Nope, don't let this shortcircuit the hard won work you've been practicing, especially getting to earshot of a thirty years.  Participating in a teacher-student bonding is also aweighing. 

A doctor diagnosis with a headache specialist is important getting started, other options then come into the picture.  It's a courageous proactive undertaking not unfamiliar for a teacher of your experience, within abilities.  Some learning involved.     


Welcome      

You have 2 options. The standard medical route which is where I went. You develop a proactive plan that attacks the beast instead of always being rocked back on your heels by the beast....my 2 pronged attack:

1: A good prevent. A prevent is a med you take daily, while in cycle, to reduce your hits. The headaches have started, you know you're on cycle. I start a 2 week prednisone taper, while I start ramping up my lithium. At 1200 mg a day, after I've been on it about 2 weeks, lithium will block 60-70% of my attacks. Verapamil is a common first line prevent, Topomax also has a loyal following but it's side effects might not work as well for a teacher as it can make you a little loopy.

2: A good abortive. An attack starts, now what. Oxygen should be your first line abortive. I went from 90 minute attacks to 6-10 minute aborts by huffing pure 02. For daytime attacks, while you;re teaching, look into imitrex injectables. A little pricey and I don't like how they make me feel, but will stop an attack in less then 5 minutes. Imitrex nasal spray works for many, I have never tried it.

Energy drinks. Red Bull, Rock Star, the combo of caffeine and taurine is the key, power these down at the first sign of a hit. (Warning...if you end up taking verapamil go easy on the energy drinks as they can cause heart issues when combined)

Your other option is    clusterbusters.com      Go there, watch the video, see if it would be suitable for you. Wishing you luck, whichever route you go.

Joe

Greetings, this work issue is a toughie, but once you figure it out, you can work with this beast.  Being a teacher where you have to interact with students at all times certainly makes it difficult.  You'll see Ginger gave you a copy of the colleague letter.  I suggest you give that to your boss to make them aware of your condition.  My boss has it in my employee file.  Secondly, like Joe said, you'll need a good abortive and the #1 choice you'll see is oxygen.
I keep a small "E" tank in my car while in cycle.  When I feel a shadow coming on, I simply leave my desk, go out to my car for 10-15 minutes, suck on the O2 and return to work.  I may do this 2-3 times a day while at work.  I use to inject Imitrex right at my desk, but you'll see after reading that O2 takes the cake in the abortive department.  If there is anyway you can be excused while you abort when teaching, that would be your best bet.  Also Joe stated about getting on a good preventative.  This will help keep the beast down so the attacks that do get through can be managed easily with the abortive of your choose..hint, hint, OXYGEN!  There are so many options here that I don't want to get into it because it can be confusing.  You'll be reading a lot on here.

You need to discuss all of this with your neuro or pain management specialists.  We are all here to answer questions and help because we truly know how you feel.

All the best!

Chad

his wife wrote on Sep 8^th, 2010 at 2:36pm:

You are quite welcome I hope it helps Elspeth too. 

Great post, Kate. In all my years as an 8th grade teacher, I never once ran into a situation good planning and preparedness couldn't handle. And the kids were great-except for the few who weren't great all the time-and like you, I encourage all teachers to not let this thing prevent them from pursuing a wonderful calling. Good luck on your classes this year, and God bless! lance

Not a teacher - but I often manage large groups of people. I am going to repeat a lot of what was already said - with a few variations. I always let my workplace know and they are always positive in response --- and they usually help me find a quiet room for me to use O2. If I am getting attacks during the day I keep a large tank at work, otherwise I bring a small tank in a special carrying case (no one would think twice about it) and keep it with me.

As for preventatives - you probably already know this but each cycle is different. My first diagnosed cycle I tried verapamil and it did not work well...this time it is working like a charm with livable side-effects. So I had a few weeks of sneaking into a quiet room to suck in some O2 and then the meds kicked in and I saved the O2 for emergencies only.

Good luck!