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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2004 >> I freaked out at work!
        
(Message started by: Ouch on Jan 7^th, 2004, 12:44am)

Title: I freaked out at work!
Post by Ouch on Jan 7^th, 2004, 12:44am

I was at work on saturday. I was asked by one of my co workers to do a simple task. Almost as soon as I began to begin the project I felt "the jolt" you know the warning...... The only reason my co worker asked for me my help is so we could talk or have a laugh while working. All of a sudden after 4 or 5 minutes it ki :-[cked in. ( wont to be alone) (wont fresh air) (can't stand anyone talking).......... then I managed to get through the next 5 minutes........... then the real pain began............... about that time my boss walked in.... and as soon as i saw him I walked out....... at last I thought fresh air... I was sweating, tee shirt soaked with sweat, blood shot eye (right eye)... he was ready to take me to the hospital..... I finally got the energy to walk to the bathroom where I could suffer in peace. I was so embarassed! I did'nt know what to do. Now I half ass feel like a freak. 20 minutes went by and I was fine I asked my boss to keep this to hiself. But now I feel that my co workers can't even ask for my help with out an attack getting in the way... I just thought that this would kind of help me vent, consindering that we all suffer from the same thing!

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Little Deb on Jan 7^th, 2004, 1:01am

Dude. I don't know about everyone else. I guess we all handle it in our own way. But I would not be embarrassed. I personally think it is good for outsiders to witness our "event". I think they need to see our pain, since they can't understand when we just tell them about it. I know alot of people don't want to be seen, and I don't really either. But if I had an attack in public, or at work, I would just deal. Don't freak out about it. It's not something I would feel I have to hide. I would be worried I guess if my boss or company didn't want me to continue working due to it, but I think that would be a legal issue. I had an attack at work once. I went to a private area until I could function again, 2 hours. My co-workers complained to my supervisor that I was sleeping on the job. Sorry suckers. I had a nurse from the ER taking care of me fortunately, so I had a witness. But still, no one believed me.

I don't know what I can say to make you feel better about what happened. But I would try to let it go. It happened, and it may happen again. Try educating your boss and your co-workers, instead of hiding it.

hope you feel better....little deb

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Charlie on Jan 7^th, 2004, 1:09am

This thing truly is a horror. Your post is familiar.

Try printing out Simon's letter. It should help:

"http://www.ouch-uk.org/ch/note_colleagues.cfm"

Good luck OUCH

Charlie

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by BlueMeanie on Jan 7^th, 2004, 1:48am

OUCH,

I used to hide (and still do) during an attack. I think it's just a natural human instinct. Why would you want someone to see you when looking like a freak. Anytime I get somewhere I scope it out for places to go in the event the Beast arrives.

I've been caught in some strange places sitting in complete darkness with my eye bulging out & bloodshot red, & nose & eye (only one) running like a open faucet.

It's actually been the best experience I've had in waking people up to what I was trying to tell them about clusters. As you know, most people automatically diagnose you with migraines as soon as you mention the word headache.

Anytime someone has seen me, their eyes open. It's like without saying a word, they now understand.

So don't feel bad at all. Feel glad. Because I've never had someone stay mad after they've seen me in the middle of a battle with the Beast.

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Turts on Jan 7^th, 2004, 5:43am

I dont worry about others too much!!

I have had attacks at parties, work, etc and those who know about it have a new found "respect", for a better work, for what we go through. Then I tell them the kip scale of the attack, and what is ten is like.

Theres no need for embarassment

Keep copies of the UK OUCH letter as Charlies link and hand them out when under attack and unable to communicate what is going on.

Turts

Remember afterwards

Keep smilin
it makes people wonder what you are up too
(or at least your mental state is questioned lol)

;;D

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Little Deb on Jan 7^th, 2004, 7:21am

I can't get the link to come up? Can someone help, please?

computer illiterate...little deb :-[

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by t_h_b on Jan 7^th, 2004, 7:33am

Ditto on educating your co-workers and giving them a copy of that letter. Everybody already knows somebody that suffers from some illness. You might be surprised at how supportive they are.

My boss has......migraines.......so at least I get understanding from above. (And yes, migraines don't hurt nearly as much but thank god my CH last 45 minutes instead of two weeks.)

My co-workers know not to bother me during an attack. When I was getting hit at work, I had somebody who would get me my icepack, take me downstairs and outside in the back of the building, smoke a cigarette with me, and then go upstairs and tell everyone I was doing okay and would be back in a while.

Maybe you could start with educating one coworker for support plus your boss.

That incident wasn't a real "freak out". It was a cluster attack. A work-related freak-out is where you completely lose it, scream at somebody (preferably your boss' boss), kick your computer, throw papers on the floor, walk out of the office, and turn in your resignation by e-mail. I've seen a freak out. There is no more need to be embaarrased about a cluster attack than there is any other illness.

Imagine this: if all of your co-workers had clusters you wouldn't have been embarassed a bit. The key is educating them so you won't be embarrased and they won't be concerned that you're going to keel over dead.

