Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Summer Internship: Ouch

I am not allowed to bring pills inside my summer internship, or even leave them in the car. I understand that the rule makes sense (I work with a lot of drug abusers and recovering addicts) but it causes big problems for me. This summer has been quite painful in fact.

It's hard to predict in the morning whether I'm truly going to need my medication. But if I don't take them, then there are seven hours of florescent lights, sometimes a hot room, and loud noises.

Migraine medications work best if taken at the beginning of a migraine. However, I have a constant headache so that can be hard to catch. But if I take my medications too often, then they can cause rebound headaches, even give me heart problems.


The additional problem is that I currently need to drive to my internship. However, several of my medications make me slightly dizzy and then I can't drive. So I have less access to my medications and fewer medications to choose from.

Today I misjudged whether I was going to need a migraine. And it struck fast and I had to leave several hours early.

I wish I could figure this out. I wish I didn't have to disappoint people and leave. I wish I didn't have to rule this out as a possible career because my body can't take it. It's so frustrating!

Any ideas?

8 comments:

  1. Is there someone in management there that you can talk to and hopefully negotiate a way through?
    I hope so!

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  2. I wish. But there's no way around the rule.
    Thanks though

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  3. Oh Boy...this sounds like a violation of your civil rights. How can an employee deny your access to needed medications. What if you were a diabetic, or like me...if I don't take my meds I will fall flat on my face. Doesn't sound right to me. Sorry you need to go through this.
    mo

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  4. http://www.dol.gov/

    Check out this website...US Department of Labor. They might have an answer for you.

    mo

    ReplyDelete
  5. http://www.eeoc.gov/index.cfm

    http://www.dol.gov/

    Check out these two websites. You might find some answers

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Mo :)
    I'm allowed life saving medication, so if I were diabetic I would be allowed my medication.
    I know it sounds ridiculous and illegal, but it actually makes sense. I just can't give details about why because I signed a confidentiality form. Sorry.

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  7. Is there someplace nearby where you could store your meds if you need to run out on a break or lunchtime. I don't know what the rules of safety deposit boxes at banks, but maybe even someplace with a paid locker. Mailboxes, etc?

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  8. I hope you find a solution! That sounds horrible and really tough.

    Also, I hope you don't mind, but I've passed on an award I got to you: http://cupsquietlybeingfilled.wordpress.com/2010/07/13/you-like-me-you-really-like-me/

    ReplyDelete