How do you know

When it is time to ‘throw in the towel’ for work?? My teaching career is taking a HUGE hit, I have the FML to help during the BAD times - NOW…have missed these past two days and I feel I a letting EVERYONE down (stu’s, administration)…of course, the pay check will be less, letting my family down… Ugh!! The pain is relentless these days. Feeling pretty low…

Don't throw in the towel, you have to take care of you first. Family love you and will understand. As far as the pay, is there anything else you can do at the school that will help you and not cause pain. Explain your situation, maybe they will understand. What are you doing for pain management? It is the key to our days.

Someone said to me in one of my posts "you have TN, TN doesn't have you" Ioved that line. Words to live by.

Chin up please, don't let this get you down :)

Linda

I have spoken with them, they are pretty understanding…to a point. I am the only one that teaches my subject, so it is REALLY HARD to have anyone know what to do to help… My pain meds right now are: trileptal 900 mg, lyrica 150 mg, clonazepam 1 mg, and tegretal PRN (i take up to 600mg daily of this as needed) And im taking tylenol #3 as a last resort…have taken 3 times with this bought! I have been dealing with this for 1yr, 7m and have 125 high school students. I tried to work a problem with my son tonite and it caused a FIT of this flare up I’ve now had for 4 days; longest one yet. I guess that’s what prompted this question… I’m NOT a quitter and that’s what hurts the most! Thanks for our quote…but right now, this TN certainly is controlling me…oh, is it ever…



I don’t mean to whine…please forgive me if it seems like that. I truly want others experiences of what point they had to ‘give in’. Right now, tonite…I’m done.

Oh your not whining. Have you thought about a little change in your medications at all? That is something you might one to discuss with your doctor. I did notice you are taking tergretal as needed, this is a medication that should be built up in your system, taking it at spraying doses may not be using this medication to its fullest advantage. There is also lidocaine patches creams and gel, along with magic mouth wash. All of those may numb you enough that it does not get you in a bad pain spot. If you are having a really hard time adjusting to the medications or having a awful time with pain control it might be time to use FMLA. It’s there for a reason and if you need it use it. There days I wish I could just stop working and not have to worry what is going to send me into a bad pain episode, but most of the time I wish I could get just one week of not having to leave early or miss a day at work. I can’t tell you what you should do only that the desicion to leave work is one that should have a lot of thought into it before acting on this. I hope it gets better for you soon.

Thanks Kari. I have read in other posts-about lidocaine patches…not sure how that works, as the pain is in my ear and with branches 2 & 3. How does it help on such a broad area? Very interested.
I took Teg first and titrated up to trilep, they are in the same family - just trilep is supposed to have more staying power, therefore the teg for rescue pain med. probably needed to go up… Already feel like a dunce with kids…can’t remember anything and the words just allude me.

Ive been wondering the same thing, Cris.

Im still working, for now,but at what point is it ok to say i just can't do this anymore!? I've missed so many days that i've used up all of my pto (paid time off) time. I can up my meds some to help..but then i'm a zombie, which is a bit dangerous in my workplace.

Is there some guideline for disability saying when it's ok to just quit working.? At what point is it ok to tell the family that they are just going to have to make some adjustments and live without my paycheck?

And Cris, as for feeling like a dunce...been there too. I used to be super intelligent, and nowadays i feel like i'm retarded. I lose words, can't follow simply logic, math is almost beyond me, and my memory is gone.

I know my post doesn't help answer your question...i just wanted you to know you're not the only one with those questions.

~Mistee

Im with you on this trip.
Im riding a 7/10 wave right now. Fully medicated. I don’t have anything I can take that I can work on. Earlier I was pushing 8.5/10 so I have a nit of relief.
This isnt about me.
Teaching must be a brutal job. Always having to talk on demand, and the constant noise and chatter from the students (GN sufferer here). I dont know how you do it.

My suggestion is this, Epsum salts (spelling). I freaking love a hot bath with my ebook reader.
I put the reader in a ziplock and read a page. Yes one page is usually all I can get through before something or someone needs my attention, or I cannot focus.

I hope you find an hour of peace, so that you can think about what you need to do.
Life is shit. Im not gonna candy coat it. Life is F*ckin shit. The thing that keeps me going is that other people need me, and I them.

Enough rambling, Im late on my Carbo.

Smash

The patches are big - like a gauze patch - and you cut it to the shape and size you need -- gave me 12 hours of relief at a time --- you can put on any branch -- just keep away from eye - you can put it all the way up to where your ear is, and if you want relief (a little less strong though) is the lidocaine cream - but it helps because when you talk alot or chew - the patches kinda come a little loose -- you just keep adjusting!

