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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Lost my job
        
(Message started by: Bond007 on Apr 25^th, 2007, 9:17am)

Title: Lost my job
Post by Bond007 on Apr 25^th, 2007, 9:17am

Yeah, I haven't been around in quite a while, mostly because I've been feeling quite low, mad at myself, and even a little embarrased. I let the f**king beast win. Almost 4 weeks ago, I was fired from my job because I was "disruptive" although they didn't say "during your bouts with headaches." I knew they meant it in that context.

I did apply for SS disability, not out of choice, but because the income would be nice, but I'm really wanting the Medicare.

In the last 4 weeks, my headaches have only gotten progressively worse. About 2 months ago, I'd have said that I was averaging between 4-10 CH's a day with only 2-3 hitting a kip 10. Now, I'm easily getting 10 CH's every day with 5-6 hitting kip 10. Life has become HIGHLY miserable.

All that said, the last 18 hours have been near bliss. I went to see my neuro yesterday afternoon and he gave me a double occipital nerve block, meaning he did the procedure on both occipital nerves to cover all bases and to prevent the CH from switching sides on me. I've had a couple of minor CH's pop up since then, but nothing more than a kip 2-3. Man, I don't think I'd ever be happy to say that I'm only having kip 2's & 3's!!!

Life is really sucking right about now!! UGH!

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by ClusterChris on Apr 25^th, 2007, 10:16am

Hang in there Bud! I know this might sound a little cliche but, Look on the bright side, Things can only get beter!

Bet of luck to ya,

Chris

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Margi on Apr 25^th, 2007, 10:44am

Bond, I'm really sorry to hear that. I hope the blocks give you a break.

What meds are you on? Have you considered trying to break this cycle by detoxing and going the alternative route with seeds or psilocybin?

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Maffumatt on Apr 25^th, 2007, 10:49am

Man that bites, these kind of post make me appreciat my situation alot more. Let us know if we can vbe any help.
MM

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Bond007 on Apr 25^th, 2007, 11:16am

on 04/25/07 at 10:44:22, Margi wrote:

I'm currently coming down from both my verap (480 mg) and I'll talk to my psychiatrist about the lithium this afternoon (currently @ 600 mg). I haven't had any luck with either med, and I'm wanting to detox and try something a little "non-conventional".

I'm also trying to get private, individual health insurance and so far everyone has rejected me because of the Lithium AND the variety of meds I'm taking for my CH.

So far the block has worked well enough that my trex is actually effective again after several weeks of being ineffective. Kinda a strange, eh? I'm just relieved that I'm feeling great for the first time since probably August of 2006!

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Bond007 on Apr 25^th, 2007, 11:19am

Thanks for all the support, gang! I'm really trying to look at this from a positive point of view. I didn't really like that job that much anyway!! ;) This'll give me an opportunity to possibly go back to school and start a brand new career. Heck, I'm only 39, so I've got plenty of time to start over and do something that makes me incredibly happy.

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Skyhawk5 on Apr 25^th, 2007, 11:36am

Hopefully with the Nerve Block you can get past what must be the peak of your cycle. I just went through that over the last 2 months. Losing a job because of this crap sucks, I was forced to resign one by a jerk of a boss. I later found out I was not the only Headache sufferer he got rid of.

Prayers & Vibes your way, Skyhawk5

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Bond007 on Apr 25^th, 2007, 11:48am

I hope! These damn things started in October 2005 and I haven't had much respite ever since. My grandfather told me he was very proud of me for trying to work through them like I did and hang in there at my job for so long. He didn't think he would've been able to do it with daily headaches. And, I've always thought of him as an extremely tough man. He really made me feel pretty good.

Of course, to get my "golden parachute", I had to waive any rights I may have had to bring suit against them for letting me go due to a disability. Oh well.

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Rosybabe on Apr 25^th, 2007, 3:46pm

Good luck Bond! I wish you get something good out of this situation, maybe you will find the job of your dreams, a change is always good. Hope you get to feel better soon of the CH's too!

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by rbmb on Apr 25^th, 2007, 6:03pm

Bond,
Sorry to hear about all you are going through....must be very frustrating. I noticed in one of your posts that you are taking 600mg of lithium.....that seems like a low dose. I recently ended a cycle where I was taking 1200 mg and I was going to go to 1500 when the cycle ended. As you probably know, you have to have the lithium blood level checked, especially if you increase the dose as it can be toxic if you take too much.
I understand wanting to get off the drugs but you might try a higher dose (with your doctor's ok) before giving up on lithium. It might stop the HAs or at least slow them down. I think holding down a job when you are getting hit as often and as hard would be really tough. Good luck.
Rich

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2007, 7:51pm

Good luck brother!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by chewy on Apr 25^th, 2007, 8:27pm

Quote:

Heck, I'm only 39, so I've got plenty of time to start over and do something that makes me incredibly happy.

