Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Can I work

I have given up 2 amazing jobs because of my chronic migraine condition. Just recently I decided I had to go back to work because the expenses were not being met with my husband's income. I was offered a good job on Friday. I am so concerned because I don't know if this was a good idea. The day before the interview I had a hard time getting out of bed. Then at the interview I was dizzy, disoriented, and had blurred vision. It was like a reminder that this is my life and I would have to deal with it. I know I have to be positive, but it is difficult. How can I commit to a job when I cannot guarantee that I will be able to function?

  1. Hi debbieleq,

    This is a very difficult question many of us face. Being positive is great, but sometimes it isn't enough to carry us through.

    Before I decided to apply for SSDI, I took a part time job as a receptionist that I was overqualified for. I lasted almost two months, during which I had two infusions to break nasty migraine cycles. My migraine attack frequency and severity increased and I realized I couldn't hold down a job. I then applied for SSDI, was denied the first time and then with my lawyers help, was approved. I'm not suggesting this for you, rather sharing my journey.

    I wish I had an answer for you, but this is a personal and difficult decision. Please keep me posted on how you are doing,
    Nancy

    1. I hope it works for you. I will keep you in my thoughts. I had to address this question and stop working at some point because even though I wanted to work, I was having a migraine every single day, my drugs had stopped working, and my husband was having to miss work to come pick me up early when I was so sick (I hadn't been able to drive for close to a year before that), take me to the doctor, take me to the ER... So for us, it was becoming a question of I was in really bad shape, and work was making me (and the entire household) worse off as we tried to deal with the disease that none of us asked for.

      Please read our rules before posting.