So...today is the first time I've called in sick to work for the fourth day in two weeks, only 2 hours before my shift. I was hired in October, and previously was only late once (no absences before last Monday), and have always called beforehand to let the company know.

Now, I feel horrible about calling off work. But I have migraines, the last one was - you guessed it - last Monday. I took medicine, given to me by my doctor, to "stop" the migraine. It worked, but made me too nauseated to eat and sick for two days after that (Wednesday). I was scheduled all three days to work, got someone to cover my shift Monday, but had no one to cover on Tuesday or Wednesday. Additionally, usually I get the migraines at night, meaning that I can't sleep for the entire damn night (especially if I take Excedrin, which has massive amounts of caffeine). I usually stay up and read myself into complete exhaustion the next day.

I feel terrible and helpless by my migraines lately. For one, I can't drive for a certain time period after one, lest I risk getting a DUI (and losing my license). Two, I miss work, which admittedly isn't as bad as it could be when my coworker Beth (fake name) explained to me that she also had to take a few days off in the past due to a bad migraine. She gets them too, and is a manager, so she can vouch for me if need be. I'm just so worried that I might get fired for missing work, even when I have been seeing a doctor, have a doctor's note, have MRI results, the whole nine yards...it is beyond a doubt genetic, as my father gets the "bad migraines" as well. We have just not had DNA testing done on us, even though our disability is identical.

If I get fired, my father all but threatened to kick me out of the house. Which would probably force me to live with my grandparents (which I guess wouldn't be too bad), or homeless (which I doubt my family will let happen). My father - who no longer has migraines nearly as much as he used to - has naturally already suffered through them, and is of the opinion "if you're not dying or dead, then go to work". Which I can't agree with (for obvious reasons, as I don't want to risk getting myself or others injured or worse in a car accident from "driving while disabled").

So, I texted and left a message for my manager, Mike (fake name) to let him know the whole truth of what's going on. I also offered to bring in a copy of my diagnosis and a doctor's note. However, my doctor is leaving the practice very soon (retiring), and she referred me to a new doctor (a neurologist and migraine specialist). However, I will not be able to see that doctor until February at the soonest.

Like I said, I really need a job - if not this job, than a job - and if I get canned, then I might have another job offer lined up. (Mom's friend asked me about working for her at her Zaxby's location in town.) Additionally, I am working on making money on the side for clipping, $75 per horse for a full body clip, and $60 per pony. I have a few contacts (neighbors, friends) helping me rope in business that way as well. So I'm not completely starved of money, but I do need to start paying of school (and other as well) debt within the next 8 days.

Could I get some advice on what to do? I would really appreciate some help.

Has your manager received your message yet? If not, I would wait (if you can), and see what he says. I think it would be B.S. to lose your job because of a medical reason, especially since you do not miss all the time. Also are you on any other medications for the migraines? For example, I take Maxalt at the onset of a migraine, and it works quite well.

As far as I know, my manager has not called me back yet.

I am on Maxalt as well! (Given, I was still so exhausted and sick I could barely keep any food down for two days, but still...it got rid of the worst symptoms...) However, I am recently getting back on birth control, and I noticed a lot of my migraines are also much worse around (or just before) my period. Which is what happened Monday-Wednesday as well.

As far as I know, my manager has not called me back yet.

I am on Maxalt as well! (Given, I was still so exhausted and sick I could barely keep any food down for two days, but still...it got rid of the worst symptoms...) However, I am recently getting back on birth control, and I noticed a lot of my migraines are also much worse around (or just before) my period. Which is what happened Monday-Wednesday as well.

Well definitely try not to stress out about it yet until you hear an answer. BC can definitely cause migraines. Do you absolutely have to be on it? Either way, maybe there could be a different pill out there may not cause as much trouble. I know there are some antidepressants out there that can help with migraines, I know the last time I saw my neurologist he was thinking that my new medications have helped ease them, cus I wasn't taking as much Maxalt. Sorry for kind of rambling, just trying to throw out some ideas. ^^;;;

As far as I know, my manager has not called me back yet.

I am on Maxalt as well! (Given, I was still so exhausted and sick I could barely keep any food down for two days, but still...it got rid of the worst symptoms...) However, I am recently getting back on birth control, and I noticed a lot of my migraines are also much worse around (or just before) my period. Which is what happened Monday-Wednesday as well.

Well definitely try not to stress out about it yet until you hear an answer. BC can definitely cause migraines. Do you absolutely have to be on it? Either way, maybe there could be a different pill out there may not cause as much trouble. I know there are some antidepressants out there that can help with migraines, I know the last time I saw my neurologist he was thinking that my new medications have helped ease them, cus I wasn't taking as much Maxalt. Sorry for kind of rambling, just trying to throw out some ideas. ^^;;;

If I don't want to get pregnant, then yes, I have to take it unfortunately. I can't afford a more expensive form of BC right now. I'll ask about a different BC pill, however.

I did try nortriptyline for a while, but I had an adverse reaction to it.

Thank you, however, for the suggestions! I really appreciate it! :)

Have you tried Imitrex? Its the only thing that helps my migraines :)

I get migraines too, I can completely sympathise with you. I saw a specialist doctor who knows about indian healing and one thing he suggested was to drink about a litre of warm water on the onset of a migraine, sometimes that helps. Maxalt melts help me but make me really drowsy and I have to sleep all day then feel hung over on day 2.

I just wanted to say my gynaecologist forced me to quit the pill because of my migraines. BC pill and migraines can lead to increased risk of stroke, so do be wary of this. It is worser risk if you use oestrogen and progesterone mixed pills, and I think low (maybe no risk?) if it's progesterone only pills.

From an HR perspective (I've worked in HR, but in NZ so different laws), they can't really fire you for that unless it's effecting your ability to perform at work long term. If you have a bad few weeks and they fire you I don't believe that is acting as a fair and reasonable employer.

EDIT: just wanted to add, don't worry about them firing you until you have an indication they are considering it! They could be perfectly understanding and nice :*

While I'm not veteran in the workforce, I do know a fair bit about having a disability that makes it very difficult to work and have been told many times that someone struggling with a disability cannot be legally fired because of said disability. I know that companies can find ways around this, so do your best to not give them a single reason to let you go otherwise.

My advice to you is the following: Keep your manager informed, keep up with the doctors notes as they are proof of your claims. Keep as much documentation as you possibly can regarding your health. Do not shred, burn or throw away ANY of it. Keeping a journal/recalling the dates that these migraines started may help you in the future. Another suggestion I have may be to see if there is another shift that you can take. Perhaps one later in the day if you are having trouble sleeping or if the focus is in the morning/night. (Having a taxi service or someone to carpool with may help as well) Try see if you can cut back on your hours or spread them out a bit through the week. Sometimes, it is easier to go to work 3 hours a day for more days of the week than it is to try and struggle through a full 8+ hour shift. It may also be a good idea to consider asking for temporary medical leave until you find a more effective treatment for your disability. Ask for as much time as they are willing to give you and always keep in touch with them. Make them aware that you want to keep this job and always do your best to try and muscle through should your migraine only be slight. Whatever you do, don't let this thing wear you down. I know it's very hard, but you can do it. While your father is right about muscling through, I think his approach is a bit too much since not everyone deals with illness the same way. You know how you feel and you know what you can take so take what you can. Worst comes to worse, you can file for disability as a lasts resort, should these migraines become truly debilitating. This will allow you to try and find a more accommodating job, perhaps working from home or a form of self employment and have that little extra boost to help you get through.

I hope this helps.