It's been a long time since I posted last. I've occasionally been back and read countless stories that are similar to mine. It's almost midnight. And I had to call off work, due to a "flare up". My FMLA has been exhausted due to being out for nine weeks straight this summer while adjusting meds. I've been through almost all of them. I'm currently on Baclofen and Gabepentin,
I've been to a couple of neurologists in my area, but haven't been impressed. I also seen a local neurosurgeon, and he basically said, sorry, nothing I can do.
I normally take them after work, just one dose. Then on days off I take the full 3 x a day does. Now with FMLA exhausted I'm under our unexcused absence policy, doctors notes don't matter. Basically two occorances up to three days total every 12 weeks. Or one occorance that falls next of off days or holidays.
And tonight's call off, just broke the policy. So now I'm forced to go see my doctor and adjust my meds again, which is needed anyway, to be able to be off work for more then 4 days in a row to qualify for medical leave. (I'm sorry, I'm just sort of ranting here. I just need to vent)
I like my job, and I want to work, but it is stressful, which isn't a good thing for TN, but it's what I do and like.
So I'm on a search while my doctor adjusts my dose and keeps me off work to get medical leave, to find a good neurosurgeon in Chicago or Indianapolis that I can get in to see. I'm closer to Chicago, but would prefer Indianapolis due to a less stressful drive. But I want to find one who has experience and an interest with TN, or atypical bilateral trigeminal neuralgia.
There's go to be a surgical option available to me. My last cat scan and Mir was 3 years ago, and they showed nothing. I'm tired of feeling like a loser who calls off work. Especially when I look normal on the outside. Most people don't understand what I'm/we are going through.
Thanks for letting me rant.
Hello Andy.
Sorry to read you are having so many problems with work. It is difficult to get a good medication to work let alone one that leaves you feeling good enough to work. I can understand your dilemia with such an important job as yours. I live in UK so not sure how it works for you but can you not see an occupational therapist? My employees arranged this for me.
Hope you get some relief soon.
Thank you, work has been very accommodating for me. But eventually they will tire of it. Now my do out is booked until late December, urgent care wouldn’t even talk medication, except to say “keep doing what you’re doing”
Will be trying to reach my doctors nurse all day tomorrow.