To want to cry over this? (Need a handhold)

[Nohootingchickenssleeping]

I've had chronic, daily migranes for nearly a year now. I finally got a referral to a headache clinic in January, who have just got back to me.

They can't fit me in until August.

I'm still working full time but really struggling to do so. I'm getting bollocked at work for not giving 100% but they aren't making any allowances for me. (Shop work). Some days I work shifts (six hours plus), alone so I can't even get ten minutes to go and sit quietly when an attack hits. Work often put me on a late then an early so I barely get any sleep between shifts. The doctor won't sign me off despite me being entitled to full sick pay. I've been to occupational theraphy but it was only a few days ago and I haven't had chance to speak to my manager yet.

I haven't even got out of bed yet today. AIBU to be totally fucked off and at my wits end? To think things are that tight in the NHS that it takes eight months to get an appointment that I sorely need?

Can you see a dentist and ask about a mouthguard? This has cured my friends chronic migraine, apparently she was a teeth grinder and this has transformed her life.

No YANBU. I didn't want to read and run but the only thing i know about and can suggest is that I think legally you are entitles to a break of 11 hours between shifts and if you work over 6 hours you are entitles to 20 minutes uninterrupted break. If you are doing a late then an early with less than 11 hours between they are breaking the law.

Agree with going to the dentist. Also can you get your eyes tested at the opticians?

And go back to the GP. Keep a diary of when and where you have the attacks, precisely describing the symptoms.

Also you should get a minimum number of hours between shifts.

Well, legally you're entitled to 11 hours between shifts

And a 20 minute break if you're working 6 hours or more.

Is there an HR dept or manager you can speak to regarding your hours?

Sorry, took forever to type my post and crossed with someone saying the same thing

Can you see another doctor who might be more understanding?

I've been to the opticians and also had my eyes checked st the hospital, I wear glasses but they're the correct prescription.

Legally you have to have 11 hours break in a 24 hour period. So if I have an hour's break during the day, they can take an hour off me overnight. I've begged them not to put me on those shifts and they still do it. I'm making mistakes all over and I get pulled up for 'being snappy.'

Feel like I'm at my wit's end. I haven't been to the dentist in a while, I'll try that, thank-you.

Can you pay for a private consultation at the clinic? If you ring the secretary they may be able to tell you. If you pay for an initial consultation, then you can still rejoin the NHS at any point, so for scans, MRi's, or for other treatment. It can be about £100- but I did this for a similar problem and it kick-started off the process much quicker for not that much money (or at least it was worth it).

Migraines can be treated on an as and when basis by immigran (?) but also respond well to low dose betablockers and anti-depressants taken continuously. I remember Thomas Stuttaford the doctor who used to write for The Times saying that they had transformed his life, from almost daily migraines to less than one a month. A GP should be able to prescribe these, although you do need to see the consultant to rule out anything nasty/have an MRi if they think you need one.

I would change GP and get one who would prescribe something decent for this, plus think about getting an appointment with a neurologist earlier if you can (pay).

If you can't pay, try ringing the clinic and speaking to the administrator and emphasizing you are desperate and would take a cancellation. This may also speed things up.

The fact you are struggling on is probably why you are not being treated quickly. If it is too much - just don't go to work. Turn up at your GP (or preferably a different GP) and cry or do whatever it takes until you get something to help you.

I get migraines- they are horrible. With me some ometimes hormonal sometimes stress related. I find an osteopath visit often helps. I hope you get help soon.

My Dad had exactly the same problem. Daily debilitating headaches and shop work. He was struggling to get out of bed, not sleeping, crying in pain. In the end he went to the surgery and refused to leave because all they kept saying was 'it's migraines, take migraine meds and wait for a referral'.

He was properly assessed by a specialist. His cluster headaches are now under control. Do NOT put up with this.

Oh dear. You probably already know this, but the most important thing you can do for persistent migraines is to follow a rigid, boring, 100% consistent routine day-to-day. Get up at the same time, go to bed at the same time, eat and drink regularly at intervals. Shift work is just bound to fuck with that, especially if your employers are being obstructive.

Can you get GP to sign you something that they'll listen to? Agree also with a PP about going private initially, then switching back to NHS.

My DH had daily migraines and cluster headaches for a long time. Eventually beta blockers and SSRIs sorted it, but lifestyle plays a massive part. I presume you already keep a diary of how/what/when to show the clinic?

My exH suffered from migraines for 30 years and eventually saw neurologist who told him to really increase his fluids intake and amazingly it worked. migraines are now rare and it worked fairly quickly.

The 11 hours between shifts must be consecutive hours. If you do an internet search on "European working time directive overnight rest", you will see websites detailing your rights.
This is a quote from one such website: An adult worker is entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of not less than 11 consecutive hours (12 hours for young persons) in each 24-hour period.

My DH was getting daily migraines for years and was fobbed off. We went private and he was diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on medication to lower it and the migraines have gone. Just another thought.