Now that is fucking SPIRIT!

Check your PMs.

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Linda_Howell on Apr 25^th, 2007, 8:31pm

Bond...scroll down to Kathy Copelands disability thread.

You may not need it forever, since like you say you are only 39 and your HA's may morph into being episodic...but check it out. This may be what you need in the interim. There is hope.

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by chrisw on Apr 25^th, 2007, 10:03pm

Oh my God, thats sooo horrible. I cant believe that jerk fired you for being "disruptive". Wouldnt you just love to let him feel what you go through. I wonder if he was battling a kip 10 how he would act? How could someone be so cold and uncaring?

You have a great attitude about things, and try to hang on. Maybe you hit rock bottom ,a nd there is no where to go but up. If you do have a dream job, maybe nowis the time to go for it.

Good luck, and I truly hope you catch a break.
hugs,
chrisw

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Linda_Howell on Apr 25^th, 2007, 10:25pm

I don't know if our Empathy(not sympathy) means anything in the whole scheme of your personal life or not... but:

We are here 24/7

We all agree with you.

We will help you in any way we can(never underestimate this group of people) AND......

We will pray for you, call you, stand up with you and try to find answers for you. (all you have to do is ask)

and in the meantime DON will regale you and make you laugh with stories of women he didn't know, ships he sunk, and other sundry stories to make you laugh.

;;D Linda who can be reached at:

calientev8@sbcglobal.net (My family services e-mail)

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Bond007 on Apr 26^th, 2007, 1:05pm

Everyone has just been incredible!

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

If y'all don't mind, I'm going to rely on y'all heavily over the next 6 months at least while I detox.

I understand that the lithium level was far below a therapeutic level, but I'm trying to acquire private health insurance before my COBRA runs out in 18 months. Lithium usage is an AUTOMATIC rejection, even though I've only been on it for 6 weeks AND I'm at a sub-therapeutic level. I have to be off it for at least 6 months before they'll reconsider my application, plus I have to reduce and/or eliminate some of my other meds for 6 months. Why does health insurance have to be so damn hard to get? I mean, this is ridiculous. I don't even have a life-threatening illness, just severe pain. UGH!

Once again, thanks gang! I now know I'll be alright that I've got all this wonderful support! Y'all are the greatest!

Jamie

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Bond007 on Apr 26^th, 2007, 1:06pm

on 04/25/07 at 20:27:19, chewy wrote:

Now that is fucking SPIRIT!

Check your PMs.

Thanks chewy!

Checked and responded!! ;;D

WOW!

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by pieface_49 on Apr 26^th, 2007, 10:32pm

Jamie,
You got friends here bud. We are in this boat together and it ain't sinking :). Hopefully, you can find it within yourself to believe, "Everything is meant to happen for a reason". How are you doing/feeling now? Hope you find your solution. Tried kudzu, energy drinks (Red Bull, SoBe), red tea (rooibos), Vitamin B supplements, magnesium? And, you cannot the discount many (I have not been there yet), shrooms, LSA or seeds? I am lucky enough to still have my job. I am a worse a$$hole when in cycle than out of cycle. The reasons are medical. Lack of serotonin, neurons firing to much (end of the nerve endings) and brain reacting (dissappating serotonin) are medically proven. Lack of serotonin is medically proven to cause (pissed off) to put it mildly, issues.

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by Bond007 on Apr 27^th, 2007, 9:52am

I'm actually in a good place today. Mostly painfree. Since the occipital nerve block on Tuesday, I've easily seen a 70% improvement in my attacks. A few signals are still getting through to the trigeminal nerve, but even those HA's aren't near the kip level I've been used to. Progress is GOOD!!

Title: Re: Lost my job
Post by sandie99 on Apr 30^th, 2007, 2:59am

Jamie,
I'm so happy for you that the progress has been good! Wonderful! :)

But most of all, I admire your attitude. That's the spirit! In fact, when I read your replies, I got more optimism on my own situation. :)

Wishing you PF time,
Sanna
(the one who looks at the brighter side of life)