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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Work Problems
        
(Message started by: jmchris on Sep 12^th, 2005, 11:38am)

Title: Work Problems
Post by jmchris on Sep 12^th, 2005, 11:38am

I don't know how to approach this subject, but my mental attitude is starting to affect my work. I've had CH about every year to 18 months for the last 16 years. I started my most recent cluster about 4 months ago. This has to date, been my longest CH period. I've had an attack nearly every night for the last week. Several days ago I got a prescription for Oxygen since I've started running at the maximum Imitrex dose. The Oxygen REALLY helps.

Other than the headaches here's my problem:

My job requires me to be "on call" two weeks out of every five. When on call I mostly work at night and work on average, 80 hours the week I'm on call.

I currently can't focus, I have constant negative thoughts. I'm short with coworkers for no real reason. I'm having difficulty coping with everyday simple things that I would NEVER normally have problems coping with. I'm normally a very easy going person, and very productive at work, and am usually in the top % of people at work. But that's quickly declined in recent weeks.

I have to add that during a CH period 8 years ago I was fired from a very good job. Primarily because of my mental inability to cope at work. I tried to explain to my employer about my cluster headaches, but obviously they didn't care, they wanted me gone and that's how it happened. One day I was walked to the door for missing a training session.

I feel like I'm about in the same boat as I was back then. I can't concentrate. I have constant memory problems. I'm easily irritated. I wouldn't say I'm depressed, but am close. Every little thing at work that really isn't any big deal, angers me to no end.

I DO NOT want to loose my job... But don't know how to approach my manager, or how to cope with the current situation. :'(

Thank you in advance for your suggestions,
Help, Jeff

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by nani on Sep 12^th, 2005, 11:52am

Hi Jeff, welcome home and sorry you have to be here. Here is a link to a link with a letter to colleagues. We've all been where you are at one time or another.
http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=knowya;action=display;num=1114467535

Sometimes, just having your boss and co-workers know what you're dealing with can help a lot.
Look on the left at the Imitrex tip, it can help your meds last longer.
Hang in there. Pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by seasonalboomer on Sep 12^th, 2005, 12:08pm

Jeff,

First, as you've realized by posting to the site, you're not alone. Many of us had the same issues you are dealing with now.

As Nani recommended, the letter is a start. Edit it to fit your own situation.

Next, dealing with an extra long cycle is exhausting if you are used to shorter cycles. You've noted that you're presently using Imitrex. Are you using injectable Imitrex? And I assume as an abortive.

Good on you for getting the Oxygen prescription. Who are you using in Charlotte for your Oxygen. I use Advanced Homecare. They seemed pretty knowledgeable about how their other clusterheads were using it and at what flow rates and with a non-rebreather. They've got little pony bottles to take with you should you want to have some at your office.

With this being an extra long cycle has your Neuro ( assuming you're using a neuro) considered any other prescriptions for you to consider. Take a look at the medication listing on the site. There are some other options that might help treat your cycle and not just abort.

Whiel you may not consider yourself depressed, a cluster cycle, especially a really long one can be exhausting physically and emotionally. Cut yourself a little slack. For those that you're being short with, have a short chat with them. You don't have to get into all the nasty details but you might find that some are able to be supportive, or at least accepting. Everyone's got problems and almost everyone can understand on some level what a bad time feels like.

The bad sleep cycles probably aren't helping you much. There's a few folks here that can answer to shift work and how it affects their cycles.

I'm also in Charlotte (checked your profile). I don't presently have a neuro here and depend upon my GP for my needs (along with the advice from this site).

Good luck and hang in there.

Scott

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by Bob_Johnson on Sep 12^th, 2005, 3:50pm

I would encourage you to get a check-up for depression. While cluster can create some thinking problems during an active period I'm much more suspicious that working 80-hrs/week is triggering both chronic exhaustion and depression.

These two are strongly linked and we have good research showing how crazy work schedules will induce depression--not to mention the long term impacts on physical health.

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by E-Double on Sep 12^th, 2005, 5:29pm

Ditto Bob!

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by phydeaux on Sep 12^th, 2005, 7:48pm

I have similar issues. I'm lucky enough to be chronic though. I've lost clients and lots and LOTS of $$ because of CH related emotional issues. My job is a 5 days a week (weekends through mid week) on call tech support thing, along with regular service calls. I don't have any good answers though. My doc recently approached me with the idea of going on disability for a while, but the thought of "sponging" is repellent to me... but I also have problems seeing this as a disease. My wife constantly points out that it is, but I'm stubborn...

