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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
        
(Message started by: Corey_Griffith on Jun 6^th, 2007, 4:59pm)

Title: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by Corey_Griffith on Jun 6^th, 2007, 4:59pm

I don't get. A previous employer was able to work with me and grant me "intermittant" FMLA status, which fit my condition perfectly. Any time I needed to lose time from work due to cluster headaches, I was able to simply call in and request it, and no dings to my attendance.

Got it set up (or so I thought) with my current employer, only to receive a letter telling me that my request was denied, mainly because my condition was not considered to be serious enough to warrant it.

What the hell? Not serious enough?

What can I do now? How do you keep from losing your jobs when the beast decides to take up residence for three months or something?

I really don't want to lose my job because of this.

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by E-Double on Jun 6^th, 2007, 8:03pm

Sorry dude...........
What you do is work!!!!!
Find a preventative and abortive that does the trick and do what you need to do to survive as if you do not hae CH.

There are many of us who are chronic who hold jobs and some of us who do not take any meds and still maintain high quality of life.

It is more important that you maintain a positive mental attitude and persist in life otherwise it is CH that is ruling you.

Good luck and kick its a$$

E

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Jun 6^th, 2007, 8:09pm

Can't say it any better than Eric just did.

We've all been where you are and we have had to figure out a way to cope with it.

Good luck.
Carol

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by chewy on Jun 6^th, 2007, 8:31pm

E-Double is a very wise man.

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Jun 6^th, 2007, 8:40pm

You work your ass off, bro, that's how you do it. You gotta work harder just to keep up. It's unfortunate, but, what else you gonna do?

If you lose the job because of the beast, the beast has won.

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by Brewcrew on Jun 6^th, 2007, 8:51pm

Here's what I do. I take lithium almost all the time. I take verapamil when I have to. I take Amerge when I have to. I drink Red Bull when I have to. And I hit the O2 bottle that I keep under my desk when I have to. And I tell my boss when it's getting bad. And I close my door.

And it all sucks. And it's all better than having a spear in my chest. Or standing in a soup line. I get to walk away with my pride intact.

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by chewy on Jun 6^th, 2007, 8:58pm

Quote:

I really don't want to lose my job because of this.

You dont have to. You manage your pain and adapt.

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by Racer1_NC on Jun 6^th, 2007, 9:03pm

on 06/06/07 at 20:51:34, Brewcrew wrote:

And I hit the O2 bottle that I keep under my desk when I have to.

With ya on that one. Arm's reach....

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by Lotus on Jun 6^th, 2007, 9:08pm

on 06/06/07 at 20:51:34, Brewcrew wrote:

AMEN!

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by ti_beach on Jun 6^th, 2007, 11:42pm

Hi Corey!
I don't really know what to say to you....as my hubby suffers from chronic clusters! Most doctors don't seem to recognize this BEAST! Try a Neurologist! Get checked out by one! They ususally understand what you are going through! I know what Ray (my hubby) goes through! I don't know how anyone can keep a steady job, while suffering with Clusters!! He takes topamax to try to control the clusters, and takes Maxalt when he is in a cluster. He does get disabily/retirement because of his clusters, thur a former employer!
Best wishes,
Robin (ti_beach)

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by MR_FLOOR on Jun 7^th, 2007, 12:26am

I'll be honest with you I never missed even one day of work cause of CHs if they get to bad I will tell someone and go to a dark room or my car etc... or if I have a bad night I would call my boss and maybe just come in late.(I own my company now so it don't matter). For 20 years I got through.Like the rest of the group said you have to manage the pain.Most bosses will understand, and if your honest from the start they will be forgiving.Good luck to ya.

Dave

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by Brewcrew on Jun 7^th, 2007, 7:37am

on 06/06/07 at 23:42:39, ti_beach wrote:

I don't know how anyone can keep a steady job, while suffering with Clusters!!

It's all in this thread. This isn't directed at you, ti, but anyone who wants to give up fighting.

I'm not sure of a gentle way to put this, but we all have our crosses to bear. CH is ours. We put our best foot forward and keep marching, and by putting our best foot forward I mean arming ourselves with the tools (drugs) that help us best.

Otherwise the rest of the world passes us by.

Title: Re: So my FMLA request was shot down. What now?
Post by Jeff2 on Jun 7^th, 2007, 8:32am

Sorry to hear about your problems.

My doc wrote it up as "chronic intermittent migranes" on the FMLA paperwork. The iHR (that stands for inHumane Resources) women were instantly sympathetic. I was approved with no problem. And this is in a company that does NOT like the FMLA. I don't know if it's too late to re-submit your paperwork, but it might be worth a try.

If it is too late, the gang is right: you have to figure out how to manage this. I have missed 5 days so far, but the type of work I do requires me to be in the office at certain times. CH or no. When I get hit at work, I slam an energy drink, pour a cup of coffee, take my abortive, and find a secluded spot to pace and whimper. I printed out the letter to employers and colleagues and gave it to my boss and my coworkers. It helped them understand what I was facing. Which in turn helped me deal with this at work. You can find the letter on the getting to know ya board.

Good luck with this, I hope you find a battle strategy that works.