caret icon Back to all discussions

Chronic Migraine and Work

I hadn't had a migraine in 2 years when they started back up..in March. At first, the aura/signs were worse than the actual headache. Chest pain, shortness of breathe, etc. Had a full cardiac work up to rule out anything there. Since June, my migraines have been worse and worse. I've had 49 days with a migraine out of the last 60...and that's counting it "gone" when my pain is at a 2 out 10. 11 good days since June 7.

I'm on short term disability from my job, but that will end soon and I can't even fathom going back to 10 hour days talking to customers on the phone with the level of pain I'm dealing with. The last time I worked I ended up in the ER because my migraine became so severe.

I haven't been able to identify a trigger and I actually thought for a while the amitriptyline was starting to help but since we increased the dosage I'm back to pretty much daily and moderate (6/10) migraines. My FMLA is out, my short term will end soon too and then I think if I don't go back to work I will lose my job and my insurance.

I don't know where to go from here or how to make a living when I don't know if I'll be able to function and take care of myself on any given day. I used to be self employed on the side from my day job (and as a primary job at different times) but clients aren't likely to be understanding when deadlines are pushed back due to an inability to function.

  1. Have you tried any prevenataives other than amytriptaline? (sorry for my spelling this morning... having a bit of brain fog). I am on nortriptyline, but it doesn't really help. Sometimes it takes a combination of two preventatives together (I take three plus botox), and other treatments like nerve blocks, botox, etc to find something that works.

    For triggers, have you tried eliminating light/sound? Have you tried an elimination diet? Are you keeping a journal of what you eat? Could there be a hormonal element? Smells? Allergies? Weather changes?

    Please read our rules before posting.