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Topic: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep (Read 1887 times) |
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outofcommission
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what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« on: May 24th, 2006, 10:48pm » |
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i am curious. what type of a job can you do while you are being stabbed in the face. i used to lay tile and carpet in large commercial buildings and malls. the job was very physical. sometimes i would travel and a 20 hour drive was involved. some guys were understanding and others were not. i have worked on 2 man or 3 man crews, other times there might be 10 guys to work with. or i might work by myself. when i worked with a smaller crew they were crippled when a ch would come. i had 2 other coworkers with me in birchrun michigan one time and i scared them to death. they inisted that i get my own motel room, and my boss was pissed because he had to pay for it. a few months later i got fired. when i worked by myself there was less pressure and it seemed that the chs were not as intence. i have lost a couple of jobs due to this condition. i am currently working as a mechanic at a dealership and i haven't had a ch for a few years now. my hats of to you cronic sufferers who can keep a job without going nucking futs. my hats off to anyone who has chs and still press on. well anyway i would just like to know what types of jobs you do, and thank you for your time. also keep up the good work!
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Barry_T_Coles
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #1 on: May 24th, 2006, 11:45pm » |
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I work alone doing environmental monitoring.
Half the time in the field and the other in the office.
My preference of course would be 90% field 10 % office.
Barry
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Linda_Howell
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #2 on: May 25th, 2006, 12:22am » |
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I started my own business doing housecleaning.
I don't charge by the hour, but by the job.
No one is there, if I get hit I go out to my car to bang my head into the dashboard, suck 02, and when It's over I go back to work.
Works for me, and I answer to no one.
Linda
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BMoneeTheMoneeMan
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #3 on: May 25th, 2006, 1:01am » |
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I hear you, its tough as hell. Luckily I dont get hit in the day much, but not getting much sleep for weeks at a stretch certainly makes the quality of my work go down.
I have my own consulting business doing accounting and insurance premium auditing. It makes it nice that I dont have to "ask" a client for approval to not show up. I can just call a client and inform them I am not able to make it and I have to reschedule.
I used to have a client that I saw once a week on thursday afternoons, but thursdays were always bad shadow days for me after several hits overnight, so I would always call this client and reschedule for friday.
Of course, they were only understanding to a certain point. After months of rescheduling every week and bad service provided by me due to my fatigue, they decided to part ways.
I don't reschedule anything anymore.
PF wishes
B$
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GuitarBill
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #4 on: May 25th, 2006, 3:36am » |
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I teach guitar to about 60 students a week as a dayjob, and earn money playing and touring in a band. I've taught lessons with the beast beating me in the temple while the student asks "what's wrong? Are you OK?" And I've also toured carrying my oxygen tank on the bus. Having a CH on a tourbus by the way is MISERY BEYOND BELIEF. Especially when the techs are smoking 12 packs a day. I have had an attack on stage only once before...and I don't want it to happen again. My old quack doctor told me it was too busy of a lifestyle and I "brought the headaches upon myself". Well you can guess pretty much where I told him to go.
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Pffst! Yeah....define "headache"...
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BarbaraD
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #5 on: May 25th, 2006, 6:36am » |
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I'm an accountant (with my own business). When I get hit, I go to the back room and do my thing (bang head, etc) and then come back and go to work.
Right now I'm semi-retired and just tell anyone who gets upset when I get hit to go to hell. Pretty much been that way for years.I quit apologizing for the CH years ago.
Hugs BD
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drivin_blind
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #6 on: May 25th, 2006, 9:59am » |
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I work in a district court. I can usually count on getting hit around 7-9am, then again 3-7pm. I can hide in my office if necessary. I take inderal and robaxin daily. These usually and emphasis on usually keep them down to the point that I can "maintain" and continue to work. I've been "chronic" for over 20 years. The worst part anymore for me are the fricken shadows. I know how a mouse feels with a hawk circling overhead. I'm waiting, always waiting for the big one. Seems like they come at the most inopertune times. THIS HAS BECOME MY LIFE.
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Bob P
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #7 on: May 25th, 2006, 10:30am » |
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Assistant Director of Facilities at California Polytechnic State University. I manage the shops that do all the mechanical maintenance of the Campus, Plumbing, Electric, HVAC. When hit at work, I hang the do not disturb sign on my closed office door and start sucking on the O2 bottle under my desk.
