My migraines are ruining my career

I have been suffering from migraines for a number of years now, however in the last few months they have increased in frequency and intensity. It is more than likely due to the fact that I have moved to a new city for a new job and therefore stress will be playing it's part.

The increase in frequency lately, however has meant that it’s starting to affect my job. I have already had to take time off work and I have only been in my new role for 6 months. Although I have told my boss and co-workers I have migraines I never feel like they really believe me or understand why I have to take time off. My line of work is very competitive and I feel like my migraines are really starting to hold me back.

Before an attack I will start to become drowsy and confused, unable to concentrate and often irritable. This can start up to two days before the pain arrives. Then I get the pain attack which although only lasts a few hours thanks to my new medication can still be very intense and debilitating. Then after the pain comes the post head ache phase which involves a soreness and fuzziness of the head which again can leave me confused and drowsy. This too can last for up to 2 days. I normally get one day symptom free before the whole process starts again.

I am starting to get down because with the way things are at the moment I can't see how I am going to be able to achieve what I really wanted to in my career and all the hard work and education I have gone through so far will be in vain.

I know I am not alone and there are many people out there with worse stories than mine but sometimes you do feel alone because people who don't suffer from them don't understand that a migraine is more than just a headache.