Best thing I can say Jeff, is just try and let your boss & co-workers know WHAT you're going through in any way you can. And when having a CH, TELL them, that works OK for me. They seem to understand that:

a. I'm not at my best right now
b. I'm doing what I can with what I have

and it all seems to works out...

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by FrankF on Sep 13^th, 2005, 7:54pm

I'll add a question too... are you also taking Topamax or similar preventative? I took Dope-A-Max my last cycle and my mind was so screwed up I could not function at work.

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by Salvelinus on Sep 13^th, 2005, 8:03pm

jmchris--it seems to me that a good part of your problems (besides the pain) is due to sleep deprivation. It is surprising how a small amount of lost sleep can trigger all the things you mention. You probably just get by with the lost sleep caused by your job, but getting clusters shortens your sleep that much more.

Many here have had luck improving sleep with melatonin. I've never tried that, but I have had luck with benadryl. I hope you get it figured out soon . . .

Namaste,
--Scott

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by marty on Sep 14^th, 2005, 6:16am

Hi jmchris

This is a tough situation to deal with. It is hard for me to give a direct advice since I don't really know your working conditions, so I can only tell you what I did.

I usually get hit 3 - 4 times per night and the same during the day time. As you, my most serious problem is sleep deprivasion but I also had to deal with (at the time) being in law enforcement.

My first step was to apply for FMLA. This allowed me to take time off after a really bad night. Once I had filed for this, I sat down with my supervisor and talked to him about the problem. I did downplay the CH at first to kind of guage his reaction. His main concern was if and how this would interfere with my work - your boss will probably have the same concerns - make sure that you have a good answer that sets him/her at ease both as it applies to work and liability questions.

To not say anything (I believe) is not a good thing. They will notice that something is wrong and draw their own conclusions. These conclusions will most likely not be that you suffer from CH - it will be along the lines of bad attitude etc.

As I said before, I can't tell you how to deal with your work situation but take the advice given in this thread.

Best whishes

Marty

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by jmchris on Sep 14^th, 2005, 9:27am

Thank you everyone for your suggestions!! I will be sending the CH explanation doc to my manager today with a followup meeting request.

I am currently taking Verapamil 120mg daily. The neurologist won't up the dose any due to my blood pressure being low. I took Verapmail at my last cluster 18 months ago and thought it really helped. Though it doesn't seem to be doing anything of benefit for this current cycle. Since I got the oxygen nearly two weeks ago I've not had to use the Imitrex at all. Though I cary it with me everywhere I go. Oxygen has been the best treatment when I feel one coming on. I'm not cloudy the rest of the day like when I take the Imitrex injections.

As for work, I know if I request to be taken out of our oncall rotation that's just as good as me saying I don't want to work. All my team does is respond to technical emergencies. I'm sure my boss would smile and say sure thing we can work with you. Meanwhile my name would be added to the next layoff list. It's just something I've got to work through somehow.

I am currently on 10% dissability through the VA for my headaches (They started when I was in the Army). I don't know if that helps me with anything or not. I don't normally care to share that with anyone, but if it helps me keep my job, I'm willing.

Thanks again for all the responses!!
Jeff

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by longfatyoung on Sep 20^th, 2005, 11:13am

I feel your pain! I have been unable to hold a steady job also cause of these monsters and I hagglee with myself for years amm I depressed I mean just asking yourself that ? is a reason to get checked out! I feel less than myself sicne you are bound by your headache!

Title: Re: Work Problems
Post by sandie99 on Sep 21^st, 2005, 1:49am

(((((((((Jeff)))))))))

I'm glad that you found us, Jeff. :)
I'm so sorry that the devil is giving you hard time right now. [smiley=hug.gif]

What comes to your problems... I'm a student and spring before last my chronic ch made my studies very difficult. I was depressed and I was sure that I would never make it. Then I went to talk to my professors about my situation. Naturally, they had no idea whatsoever what ch is. I had with me a letter from my doc and lots of info about ch I had printed. I got extension to my deadlines and somehow everything worked out just fine.

I bet there are lots of people who think that ch is just "another headache" which is not. I hope that you'll find meds which work for you really soon. Verpamil 600mg/day helped me to achieve PF time.

Best wishes & PF days to you,
Sanna