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Tom K
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #8 on: May 25th, 2006, 11:03am » |
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Currently I'm a Chef Manager at a private school on the ritzy side of town. If I get hit, I go out to my Jeep, inject and then hit the O2. When I worked on a hot line in a restaurant, it sucked ass. Can't leave the line during a rush, so if I got hit, I just rode it out...Blech! Before going to culinary school, I was in printing. Pretty fun, dealing with all the chemical smells that went with that job, and before the days of 'Trex! A lot of work was missed during those days, but since my work was good, they kept me on board and let me use vacation time to take off and deal. They didn't like it but they kinda understood, since one of their better employees had CH, too. Since I've been at the school, I have made it a point not to miss work because of my CH. If I have to, I drag the tank out of the Jeep and sit in the freezer and scream my head off. Nothing like -10* to kick the Beast's ass!!
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wildhaus
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #9 on: May 25th, 2006, 12:37pm » |
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Hi
I work in the R&D (research and development) of a
Global leader of top-quality products for professional customers in the construction and building maintenance or better described, Manufacturer of fastening, drilling, and demolition tools.
In the division: Direct Fastening.
Getting hit at times at work….. but I am blessed for the understanding of my co-workers as well as my
Superiors….. so I can grab my O˛ and mask and sit still at my computer……. or go out of the office and take my Zomig…… and go on with my day!.. ( the only thing they don’t get is why do I still at times smoke)
But I can’t say that at times I do not get embarrassed or frustrated…. I do and how! but have to go on
and live with it…. and come to terms with my situation, or at times go into denial….. called take the easy way out
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E-Double
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #10 on: May 25th, 2006, 12:41pm » |
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I am A Special Education Teacher and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
I was self employed for the past 3+ years running Early Intervention programs for developmentally disabled toddlers. I also lectured and conducted trainings as well as had a consulting business.
I recently took a full time postion as the head behavior analyst for a major hospital system in NY. I'm the Senior Educational Consultaion Specialist. I took it mainly because the acronymn S.E.C.S  ....Now I just teach the teachers and am involved in research and training.
I needed a full time position with great money and great benefits. I did this despite making a good living because my wife and I are expecting our first born in July.
I am chronic for the past 2+ years.
I do what I have to do and do not let the daytime attacks hinder my job!
We do what we need. Some handle it better than others. This is not to belittle anyone at all. We all feel the same pain. Some have better support systems or are lucky with there jobs and lives over all.
I personally stopped allowing CH to rule my life soon after finding this place nearly 2 years ago!
Good luck!!!
Eric
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| « Last Edit: May 25th, 2006, 12:42pm by E-Double » |
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Katherinecm
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #11 on: May 25th, 2006, 1:36pm » |
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When I was episodic I was able to keep working b/c of minimal daytime hits. Since going chronic I've averaged 5-8 hits a day. Between the lack of sleep and the side effects of drugs, I worked less and less at my job as an insurance company analyst until my boss finally pointed out that I would be making more money by taking a leave of abscence and using my private disability insurance (60% salary). There is a headache disability calculator at:
http://www.midas-migraine.net/edu/question/default.asp
I know it's for migraines, but as legally my job and insurance company classify any sort of severe headache as a type of migraine (which is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act), it worked for me. I rated as severely disabled, and when discussing the results of my questionaire with my neuro she said I would be endangering both myself and others by going to work (I frequently have trouble driving- not to mention drug side effects).
I think my dad had chronic CH too, although he was never formally diagnosed. He worked in law enforcement in a small community until he retired. He was able to take breaks whenever he needed during relaxed times, and during stress obviously he didn't have a problem. I've considered doing the same thing if I can get enough control over CH to be able to drive...
edited to add: I've come to the conclusion that the type of high stress, high concentration, high mental accuracy, multi tasking job that I had & loved previously may be impossible for me to handle from this point forward. I simply don't have that kind of focus when I am either getting hit or sleep deprived. Something that allows you to keep your own schedule & take a break whenever needed is a better idea, at least for me.
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| « Last Edit: May 25th, 2006, 1:52pm by Katherinecm » |
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BobG
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #12 on: May 25th, 2006, 3:20pm » |
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I'm a System Operator (Bulk Energy) for a southern California power company. We move electrical energy around the western states, mostly into California.
The job can be stressful and it keeps the clusters away. Swing and graveyard shifts are very quite, usually, and that's not always good for the clusters. But, in all the 35+ years I've done this I 've only had maybe 3 or 4 attacks on the job. 
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kcopelin
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #13 on: May 25th, 2006, 6:07pm » |
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I used to be a program manager for a non-profit covering the five northern counties of Clalifornia-60 hour weeks-lots of traveling, altitude changes -going over high mountain passes. The beauty of the job was that I was the manager-could work at home, go in early, leave when I had to-work late. But I got laid off. Then worked for the social services dept. They were great about trying to accomodate but between the day times hits and the exhaustion it wasn't fair to the clients (sorry Mrs. Jones, you and your family aren't getting cash aid or food stampts this month because I had a bad clusterday and spaced out your file) Now I have started my own business-grant writing and volunteer coordination program set-up. I choose my hours, I choose my clients and I choose my income. So far, I seem to be a piss-poor business woman as I keep giving away the services (made $350 this year)  But, hey, I am my own boss 
I so totally respect and admire anyone who can keep on going to a regular job and make it work.
