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Migraines and Disability

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 5/7/2011 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
I have severe migraines about 18 a month.  I have had them since I was 15 and I'm 39 now. I am still working at this time however it is a daily struggle Luckily my employer is understanding (but how long will that last).  I have used about every medication known to man, right now I take topamax and Paxil nightly  Ambian once I hit about a week with little to no sleep, Frova or Zomig when i start getting a migraine.  I struggle because nothing seems to be working any longer.  I don't sleep or about 2 hours a night and now my doctors are saying I'm depressed (well hello, wouldn't they be). 

My question is has anyone tried to apply for Disability? and if so did they get it? also, did they apply while working a full time job? 

Thank you

 

Posted 5/10/2011 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi - I saw in another post you sent in that you are in Indiana and like your neurologist...........can you tell me who she/he is? I am in west-central Indiana and currently see a neuro in Avon but would like to get a second opinion. Thanks!
Posted 5/10/2011 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Her name is Chandana Chauhan she specialized in Migraines.  she has several offices Ft. Wayne, Auburn,Angola,Warsaw, Kendallville, Columbia City And Huntington [email protected]

I know none of these are close to Avon but I feel she is worth the drive.  if you are unable to drive that far maybe she could recommend someone closer.  She has me on a strict appointment schedule i see her every 3 months without fail.  she watches my meds  (because i am highly allergic  to a ton of medications )and if something doesn't work she takes me off that and puts me on something else.  she does say that with some people it may not be just one medication that works for them it may be a combination.  I hope this helps. I really do like her because she truly cares and wants to help.  I have been to several doctors and most really don"t care they just push meds that really don't do anything for migraines and sometimes make them worse.

Posted 5/13/2011 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Stom50 - I am not on disability but I do have a reasonable accommodation at work that is covered under the ADA. Migraine IS considered a disability. The lights were turned off over my desk and I'm able to work from home when I have a migraine attack. Sometimes I have to just take the day off but sometimes I can take meds and get through but those meds don't allow me to drive. My previous boss was more understanding that my current boss but I DO get my work done so whether my current boss "likes" it or not I am protected. My neurologist suggested the ADA reasonable accommodation coverage for me. He had to fill out a bunch of paperwork and we have to renew it every six months but it's worth it for the peace of mind it gives me.

I have a headache every day but once or twice a week it is REALLY bad and I can't function without meds plus it helps to be able to control my environment which I cannot do in an office.

I hope that helps some. Good luck to you!
Posted 5/17/2011 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you  it does help some i will look into it.  My only issue is I am an emergency dispatcher (911) and have to be on my game 100% of the time. Which as you know when you have a migraine it is nearly impossible!  I have looked for other employment in my area but our unemployment rate is unbelievable and jobs are scarce.  so i'm in a catch 22.
Posted 5/19/2011 9:22 AM (GMT 0)
What I can tell you is that I am on SSD because of Migraines and Depression.. also PTSD and anxiety
They turned me down the first time by mail .. I was having headaches as often as you at that time..
I got a good SSD lawyer and appealed... went to see all their docs and went before the judge and was approved for SSD

It has taken a great load off of me as at the time there was no way I could have ever held a normal job.. as it was I had my own company because of my headaches and I couldn't even keep that going. Without SSD I would have become homeless.. no doubt about it.. it was a great fear at the time.. and the check they sent me for the time I applied until I was approved had proven to be invaluable as some of my medicines are ridiculously expensive. I am now sick with so many other things that I probably could have gotten SSD now anyway straight away

They do give you a hard time the first go around.. Even though it isn't very much money.. it is something.. and then there is medicare... I would be dead without this health insurance

Think about this first.. IF you can work another job that uses your skill set but isn't as stressful or as life and death.. they would probably wonder why you haven't tried something else first before applying..

I hope this helps
NY VEGGIE
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