Good luck.

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Not4Hire on Jan 7^th, 2004, 7:33am

try this:

http://www.ouch-uk.org/ch/note_colleagues.cfm

(MOC left a " in the URL...and a TV dinner in the micro....heh)

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by hunterdon04 on Jan 7^th, 2004, 7:57am

thanx for bringin up the topic!!!! i printed out the letter and will bring it to work asap!!!...i hate when i get attacks at work...its so embarashing to me...i feel like a total wuss and usually try to hide somewhere...i consider my co-workers my friends so i do get a level of understanding from them, however it never goes beyond that...i dont/cant expect them to feel sympathy for me cause they just dont have enough knowledge on the subject...i really hate these headaches, i've been in meetings and conferences when they creep up and attack...blah blah blah,,,we all know the score...anyway thanx for sharing

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by thomas on Jan 7^th, 2004, 8:08am

No one ever really understands, however, do not feel embarrassed. They should be glad that you bring your ass to work in the first place....... :)

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by hunterdon04 on Jan 7^th, 2004, 8:11am

oh..that's how ya spell embarrassed.thanks

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by thomas on Jan 7^th, 2004, 8:12am

on 01/07/04 at 08:11:07, hunterdon04 wrote:

oh..that's how ya spell embarrassed.thanks

I don't know, if that's right or not, I ain't too smart ya know......... [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Patrick_A on Jan 7^th, 2004, 8:43am

My last episode, I informed my boss and my co-workers of my condition. I asked my boss to let me go to a vacant office and sit in the airconditioner and the dark. He let me do this. My 1st attack at work, i sat down in my bosses office and showed him my face. He was awestruck by the pain that was evident. I also showed my best friend at work. I had already informed them, but when they actually saw the effects of a CH, they finally understood. Words do no justice for a CH! But when they actually get to see the effects, it has a great effect on what they now know is a CH, and not just a headache!

Patrick

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by hunterdon04 on Jan 7^th, 2004, 8:44am

i dont know man, i dont even know ya but i thinks yur sorta smart..any rebuttals to that opinion out der in clusterland??

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Gena on Jan 7^th, 2004, 8:51am

:-[ I feel ya!, I hate having to sit in my open cubical sucking on O2

gena

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by jminmilwaukee on Jan 7^th, 2004, 8:53am

It is not an easy aspect of the condition to cope with. I have been hit countless times at work or in front of friends, while out on the town and so on. I feel like a freak when it happens also. Especially when it happens in front of someone who has never seen it before. Their gut reaction is always to try and help which is the exact opposite of what we need. Someone hanging over you saying "can I get you anything", "are you ok?", "do you need an ambulance".

To my suprise I have found true compassion from people who have seen me thrash. I have come to relise that the look on their face is not "you freak" but more like "holy shit!".

I agree with all that taking the time to explain the condition and utilizing brief but informative documentation is the best way to prepare for these situations.

Have you ever seen an epileptic have a siezure? Did you think any less of them or actually respect and have sympathy for them?

Food for thought,
jmin

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by aprilbee on Jan 7^th, 2004, 9:15am

I agree with all said here! I have worked for the same people for 4 years, small law firm, and they knew about my condition, but never saw me suffer until this past year, and boy oh boy their eyes opened up to what I go through on a daily basis...it actually helped with the understanding part, people can empathize as much as they possibly can, but can never truly understand...at least seeing it happen in front of them, gives them a small picture...

hang in there! ;)

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by echo on Jan 7^th, 2004, 10:28am

Ouch,

Having a CH in front of co-workers is going to happen to everyone from time to time. No need for embarrassment.

Now taking a dump in your cube is a different story!

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by eyecrusher on Jan 7^th, 2004, 10:59am

I was at a Japaneese restaraunt with my wife and a table full of strangers last saturday.when the chef lit the big fire the bright glare triggered my third one that day.I tried to tough it out as not to dissappoint my wife.I was forcing small bites of rice in my mouth chewing it for a long time before forcing it down my throat.When he put cabbage on the hibachi the smell,noise and smoke became too much.I had to leave.My wife got our food to go and acted kind of unhappy with me the rest of the evening.I did'nt care though.I stayed curled up in a ball the rest of the night.I hate it when other people see it happen.

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Paigelle on Jan 7^th, 2004, 11:04am

I use to work for a chiropractor and I would have an occasional attack at work. That was the best place ever to have an attack. Our office was in a house and the Dr lived upstairs with his wife who was also a chiropractor. If I got hit, then I was taken away to another room and given an ice pack. After the attack would subside, then one of them would adjust me and give me a neck massage to relieve the after effects. That is the only place where it was "acceptable".

I had an attack at the last job I worked and they swore I was faking. "No one has that much pain with a headache, get real."

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by ClusterChuck on Jan 7^th, 2004, 2:45pm

on 01/07/04 at 10:28:38, echo wrote:

Now taking a dump in your cube is a different story!