Kathy
By the way, the clusterheads I've met in person are, without exception, bright talented, funny and survivors. Not one a "victim"-some deal differently with the beast than others.
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Mattrf
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #14 on: May 25th, 2006, 6:54pm » |
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I am probably one of the more lucky ones here.
I am an IT manager and work for a medical research center at Stanford, so I work with mostly doctors and med-students so they all understand pain and as soon as I say what I have they all look it up and are very supportive. I try not to let it disrupt my work and for the most part I am successful but when it gets to me they have told me to lay down and take it easy and even have a coach in one of the offices that they said I can use whenever I need it, talk about a great place to work, I really am lucky.
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There is no stronger a person then one who can deal with brain pain and still function.
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Kris_in_SJ
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #15 on: May 25th, 2006, 8:05pm » |
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I'm one of the lucky ones too. When my attacks first started I was the CEO of a nonprofit organization in my county. Fortunately for my work, I only got hit at night. Of course, the constant daytime shadows wore me out and my staff knew to stay clear when I was in a funk (they bought me a mood ring one Christmas, and checked its color every day) LOL!
I now have my own consulting/writing/design service and work from home. Only need to grab the autoinject and lay down for a few minutes when I get hit. Most of my work is done via email and internet which makes it much easier.
It also helps that I'm episodic and have cluster episodes only every 3-4 years. Thank my lucky stars every day for that - especially since I met all the great people here.
Kris
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Jonny
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #16 on: May 25th, 2006, 8:34pm » |
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Started chronic at 12 years old, by the time I was 21 I knew I could not hold a job being like this, with a $2000 loan I started a drywall company. it went great until the building boom died, so did my company.
For the next two years I sold coke (Im not going to BS you) until I became my best customer, I realised at 27 that I not only needed to grow up, but find out what the fuck what was in my head. I was diagnosed and marrired in the same year, soon after I borrowed $5000 and started a welding company (What I was trained in) and it has been going strong for 15 years.
I was chronic for 30 years, Ive been PF for a year.....this shit can be done, dont let anyone tell you it cant!!
Good luck, Dude!
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It is up to YOU to educate yourself and then help your doctor plan your treatment. If you just sit down in front of your doctor and say "make me better" you are setting yourself up for a great deal of pain.
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Budman
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #17 on: May 25th, 2006, 9:54pm » |
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I'm a Computer Aided Drafter, before I found this site I used to think my CH's had something to do with eye-strain because I'm always at the computer.
But then I found out that my vision is like 20-10, which is better than 20-20. After finding this site and reading some of the tips people have given, I've been free of headaches by drinking a big 64 ounce glass of water thoughout the day, quitting smoking, and taking 3 melatonin tablets before bedtime. Also, if I start to feel a "shadow", I'll take a spray or two of this stuff called Sinus Buster, it works for me. I can't thank everyone here enough for the knowledge they dispense. Even though I'm episodic, when they hit, man it was pure hell.
So far, I've been pain free since around May 4th, and I feel like I've finally got a handle on this, or at least some treatment options!
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Charlotte
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #18 on: May 26th, 2006, 3:22pm » |
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I'm a legal clerk. I rarely call in sick and am very organized and detail oriented and overcompensate as much as possible. I consider any time period where I have more than 3 hours pf as fully functional. I haven't been fully functional much this year.
I make the most of the time between hits.
One of my coworkers has helped me recognize some things that happen so I know when I'm in trouble (brain damaged) and can ask for help. On my team of 4, 2 are helpful and the other one is nice but gets offended on my worst days and spends a lot of time explaining how I've offended him (like a 40 year old 2 year old). I don't have much tact, even at the best of times.
We color code our lists for our departments first thing, and when I forget to color code - that's when I have to be very careful and check myself.
I work in a 3 story building so I can run around a lot and deliver things when I need to move.
I've been clerical with the county for 18 years, and have been promoted to responsible positions with full disclosure. I also demoted twice to get a job that was a better fit to my personality.
