Its timt to go to HR.  Ive tolerated the dirty looks and the piles and piles of extra workload (to set me up for failure).  i know shes trying to get rid of me, Ive already had one verbal warning - all lies because she cant say anything directly about my health and she has no REAL issue she can fire me over....so my question is this:  How do "clusterheads" best communicate with their HR department about their medical condition in order to not be discriminated against in the workplace for losing time off from work for migraines?  Can't CH technically be considered a protected disability?  We are talking big corporation here.  Not small biz.

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This is as good a start as any. Starts the general education for what you're up against.

Joe

I strongly suggest getting a Family and Medical Leave Act document in place. It's the law now. Don't abuse it, but use it if you have to.

Yup, I'm with Brew. You definitely need to find out how to initiate a request for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) with your HR department. After you make the request, it is likely they will give you a form for your doctor to fill out. If it is approved, you will have the law on your side. Meaning, under FMLA, if you have to go home or go to a doctor's appointment, you are legally protected and not subject to firing or any other discipline related to your condition. If you have further questions, feel free to PM me. I have been through the wringer on this, so I have a fair amount of experience.  ::)

Oh man, I knew day I'd read about this.....just hoped I never would. I work for Sodexo (3rd largest employer in the world) we provide foodservice to huge companies like Dell, US Marine Corps, Major Sporting Arenas, Etc. Honestly, if my General Manager didn't suffer from CH's as well.....I'd be gone. My direct manager made hurtful comments about me having to miss work for "just simple headaches....wtf is a cluster headache?". In those exact words....follow shortly by "he needs to quit being such a girl and lay off the booze". Needless to say, my direct manager was fire on spot and I was give a formal apology. Man I feel bad for you, I hope you make it through this. So sorry man. Please don't wish our misery on them no matter how much they seem to deserve it.

These guy's are right to tell you about the FMLA as that's ammunition to help you with this problem so very sorry you are going through this but i hear this alot when people say "Oh it's just a dam headache" "Man up" but they have absolutely no clue what a cluster headache is.... You would be more armed to quell these folks if you print out some of the info on here that describes CH and how bad it actually is.
I'm really sorry you are surrounded by inconsiderate people that won't give you the benefit of the doubt but i hope this advise helps and best of luck to you.....Johnny :)