NOPE!!! Not EVEN gonna ask about that one! T.M.I.!!!

Chuck

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Tiannia on Jan 7^th, 2004, 2:58pm

It is hard. I have one boss who is clueless. One who honestly understands and can even tell when I have one coming on. And then there is my office mamnager who thinks I am faking. At this point I dont care if they see me. I get them too often to hide them. I try not to deal with as many people when I feel them coming. The greatest godsend is that they dont last that long. So I can get back to normal as soon as possible.

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Kevin_M on Jan 7^th, 2004, 9:26pm

I'm never at work without meds, but once in a great while I don't catch one in time. I keep sunglasses and tissues with me too for that reason until the meds kick in.
Once, I asked if I could take an early lunch and go home, nearby, to get medication. I went up to ask where other people were standing, with "it" overtaking me. They didn't know what the hell I was going through but three of them instantly empathically asked if they could drive me home after seeing me. They stood there with "oh my gosh" looks on their faces speechless, only asking again "are you sure", as I was heading out. I came back ok and some came up to ask "what was that?" I said I'm ok now but it's a head problem I'm treated for and I slipped up on the medication. They don't know what clusters are and I'm not going to explain, but told them if I need to leave again, please just let me go take care of it. Anytime Kevin they said.

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Ouch on Jan 10^th, 2004, 3:13am

What the hell do you do when you can't gat away!
[smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Ouch on Jan 10^th, 2004, 3:19am

The same problem! Just a simple task....... I was at the barber shop..... could not wait like the rest....... the beast was on its way.... what to do? :-/

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Ouch on Jan 10^th, 2004, 3:23am

I just don't want to feel like a freak......... :-/

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Pinkfloyd on Jan 10^th, 2004, 4:13am

First of all Ouch, you need to accept the fact yourself, that you suffer from a rare but VERY painful disease. Not one that you picked up by having unprotected sex either.
Just but looking at the nickname you chose, I get the feeling you are trying to downplay the seriousness of this disorder. That isn't an Ouch you;re feeling...it's a "holy shit what the hell IS that pain" you're feeling.

I always tried to get away alone when i could and at home it was easier to find a room or else everyone would just know to head to another room to finish the movie. But there will be times when there just isn't anywhere to go.
Try standing out on a little league pitcher's mound with twenty 12 year old kids around, 50 parents and not even a tree to hide behind.
The emotions people will feel for you are ones that even they can not control. It'll end up being how "they" were raised. Once again, obviously nothing you can control.

No matter what people around you think or feel, they can not change the way you feel physically. How they react can make you feel worse mentally, only if you let them. OTOH, the same holds true for allowing some people around you to help you feel better about yourself.....again, only if you'll let them. Deciding which people and resulting emotions in, is up to you and no one else.

~peace~
PF

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by BarbaraD on Jan 10^th, 2004, 8:31am

on 01/10/04 at 04:13:18, Pinkfloyd wrote:

First of all Ouch, you need to accept the fact yourself, that you suffer from a rare but VERY painful disease.
How they react can make you feel worse mentally, only if you let them. OTOH, the same holds true for allowing some people around you to help you feel better about yourself.....again, only if you'll let them. Deciding which people and resulting emotions in, is up to you and no one else.

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by BarbaraD on Jan 10^th, 2004, 8:33am

I'm not worth a darn at these quote things, but PF that was a good statement. How we react to other people's views IS up to us individually.

Great comments.....

Hugs BD

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by taraann on Jan 10^th, 2004, 3:58pm

My first CH ever (before I knew what it was) was at work when I was a daycare teacher of 13 toddlers during the end of their lunch time, one of the busiest times of day cause of cleanup, potty time, diaper changes, then getting the mats out and getting them settled for nap. My assistant was out for the day and all the other teachers were busy. The hardest part was sitting still with them and rubbing backs trying to get them settled when all I wanted to do was cry and moan. Ended up having to quit my job cause I was admitted into the hospital for 3 days, cause they couldnt figure out what was wrong with me, then was sent home still getting pain and just couldn't work with children like that. That was my FAVORITE daycare job ever, I still miss that job. But it wasn't fair to the kids that their teacher was missing so much time.

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by ClusterChuck on Jan 10^th, 2004, 5:34pm

on 01/10/04 at 03:23:13, Ouch wrote:

I just don't want to feel like a freak.

Hey get used to it! We are! But so what? So are most of the rest of the world in their own way! As was said, it is not something you choose, but you WILL deal with it! If people look at you strange, and they refuse to learn, FUCK THEM!

Chuck

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by Ouch on Jan 14^th, 2004, 4:51pm

I just :'( wan't to thank everyone for their support!

Cory,

Title: Re: I freaked out at work!
Post by JDH on Jan 14^th, 2004, 11:06pm

on 01/10/04 at 03:13:34, Ouch wrote:

What the hell do you do when you can't gat away!
[smiley=huh.gif]

As much as I hate to use them I carry an Imitrex statdose EVERYWHERE I go just in case something like that happens.

Jim