Charlotte
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| « Last Edit: May 26th, 2006, 9:00pm by Charlotte » |
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Sandy_C
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #19 on: May 26th, 2006, 4:15pm » |
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I'm a lighting designer/analyst. I sit in front of a computer and lay out parking lot lighting for developers and engineers of shopping centers, car dealerships, college campuses, business parks, restaurants, etc. My work involves looking at teeny tiny little numbers all over my computer screen, and moving a light fixture/pole assembly a smidgen and watch those numbers change until I get the pole in exactly the right spot. Been doing this for the past 17 years. I'm episodic, and my first ever cycle was in the spring of 1999. I was positive that it was caused by those tiny numbers and my vision was going. Wrong. Wasn't diagnosed until 2003.
I'm fortunate that in all previous cycles I was hit only at night, so other than shadows during the day, and being tired, I was able to function normally. Last cycle, though, I started getting hits in the afternoons at work. The first thing I did was to bring my boss completely up to speed with my "affliction", and when I had to do, shut my door and do my thing until the hit was over. This worked fairly well, but not great because he would pop in now and then to see if I was feeling well enough to go back to work, which by that time I was coming down from the hit and I would say, OK. Then, one day, he actually saw me with a full blown hit. He's never popped in again. He lets me handle it for as long as I need knowing I'll open my door when I'm ready to face the world again. I've never gone home or missed a day of work because of CH, so I guess I'm fortunate. Everyone is different. Everyone handles their CH differently. There is no one correct answer. We all try to find the method that works best for each of us.
Sandy
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Benjamin_michael
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #20 on: May 31st, 2006, 5:40pm » |
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Im a forman of a roofing crew. its not as bad as it sounds. all my workers know what i have and how bad it is. they all understand. and i mostly shadow during the day. the worst of it hits me at night. but lately i havnt been geting hit very much. pretty happy about that. but i have a bad feeling about not geting alot of them. i feel its going to get real bad. i have been episodic for 3 years now. good luck to all of us. and hang in there. soon there will be a way to beat this.
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maffumatt
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #21 on: May 31st, 2006, 8:47pm » |
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I run a railcar storage and switching facility. Pretty much a parking lot for out of lease railcars. It pays the bills and I am allowed to do my own thing so its not bad.
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trinity777
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #22 on: Jun 6th, 2006, 5:05pm » |
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well thats nice im glad to hear people are able to start there own companies or that you have these good jobs. I on the other hand am screwed. i get crappy jobs like pizza delivery guy, or day laberor. then if i call off too many times, or my job performance slips they just fire me. Im now in a bad cycle after about 4 mo free from this life that is no better the hell on earth and it seems like Im screwed to be nothing in life but a half a man trapped in hell. My wife works an ok job, not enough to help, we live in a ghetto, we have bills so piled up were thinking of just giving up. its been what, 10 years now in and out of this cycle of hell, and i am starting to think its not fare on her to have to be around a broken person like me so as far as a job... im crap. my life has no meaning like this and my soul has been tormented by god for way to long. try your best to get a job, try to keep it, but in the end... we still live in hell, ill still get fired at some point, and it all begins over from the top. never any better, alwayse worse. but hay, thats me right.
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Katherinecm
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #23 on: Jun 6th, 2006, 8:04pm » |
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Wow, Trinity, I'm so sorry... (everyone else, I'm sorry this is off topic, but I wanted to respond publicly so everyone can have the information).
Please don't give up. OUCH has a crisis intervention page: http://www.ouch-us.org/crisis.htm to find help.
Also look in your phone book for your local United Way. They can direct you to churches, social programs, and charities in your area that can help. They may even help you to find a job that can accomodate your headaches.
I read your post out loud to my mom, who has worked in Florida's welfare program, social security, and now the VA. She said your medical bills can probably be covered by a state assistance program- I don't know where you are but every state in the USA has them. If you are a wartime veteran there is a small pension you can get for the times you are unable to work as long as you get a doctor to agree you can't work. She said it is MUCH easier to get help from the VA than other government programs (even though with the current war they are backed up with paperwork now). Apparently at the VA the idea is to help veterans as much as possible, where as at other agencies, such as social security, you are looking for a reason to deny benefits.
Since you are obviously severely depressed too, you should know it may be much easier to get benefits for depression than for headaches, especially from Social Security.
Take care of yourself. Don't give up. Contact me or the above resources if you need help.
Katy
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Charlotte
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Re: what type of jobs do clusterheads keep
« Reply #24 on: Jun 7th, 2006, 10:59am » |
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Katy, thank you for the message but I am afraid Trinity may be one of our one timers. He did not have an email address so I instant messaged him. If he doesn't sign on again, we can't be of assistance to him, so all we can really do is pray for him.
When I read this thread, I see our struggles. Trinity saw his own struggle and we probably seemed to be bragging.
I hope he signs back in and I hope he hangs in there.
Charlotte
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