If you decide that you need to investigate long term disability, I can put you in touch with a former disability counselor who knows that territory intimately. She's a neurological patient herself.

Feel free to friend me and send an email if you'd like to explore further.

Regards, Red

Mistee, I makes all the difference in the world to 'hear' someone else feel the same! I know we ALL go through similar things, but some of those things are more alike than others...these meds are brutal. I am a former nurse and now a chef / chef instructor. TOTALLY get where your are coming from! Take care girl; something has to give...just hope it's not my sanity!!!

Cris :)

Mistee Humphreys Shelton said:

Ive been wondering the same thing, Cris.

Im still working, for now,but at what point is it ok to say i just can't do this anymore!? I've missed so many days that i've used up all of my pto (paid time off) time. I can up my meds some to help..but then i'm a zombie, which is a bit dangerous in my workplace.

Is there some guideline for disability saying when it's ok to just quit working.? At what point is it ok to tell the family that they are just going to have to make some adjustments and live without my paycheck?

And Cris, as for feeling like a dunce...been there too. I used to be super intelligent, and nowadays i feel like i'm retarded. I lose words, can't follow simply logic, math is almost beyond me, and my memory is gone.

I know my post doesn't help answer your question...i just wanted you to know you're not the only one with those questions.

~Mistee

I have mentioned this to my doc; bless his heart... I trust him implicitly, so maybe after this round of steroids (JUST ordered), we'll do that. Thanks Kc!

Kc Dancer Kc said:

The patches are big - like a gauze patch - and you cut it to the shape and size you need -- gave me 12 hours of relief at a time --- you can put on any branch -- just keep away from eye - you can put it all the way up to where your ear is, and if you want relief (a little less strong though) is the lidocaine cream - but it helps because when you talk alot or chew - the patches kinda come a little loose -- you just keep adjusting!

good suggestion...anything to relax, right??? I'm in a 'lul' right now and can type something that half way makes sense...

and yes, my kiddos are a terror sometimes, but for the most part, they are good (BUT I WONT ALLOW FOR ANYTHING ELSE TO BE IN MY CLASSROOM!) :) Have a peaceful evening smash!

Cris

smashagnome said:

Im with you on this trip.
Im riding a 7/10 wave right now. Fully medicated. I don't have anything I can take that I can work on. Earlier I was pushing 8.5/10 so I have a nit of relief.
This isnt about me.
Teaching must be a brutal job. Always having to talk on demand, and the constant noise and chatter from the students (GN sufferer here). I dont know how you do it.

My suggestion is this, Epsum salts (spelling). I freaking love a hot bath with my ebook reader.
I put the reader in a ziplock and read a page. Yes one page is usually all I can get through before something or someone needs my attention, or I cannot focus.

I hope you find an hour of peace, so that you can think about what you need to do.
Life is shit. Im not gonna candy coat it. Life is F*ckin shit. The thing that keeps me going is that other people need me, and I them.

Enough rambling, Im late on my Carbo.

Smash

I’ve been on intermittent FMLA until a car accident 3 weeks ago .now on continuous FMLA. So I’m going to be out of work because of back and neck pain spasms from whiplash and a concussion from the accident and that has really made the TN and flare up. Quite frankly I’m afraid I’m going to lose my job. I think I’m going to be unable to go back to work. This trigeminal neuralgia and the back and neck spasms are becoming overwhelming.
Having a concussion was really bad the first three weeks I really couldn’t understand anything couldn’t remember anything and I was expected to fill out forms Talk to insurance people And go To doctors and advocate for myself. I couldn’t drive for three weeks. I had to rely on friends to drive me to all my appointment.
I think you know when you can’t work anymore When you just can’t do it. I’m a nurse I know I cannot work on the medication that I’m prescribed for pain. And also I just can’t think straight

Oh…Janice!!
God bless you!! I know the pressures of being a nurse, I did that for 12 years…stayed home with my youngest son after he was born for 3 years and just FOUND my passion in cooking - ‘chef’ style… ;). The demands on you are FAR more detrimental if your thinking isn’t clear and your pain OVER TAKES YOU. I can’t sleep, I try, wake up with this SEARING pain… I will keep you in my prayers girl. I always say a prayer for “us”…
I started on steroids last nite to ‘help bring down swelling’ - we’ll see. I just know I can’t go on like this. NEVER had problems sleeping, never!! That was the one thing I knew would help…ugh. This interm. FMLA; (just started on) did you have any problems with work on it? I live in Tenn. Really worried something will happen with my job; more stress, more pain… Have to leave it in the Lord’s hands.
So sorry to hear my friend…thanks for sharing.
Cris

:slight_smile: !!!

