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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Going to work
        
(Message started by: 3dogmom on Nov 8^th, 2004, 6:36pm)

Title: Going to work
Post by 3dogmom on Nov 8^th, 2004, 6:36pm

:(
I know you've probably discussed this in the past, but I didn't see it when I searched. How do you folks manage to go to work and do the things you have to do when this goes on for weeks and weeks? I am a music teacher in an elementary school and, although I love what I do, find it very hard even to speak when the pain is really bad. One of my administrators is great, her daughter has CH. The other does not get it and turns the other way when she sees me coming. How do you get through to people, or stop trying to get through to people? I just want to call in sick until it's over, but I want to be there for the kids and be responsible. Meds not working any more, MRI/MRA next week, help!
Sue

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by nani on Nov 8^th, 2004, 6:42pm

When I teach (I'm a substitute) and I feel like it might be a bad day, I always explain to the children what may happen. Of course, the older they are, the better they can understand. Are you using oxygen to abort? If you are you can bring it with you...

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by LeLimey on Nov 8^th, 2004, 6:44pm

Hi Sue,
What meds have you been taking? It IS hard coping, I couldn't agree more. When this first started up for me I just wanted to give up completely and wait to die. It was absolutely unbearable and the thought of going on... well, it was beyond imagining.
Then I got angry, really angry with myself as much as with IT. This THING that was taking over my life and how dare it?! I still struggle, I doubt that will ever change for any of us. The only thing that has changed is my stubborness has reasserted itself and I make the rules.. no one else! I have O2 which for me is magical and I have imigran(imitrex) injections which have so far worked every time (touching wood). I can't make it go away but I can make it dance to my tune some of the time at least. I see every time I do something I want to as a victory and a mental "sticking two fingers up at it" and it helps.. it may seem childish but it helps me with my attitude at least! :)
I hope you get some help and more effective meds soon.
Helen

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by 3dogmom on Nov 8^th, 2004, 6:52pm

Just about ten days ago, was put on Verapamil and Indocin. It seemed very helpful, mostly just the "phantom" until today, which makes me wonder what's going on. I'm newly diagnosed, so things are still in the new stage. Oxygen has not been suggested yet, only found about it from you guys. Also have Percocet for bad ones which I can only take at home, which I never am. Why can't I be sick at home like a regular person? Not fair (whine). I admire you guys who have wrapped yourselves around this thing and grapple with it, I just can't fathom it yet.
Sue

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by LeLimey on Nov 8^th, 2004, 7:02pm

You will get there I promise!! I can't comment on your meds at all as its a subject I know less than very little about but I'm sure others here can help you greatly. Floridian in particular was a great help for me with meds as he knew about other ones I have to take too.
Use the info here and print off as much as you can and take it with you to see your doc.. tell him about the site and recommend he visits.. mine did! There is a wealth of information here and you can really arm yourself ready for the next time with both info and questions.. good luck!
Let us know how you get on
Helen

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by BlueMeanie on Nov 8^th, 2004, 7:18pm

Have you tried Imitrex ? It is a life/job saver for me.

I taught vocational education for 5 years. When i'd have one coming on, i'd quickly put the class on break and head to the restroom with my shot. Usually i'd be back within 20 minutes and the students where happy to have to NOT listen to me for awhile. :o

02 is another good advice if you have somewhere they'll let you keep it for when you need it.

Good luck and hope you find something to abort with.

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by Pegase on Nov 8^th, 2004, 8:25pm

on 11/08/04 at 18:52:09, 3dogmom wrote:

Just about ten days ago, was put on Verapamil and Indocin.

Verapimil took three weeks for me to kick in completly... O2 is a MUST... Hang in there... :)

Phil

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by BobG on Nov 9^th, 2004, 12:51pm

on 11/08/04 at 18:36:09, 3dogmom wrote:

:(
I am a music teacher in an elementary school and, although I love what I do, find it very hard even to speak when the pain is really bad. I want to be there for the kids and be responsible. Sue

It may be a good opportunity to educate your students about cluster headaches. Explain to them the whats and whys of clusters. Be sure to tell them it is not their fault, it is not their behavior that causes them. The kids are smart. Smarter than most adults give them credit for. They will understand and might even want to learn more.

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by Rock_Lobster on Nov 9^th, 2004, 1:33pm

Ditto what Blue said.

You have 'preventatives'. You need a few 'aborts', for the ones that break through. Read up at this site on Imitrex & Zomig.

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by Tom K on Nov 9^th, 2004, 1:51pm

And get your neuro to give you O2. I work in a school, right next to the band room....it's the begining of the year and they suck right now! Trex, O2 and instant ice packs got me through my cycle at the begining of the year.

T

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by vig on Nov 9^th, 2004, 4:35pm

You might want to consider printing this one out and letting them read it....
http://www.clusterheadaches.org.uk/home/index.cfm?address=../clusters/note_colleagues.cfm&added=04/01/04&code=CB

Title: Re: Going to work
Post by don on Nov 9^th, 2004, 5:06pm

I suggest imitrex injections for those fast breakthrough CHs.

And dont stand next to the tuba player.