Migraine

Hello,

I am new to this forum, and my long intro is in thenew member posts. I have a question about short-term disability. I'm not sure yet if I'll need to be off from work forever, but I have missed a lot of work over the past few months because of terrible migraines since January. My neurologist is still confident he can get them under control, it's just going to take time. but in the meantime, I need to do something to protect my income. I have Family Medical Leave papers filed, so my job is protected, but I am taking those days without pay. The days that I work are less than productive. I know I'm singing a familiar song to most of you. My husband and I were talking today, and I thought it might be worth it to file for short-term disability through my employer until my migraines get controlled (if they ever do, I don't feel all that confident right now, but that's for another post).

I had an MRI in March, and I have white matter changes present, so I do have some kind of clinical "proof" of illness if the pencil-necks looking at my case want it. I know one of the biggest difficulties with migraines is that people just don't understand how debilitating the disease is. And the fact that it is a disease. But I'm getting off-topic.

Has anyone had any experience with filing for short-term disability through their employer for migraines? Have you been successful? Any tips? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Be well ,
Melissa

I went on STD, for about three months. If you have a good HR department it is easy. My company does and I had no troubles with it. Sometimes it is a good idea, when you are missing too much work, it is just better to take the leave offered and see if things can change in the interm. I know in my case it felt like such a relief, I was having a real hard time going to work, was useless when I did, and missed quite a bit. So my mood was fustrated and tired.

Long term leave, however, is a bit more paper extensive and harder to attain. However, the short term not nearly so. I would talk to your boss, your HR deparment and your doctor about it.

I didn't do it, and not pursuing that is one of my biggest regrets. I just couldn't accept that I was really in such bad shape that I needed to leave work for a while. I ultimately ended up being let go, and things have gone downhill since.

So basically I'm just wanting to encourage you to take advantage of this to see if it might help you get back on your feet.