Cris,

I am a teacher myself. It's extremely difficult to teach while dealing with TN. First the meds cause you confusion, which the kids pick up on. Then you have to talk when it really hurts. I thought I was going to have to "throw in the towel" in December when I had a full blown attack in the middle of my class. The pain hit without warning and sent me to my knees. My students thought I had had a stroke. Three days later I had a series of attacks that were relentless. I have had TN pain for years but had always been able to control it with meds. I knew the episodes in December were going to be career ending if I didn't do something. I was taking the max of all available meds, but I couldn't eat, drink or talk for weeks. I was lucky to have an emergency MVD, which was successful.

I was hoping to wait for the summer to have surgery, but my body made the decsion for me. I just went back to my classroom this week - maybe a little too soon, but I do feel much better. Without surgery, I doubt I could have gone back to work ever. If you can have an MVD, I would highly recommend it. You'll be off for awhile, but you will be able to return to work in a month if all goes well.

Okay brownkat…
You have given me so much to think about! I think of my self ‘strong’ - as ALL teachers HAVE to be… But this has simply whipped me. Maybe I should see the neurosurgeon earlier (he is in a different state 5 hours away) than waiting til March -spring break.
Did you have FMLA? What do you teach?
I am SOOOOO proud to hear you are doing so well! I hope your recovery is an easy one and you have a long time of PAIN FREE (except the headaches we get, you know,TEACHERS headaches) . ;). Thanks again, I let my husband read this and he has been pushing me to get the date upped, well…serious thinking to do. Keep me posted!
Cris

I am a teacher myself. It's extremely difficult to teach while dealing with TN. First the meds cause you confusion, which the kids pick up on. Then you have to talk when it really hurts. I thought I was going to have to "throw in the towel" in December when I had a full blown attack in the middle of my class. The pain hit without warning and sent me to my knees. My students thought I had had a stroke. Three days later I had a series of attacks that were relentless. I have had TN pain for years but had always been able to control it with meds. I knew the episodes in December were going to be career ending if I didn't do something. I was taking the max of all available meds, but I couldn't eat, drink or talk for weeks. I was lucky to have an emergency MVD, which was successful.

I was hoping to wait for the summer to have surgery, but my body made the decsion for me. I just went back to my classroom this week - maybe a little too soon, but I do feel much better. Without surgery, I doubt I could have gone back to work ever. If you can have an MVD, I would highly recommend it. You'll be off for awhile, but you will be able to return to work in a month if all goes well.


cris,

In regards to sick leave, I had about 40 days saved and used about 25 of them. I was so worried about taking time off because it's not easy when you're a teacher, but as I said, my body gave me no choice. My most severe attacks started over winter break so I had some time to plan for a sub. I found a great guy who actually taught my classes (business and computer) and did all of the lesson plans and grading for me. I heard he was great with discipline and wouldn't let the kids run wild like some other subs. His commitment to me and my students allowed me to concentrate on recovery and not worry about what was going on in my classroom.

I wasn't able to do any planning or grading while I was off because I was mentally and physically exhausted. It took me about 4 weeks to get my strength back and I can honestly say, I didn't think about work at all. I concentrated on getting better and on the joy of having no more facial pain. I went back to work five weeks post-MVD and put in a four day week. I took today off because of fatigue and headaches. I've decided to play it by ear and work as long as I feel okay--taking a day off occasionally.

My best advice to you is to move up your neuro appt. and start planning for a long-term sub who will help you out. Mine had just completed his student teaching in special ed so he was freshly trained and eager to work. (Some of my students can be a handful). It's hard to do, but you have to get past the reluctance to take time off or wait until scheduled breaks. You know what they say about the best laid plans...I wish you luck and hope you can get better so you won't have to give up your teaching career.

Kathy


cris said:

Okay brownkat...
You have given me so much to think about! I think of my self 'strong' - as ALL teachers HAVE to be... But this has simply whipped me. Maybe I should see the neurosurgeon earlier (he is in a different state 5 hours away) than waiting til March -spring break.
Did you have FMLA? What do you teach?
I am SOOOOO proud to hear you are doing so well! I hope your recovery is an easy one and you have a long time of PAIN FREE (except the headaches we get,,, you know,,,TEACHERS headaches) . ;). Thanks again, I let my husband read this and he has been pushing me to get the date upped, well...serious thinking to do. Keep me posted!
Cris

I am a teacher myself. It's extremely difficult to teach while dealing with TN. First the meds cause you confusion, which the kids pick up on. Then you have to talk when it really hurts. I thought I was going to have to "throw in the towel" in December when I had a full blown attack in the middle of my class. The pain hit without warning and sent me to my knees. My students thought I had had a stroke. Three days later I had a series of attacks that were relentless. I have had TN pain for years but had always been able to control it with meds. I knew the episodes in December were going to be career ending if I didn't do something. I was taking the max of all available meds, but I couldn't eat, drink or talk for weeks. I was lucky to have an emergency MVD, which was successful.

