Migraine And Work

Migraine and work rarely go together. Working with migraine on a daily basis, is hard on a migraineur. We work so hard to balance our sanity, our jobs and our life at home . Here are some ways that aid in keeping your job. This list is not all inclusive. They are just the beginning in 'working' with your invisible illness.

•  Contact your HR department and do what you must to get FMLA.  In case you have to stay out of work for any length of time. FMLA is also good for your significant other to have set up in order to help take care of you when needed.

•  While working with HR have them document that you have a handicap. That you have special needs from your employer. Migraines do count as a handicap!

• Discuss with your superiors the possibilities available for accommodating your illness. Such as a flexible schedule, working from home, or even a change in work environment.

Doing these three things helped me extend my ability to keep my job and be able to work, until the migraines got so bad (daily) that I had to go on long term disability and eventually social security. At one point I was able to keep up 40-50 hours a week using a flexible schedule. But the monster finally caught up with me.

My next two posts will offer advice on balancing life and sanity with migraine.

 

Putting On The Brakes

I spent the morning at the automotive shop with the v-dub (VW Beetle). I love that car. It's a 2002 Turbo S with a Porsche body kit. Yeah, I know, nice. But since it's made to be a sportscar with the suspension and all, I drive it particularly hard. The brake warning light has been on for a couple of months, but I was waiting till March to have the brake job done at the same time I had it inspected (I know, I just barely made the March deadline). I knew that putting on the brakes would be an expensive endeavor. But, I was prepared and the final cost didn't surprise me too much.

So, I was having a great day. This is nice, since I have had a migraine for the last 7 days. The sun is shining, gentle breeze. Temperature in the mid to upper 50's. Such a beautiful day. At least until the last hour. I had gotten the car inspected and brakes installed, and went grocery shopping. I was starting to plan several projects to complete today. I felt vibrant and energetic.

Suddenly, the monster is back! I should have known not to go from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds, but I like to drive myself as hard as the v-dub when I am able. After spending the last few days in pain, I should have known that I needed a slow day to transition back to (normal)? Now I'm sitting here squinty-eyed, feeling the stabbing pain in my forehead and nauseous. So for now I am putting on the brakes. I'll rest the remainder of the day and will hopefully feel better tomorrow.

P.S. We are not allowed to count our own bug when we play beaver cleaver.

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Chronic Pain And Computing

It is important for pain sufferers to practice safe computing. Using your computer with improper posture, incorrect keyboard and monitor setup, or even the wrong type of chair, can cause pain and stress to anyone, especially a chronic pain sufferer. If you are a chronic pain sufferer and a blogger it is especially important to make sure that your blogging does not contribute to your torment.

Everyone should make their work setting as comfortable as possible. Many times our bodies will trick us, make us feel like we are comfortable, when we really are not. This is why computer users get sore necks, back pain, eye strain, and carpel tunnel. These things can take time to develop in normal people, but suffering from chronic pain is anything but normal.


Stick with me, for the next five posts (Subscribing is good too!), as I share some of the keys to shaping a pain free computing environment.

Most of us buy our computer furniture based on price or looks, but not ergonomics. It's important to remember that standard furniture cannot accommodate the needs of everyone. If you are taller, you may need to have your work surface raised somewhat; a shorter person may need a footrest.

The desktop work surface should have a matte finish to minimize glare or reflections. The area beneath the desk should be clean and tidy to provide the user’s legs with plenty of room and allow for stretching. If a fixed-height desk is used, add a keyboard tray that adjusts vertically to provide added adaptability.

If you share the work area with others, go ahead and spring for adjustable furniture.
The pain you save may be your own.