Why? How to Sustain a Life?

By jreukauf

1 min read

I'm new to blogging but feel very alone. I think my family and friends view me as weak or depressed; not a migraine sufferer. I've had a migraine, that fluctuates between a 1 and 10 on the pain scale for literally the entire month of December! Today was particularly bad; an 8. I left work early to get an infusion at my neurologist's office of toridol and steroids, which helped lessen the pain a few weeks ago! Again though, it has never gone away!! Leaving work is stressful! I don't get paid then! Etc... I'm sure you all get it!! I'm hoping tomorrow that I can work and then maybe go to the doctor!! Any advice??

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dyanidb Member
I know it doesn't take anything away, but I have to take off 3 months because of status migrainosus last year. Even when I went back it lasted for another 3 months so I know how horrible it is. Just go with the flow. Don't resist the pain, accept it completely and laugh at it inside. That's how I got through it. Sometimes I was a little crazy, but hey thats better than crying and freaking out. Worked for me and it passed eventually. Good luck. Hang in there.
leynal Member
Hi there, I just wanted to say there's someone out there who totally understands what you're going through. I know what it's like to be in pain every day whether it's a level to headache or a level eight. Right now I'm not working because it's so bad but if I have any advice for you it's to live in the moment and take care of yourself as best you can. Try to be guilt free! Leaving work is what you had to do to take care of yourself! Pat yourself on the back. That kind of thing used to stress me out but I am realizing there's no point in carrying that weight... Many blessings, Leyna
Katie M. Golden Moderator
Jenn, So sorry to hear you are going through this. First of all take care of yourself. Then if you have energy, try to educate the people who care about you on the debilitating effects of Migraines. Here are a few ways you can do both: 1.What kind of doctor are you seeing? A neurologist is great, but finding a Headache Specialist will give you the best care. Here's info on why they are different than a regular doc: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/how-are-migraine-specialists-different' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/blog/how-are-migraine-specialists-different/</a> 2. I'm sure at this point you might be worried about your job. You can apply for protection under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Your employer is obligated to hold your job if you are out of work for up to 12 weeks (and these weeks don't have to be consecutive). You may not get paid if you've used up all your paid time off, but it will give you protection of having your job. Here's more info: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/the-family-medical-leave-act-migraine-patients' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/blog/the-family-medical-leave-act-migraine-patients/</a> 3. Education is important. This link gives great insight on what it's like to have Migraines. I always find that giving people info from a 3rd party can make them understand what you've been saying all along: http ://migraine.com/chronic-migraine-in-america-2013/ 4. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion. 5. Are you on any preventative medications? And are you interested in natural ways to manage your Migraines. This link has a great number of ideas to discuss with your doctor: <a href='https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/</a> I hope that some of this helps. Please let us know how things progress. You can also visit our Forums section if you have more specific questions. Best wishes!! -Katie <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Moderator