's for high blood pressure.

Where/how do I start to get a CPAP machine? I've always thought I needed one because I do have very bad sleep quality, like since a long time ago. Everyone says I always look extremely sleepy and tired even though I get 8+ hours of sleep, and I do feel sleepy all the time. To the point where whenever someone asks me how i'm doing I always respond "sleepy."
Deal Expert
Oct 6, 2005
16872 posts
2557 upvotes
SquirreI wrote: I just did blood testing today, they drew some blood, + a heart test. I think that's for high blood pressure.

Where/how do I start to get a CPAP machine? I've always thought I needed one because I do have very bad sleep quality, like since a long time ago. Everyone says I always look extremely sleepy and tired even though I get 8+ hours of sleep, and I do feel sleepy all the time. To the point where whenever someone asks me how i'm doing I always respond "sleepy."
For blood pressure your doctor needs to put on the blood pressure cuff and take a reading - no need for a blood test, takes 30 seconds.

As for CPAP, ask your family doctor to send you for a sleep study (free) and refer you to a Sleep Doctor for diagnosis.

CPAP machines are covered by the Government + Insurance, so cost to you should be minimal. It does take a while to get used to CPAP, but I can feel a major difference with CPAP vs. without. i.e. Without, I may have slept for 10 hours but I still feel sleepy. With CPAP, I wake up relatively refreshed.

There are a lot of reasons why you can get migraines, or multiple reasons ... hopefully you can tick off problems one by one and reduce your headaches!
Last edited by coolspot on Feb 6th, 2018 2:15 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Nov 25, 2014
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Also I take vit C with B complex daily. I am more prone to migraine if I won't take that vit. You are more prone to stress if you don't have energy.
Also if I go to the gym, I am less prone to migraine.
If due to weather, if it will start with your eyes, feeling fatigue or aching, try wear sunglass with polarize lens.
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Mar 29, 2012
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Vancouver
boldventure wrote: Also I take vit C with B complex daily. I am more prone to migraine if I won't take that vit. You are more prone to stress if you don't have energy.
Also if I go to the gym, I am less prone to migraine.
If due to weather, if it will start with your eyes, feeling fatigue or aching, try wear sunglass with polarize lens.
I think its more the pressure in the atmosphere for me. Like if it's sunny one day, and in the middle of the night it becomes foggy and cloudy, and i'm still sleeping, that's enough to make me wake up with a migraine and start vomiting.
Jr. Member
Sep 29, 2003
176 posts
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Toronto
SquirreI wrote: I just did blood testing today, they drew some blood, + a heart test. I think that's for high blood pressure.

Where/how do I start to get a CPAP machine? I've always thought I needed one because I do have very bad sleep quality, like since a long time ago. Everyone says I always look extremely sleepy and tired even though I get 8+ hours of sleep, and I do feel sleepy all the time. To the point where whenever someone asks me how i'm doing I always respond "sleepy."
My friends go to Shoppers Home Health Care for their CPAP machines and supplies, they give you receipts for insurance. They said pricing is good as well as it’s nice to earn points on top.

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