Migraine

Well, as one of our posters has already done so, I thought I'd try for intermittent FMLA (thank you for posting about your victory!). There are days in the month my employer doesn't necessarily need me, and I've been researching the FMLA options. I'm not ready to fight for disability (and don't think I need it at this period in time anyway), but I do know that I am needing a break severely and the FMLA option may just help me out.

Things just aren't going well for me at the moment and even though my employers are fairly tolerant and open regarding my health issues, I need another oar to row with here. I'm starting to feel pretty useless as an employee, actually.

I'm planning on writing a letter to HR about my intent to apply and to request the forms. I thought I'd include some explanation about Migraine Disease and how it's affected me over the past two years more and more. Hopefully I will manage to be succinct and not overstate the problems, but get across to them that I want to be the employee they need but I also need to take care of myself.

If anyone has any suggestions or advice I'd love to hear it.

Thank you.

I just wanted to say good luck before I sign off for the night.

Leeloo, I think it's a great idea to apply for intermittent FMLA. I think I will be doing the same, mostly for peace of mind and as a safeguard. My company policy won't allow me to use the FMLA until I use all of my paid time off for the year, but this way my job will be protected if I do use all of my time off.

Perhaps you could include Teri's letter along with your letter? Hers is one of the most succinct explanations of migraine disease and its effects without being overly dramatic.

I wanted to offer my good luck too! You are an awesome writer, I'm positive you will be succinct!

MJ- Is this the letter? Education for Those Who "Don't Get It"

Leeloo, good luck with the FMLA. Maybe knowing you have it ( ) will take some stress off you and your migraines may ease.

You have my full support!

Go for it Leeloo!!! Even if you don't need it, it is nice to know it is there for job security.

The truth is, you don't HAVE to explain anything to HR when you are applying for the forms. They can't deny you the opportunity to APPLY for FMLA. When I requested the info from my HR department, I was purposely vauge about my illness. I didn't want anyone in HR to have this information, because my condition is not their business.

I think it would depend on how comfortable you are having that information out there.

I really hope you get it. You too Max!

Leeloo,

If you are needing a break, go for that FMLA! That is what it is there for. Good luck!

Let us know how it turns out!

Kelly

Good for you Leeloo!!!

Good luck!! Let us know how it goes.

Dar

Ditto to what Laura said. It sounds to me like you are on the right track. It makes PERFECT sense. I wish you the best!

Sandi

Hi Leeloo,

Just wanted to send you along a few . IMO, it certainly couldn't hurt to apply for the FMLA...I sure hope things get so much better for you that you won't even need it, though!!!

jenny

Don't know anything about the process, so I can't give you any hints there. But I can shore up your smoosh supply!



And wish you !

I know what it feels like going to work not feeling like you're giving at 100%. I hope this process goes well for you!
Valerie

Good luck girl!

I hope you get it. All I know about the process is that you need your doctor to fill stuff out. I know I'm a big help right!

Anyway - we are here as a sounding board if you need us, but you know that aready.

Hello everyone,

Thanks for your responses. After speaking about this with my sister I am still weighing on it. She said I'd lose my commission (for us that's an extra paycheck based on store sales, inspection scores, and food costs controlled). At this point in time I can't afford to lose the commission, so I am still researching.

My biggest problem is with Fridays. I work in the evening for 4 days out of my work week, but on Fridays (which is actually the start of my work week), I work during the day. This is a huge problem for me, as I am absolutely NOT a day person and have a very hard time adjusting to morning schedules, even if I somehow make it to bed before 1AM most nights. I still sleep 12 hours until 1 the next afternoon.

So Fridays I have to be up at 6AM, and I work until 3:30 PM, by which point I am so exhausted I have to have a nap. I always try to be in bed early on Thursday nights...Anyway, this combo of getting up early/napping usually triggers a massive migraine by late Friday night. OK, so I thought I would try not napping either and see what happened. But I can't do it, I have to take a nap--otherwise I will fall asleep wherever I am anyway.

I'd swap permanently with the other manager to work Friday nights if I could, but I hardly see my husband as is since we work opposite shifts. At this point my time with him on Fridays is valuable as that is when we try to see our friends too. If I swapped shifts it would break his heart.

So I am very confused about what to do...And sorry, I'm thinking out loud here, lol.

And Eileen, you're a great help to me! Sometimes you don't have to have any advice to still be the greatest help in the world.

Leeloo,
How weird to have to make a one day schedule adjustment like that. But of course you love the time with your husband. I wouldn't want to change it either.

I have a small suggestion about Thursday nights. Can you take any OTC sleep aids or will your doctor give you anything to help you sleep? This is making you very anxious and probably not helping you sleep at all and when combined with not being a morning person, its just bad. It's just a thought.

Take care.

Cindy