I was hoping to wait for the summer to have surgery, but my body made the decsion for me. I just went back to my classroom this week - maybe a little too soon, but I do feel much better. Without surgery, I doubt I could have gone back to work ever. If you can have an MVD, I would highly recommend it. You'll be off for awhile, but you will be able to return to work in a month if all goes well.

Yeah- your right… I am glad to hear you are a CTE teacher as well! It sounds like you have been teaching a while; this is my 8th year. If I take off, it will be financially hard, but my wonderful hubby is SO supportive; he just wants this to be done. …did as you suggested; called the neuro today and they moved the appt. up 2 wks. Also a good idea to have that contingency plan in place. If I have these kinds of days much more, I won’t be able to think clearly enough…plus I have a lab, and they have to do so many hours of culinary lab time to satisfy the standards for credit… Will have to get them in there ALOT this second semester to make sure to meet that! STRESS!!! Such a viscous circle!! Ugh.
Thanks a lot for your feedback and the benefit of your experiences. Had a few more good hours today… Missed this whole week…will take a month to make up!!! (Oh, don’t want to think about it). Be prayin’ for ya my ‘teach’ friend!!

Cris

In regards to sick leave, I had about 40 days saved and used about 25 of them. I was so worried about taking time off because it's not easy when you're a teacher, but as I said, my body gave me no choice. My most severe attacks started over winter break so I had some time to plan for a sub. I found a great guy who actually taught my classes (business and computer) and did all of the lesson plans and grading for me. I heard he was great with discipline and wouldn't let the kids run wild like some other subs. His commitment to me and my students allowed me to concentrate on recovery and not worry about what was going on in my classroom.

I wasn't able to do any planning or grading while I was off because I was mentally and physically exhausted. It took me about 4 weeks to get my strength back and I can honestly say, I didn't think about work at all. I concentrated on getting better and on the joy of having no more facial pain. I went back to work five weeks post-MVD and put in a four day week. I took today off because of fatigue and headaches. I've decided to play it by ear and work as long as I feel okay--taking a day off occasionally.

My best advice to you is to move up your neuro appt. and start planning for a long-term sub who will help you out. Mine had just completed his student teaching in special ed so he was freshly trained and eager to work. (Some of my students can be a handful). It's hard to do, but you have to get past the reluctance to take time off or wait until scheduled breaks. You know what they say about the best laid plans...I wish you luck and hope you can get better so you won't have to give up your teaching career.

Kathy


cris said:

Okay brownkat...
You have given me so much to think about! I think of my self 'strong' - as ALL teachers HAVE to be... But this has simply whipped me. Maybe I should see the neurosurgeon earlier (he is in a different state 5 hours away) than waiting til March -spring break.
Did you have FMLA? What do you teach?
I am SOOOOO proud to hear you are doing so well! I hope your recovery is an easy one and you have a long time of PAIN FREE (except the headaches we get,,, you know,,,TEACHERS headaches) . ;). Thanks again, I let my husband read this and he has been pushing me to get the date upped, well...serious thinking to do. Keep me posted!
Cris

I am a teacher myself. It's extremely difficult to teach while dealing with TN. First the meds cause you confusion, which the kids pick up on. Then you have to talk when it really hurts. I thought I was going to have to "throw in the towel" in December when I had a full blown attack in the middle of my class. The pain hit without warning and sent me to my knees. My students thought I had had a stroke. Three days later I had a series of attacks that were relentless. I have had TN pain for years but had always been able to control it with meds. I knew the episodes in December were going to be career ending if I didn't do something. I was taking the max of all available meds, but I couldn't eat, drink or talk for weeks. I was lucky to have an emergency MVD, which was successful.

I was hoping to wait for the summer to have surgery, but my body made the decsion for me. I just went back to my classroom this week - maybe a little too soon, but I do feel much better. Without surgery, I doubt I could have gone back to work ever. If you can have an MVD, I would highly recommend it. You'll be off for awhile, but you will be able to return to work in a month if all goes well.

I'm glad you moved your appointment up. It's always better to be in control of your options rather than having to make decisions in a hurry. I, too, have a wonderful and understanding husband. He filed FMLA paperwork so that he could be home during my MVD recovery. He ended up taking off about 4 weeks because I needed help before and after surgery.

I think it's cool that you are a CTE teacher also. I was concerned about taking off because they are always ready to cut CTE programs in my county. I just quit worrying about it because TN literally took over my life. Because teaching is so physically demanding, as you know, you'll need to allow your body to tell you when it's time to go back.

Good luck with your appointment.