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'I've run out of sick days': Researchers reveal NZ’s migraine misery (www.nzherald.co.nz)
submitted 7 months ago by terraborra@lemmy.nz to c/newzealand@lemmy.nz
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This hits really close to home for me.

I had severe migraines that would last for days over a 6-month period. I’d suffered periodic migraines from the age of 15 but this was something new where even when I didn’t have a “proper” migraine I still had a constant dull headache.

Nearly lost my job even after seeing the company doctor who noted that allowances needed to be made for my sick leave. Saw a neurologist, got an MRI, kept going to the doctor, and no diagnosis came out of it. I eventually had a seizure for the first time in my life and was rushed to hospital.

Finally, got a diagnosis of chronic daily migraines and was put on medication that has controlled them, but the damage it did to my career set me back by years. I was a high performer prior and then I was suddenly blacklisted from promotions because of my sick leave.

My heart really goes out to people struggling with the same pain who have yet to find something that works.

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[-] Dave@lemmy.nz 6 points 7 months ago

I'm not surprised to see the number of people suffering from regular migraines. They seem really common, it would be interesting to know how that has changed over time, and any triggers (my first guess would be screens).

It sucks you were blacklisted due to sick leave. One benefit of me jumping jobs every couple of years is there's no history for people to complain about!

[-] waterbogan@lemmy.world 4 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

This thing of people running out of sick days just enrages me when there is an easy solution at hand - let those who have more sick leave then they can possibly use give it to those in need. I have currently got 46 days stored up, out of a maximum of 50, and in a few months I will be given my annual allocation of ten days, most of which will just spill over the top of the pot cos I cant have more than 50. I would love to be able to just give someone in OP's situation 10-20 days, its not like I can ever see myself using them

Some companies here do have a provision for this, I recall reading about an insurance company that lets employees like me donate some of their sick leave into a pool into which those in need can draw on when they run out. Great way to do it, everybody wins

[-] themusicman@lemmy.world 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Nah fuck that. Just expand the scope of ACC to cover situations like this

[-] Dave@lemmy.nz 1 points 7 months ago

I also don't think employees should be expected to cover for each other. But would ACC be an appropriate solution here? It seems like this is more along the lines of a random and unpredictable day off each week or so, instead of an extended period of leave that ACC is more set up for.

[-] RecallMadness@lemmy.nz 4 points 7 months ago

Orrrrr. Just allow unlimited sick leave (within reason)? Works in other countries, and some NZ companies provide it, why can’t it be universal?

It’s bizarre that we went through (and still are going through sorta) a global pandemic that can knock you out for weeks, is highly contagious and you can get multiple times a year. Yet we’re cracking down on WFH and still only have a legal minimum of 10 days sick leave.

[-] Viper_NZ@lemmy.nz 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

I work at a company with unlimited sick leave and it's an absolute godsend for those who need it. Literally no one I know who works there takes the piss. In fact with working from home being a thing most wouldn't take more than 5 or so actual sick days per year.

But I've also seen someone take months of paid sick leave when their child with cancer was getting treatment. It was never questioned, and it gave me enormous respect for the place.

[-] RecallMadness@lemmy.nz 1 points 7 months ago

Yeah. I’ve had employees go through mental health episodes, families with cancer, flus, sick kids, multi-week migraines, list goes on.

Not once has the business gone “why have you approved all that sick leave?” In fact it’s been the opposite in some cases “why are you asking me this? We have unlimited sick leave”.

[-] waterbogan@lemmy.world 2 points 7 months ago

That seems reasonable, especially if it has a proven track record. And the cracking down on WFH is SO stupid, as it has multiple benefits far beyond just allowing those are arent 100% well to WFH, it reduces traffic and allows us breathing space to upgrade road and public transport infrastructure - Auckland would be in permanent gridlock by now if it wasnt for WFH

[-] flambonkscious@sh.itjust.works 3 points 7 months ago

Migraines are a curse, for sure. I worked with a girl who once it twice lay down under her desk with sintering over her eyes and had to get done emergency pill to catch it in time, or she would be stuck at work in agony and unable to drive home that evening...

I regularly get crippling headaches but I'm able to pretend I can function, which is still hell, but enough to fake it

this post was submitted on 21 Mar 2024
23 points (96.0% liked)

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