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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> UK  Work Problems for Clusterheads
        
(Message started by: schmoo on Jan 20^th, 2003, 9:57am)

Title: UK Work Problems for Clusterheads
Post by schmoo on Jan 20^th, 2003, 9:57am

hi,

my partner has suffered from clusters now for 7 years, doctors have no or little understanding of this condition and usually are quite patronising.

He also suffers from diabetes so it is quite nerve racking for me leaving him while i go to work.. There have been times when his sugar has been very low but he can't eat as the imigran makes him throw up.....up till now he has managed to phone me at work and i can go home....but my employer is not too happy about this so i don't get paid for the time off .

We also have a 7 year old daughter (and one on the way - due in peak cluster time!!) who neither of us really want to have to find him in a hyperglacemic coma.

His employers are now also annoyed about the length of time being taken off due to "headaches" The ideal situation would be to have this classed as some form of disability - has anyone managed to have it recognises as such ???? How do other sufferers cope with work arrangements and taking 8 weeks off at one time????

Its depressing enough having to suffer these dreadful attacks (thankfully i don't) without having to be stigmatised at work also. ???

Title: Re: UK Work Problems for Clusterheads
Post by Margi on Jan 20^th, 2003, 11:31am

Again, Schmoo - contact OUCH UK. There is an employer's letter that you can print out to explain to folks at work what cluster headaches are. It's right on the front page of their website (www.clusterheadaches.uk).

I'm sure I've read about some of them pursuing disability claims there, as well. Great group of folks who are more than willing to help sufferers and supporters alike.

As to the diabetes, that IS a struggle for you. Oxygen would work SO much better in this case, no real side effects to speak of and a proper diet can easily be maintained. It's the most popular abortive out there. Keep pushing for your partner, schmoo - it's our supporters' biggest and toughest task. Get him some oxygen and get him seen by a cluster knowledgeable neurologist a.s.a.p. You're his best defense when he's in cycle like this.

Hang in there!! :)

Title: Re: UK Work Problems for Clusterheads
Post by Ueli on Jan 20^th, 2003, 11:55am

Women! they always ask for direction, but asking another woman the direction given is often wrong. :D

Margi, update your bookmarks, the correct address is:

http://www.clusterheadaches.org.uk/

Schmoo, ask your questions on the MB of that site, they can teach you the ropes with stubborn doctors in the NHS.

PFNADs
Ueli

Title: Re: UK Work Problems for Clusterheads
Post by jonny on Jan 20^th, 2003, 12:40pm

Hee hee hee!!!

..............jonny

Title: Re: UK Work Problems for Clusterheads
Post by SFChris on Jan 20^th, 2003, 3:14pm

oh-oh....this time Ueli called out Margi! :o

Title: Re: UK Work Problems for Clusterheads
Post by firebrix on Jan 21^st, 2003, 6:09pm

Greetings schmoo!
Yes there is support to be found and its right here. You have already had some good support from some of the CH angels and I'd just like to add that you may always IM or E mail me if I can help you.
Welcome!
Wishing you peace and your partner PFDAN
firebrix