Finding the Best Job When You Have Chronic Pain

SpookyMrsGreen

Sep 9

I live with a rare congenital disease that severely affects my eyes and subsequently my vision. As I grow older I am finding it more of a struggle to work long hours, and my workspace needs to be moderate so that I can focus on work and not on the pain. It turns out I am not alone in this struggle, and there are more people living and working with chronic pain. We find ways to become self-employed so that we can choose working hours that fit around our health, especially if we need regular medical visits and treatment.

More recently I was diagnosed with Corneal Neuralgia and I am now on medication to manage the pain associated with it. This is something that is newly labelled in medical circles according to my doctors, which is probably why I lived with chronic pain for around twenty years previous. Corneal Neuralgia affects the nerves around my eyes, leaving me feeling a heavy sensation above my cheekbones, and with stabbing pains around the eyeballs and the corners of my eyes. I used to think it was related to my congenital disease, Distichiasis, but apparently it is something separate that came about following my lifelong condition. I rarely wear make-up due to my condition, I cannot be outside in heavy wind, I am wary of air conditioned environments, and I use a lot of products to relieve the pain and ease discomfort of the delicate skin around my eyes.

It's a job in itself living with a chronic pain condition, and mostly we are not eligible for state support so we still need to work. I was intrigued to hear about Belle Grace, a former nurse who found alternative work online following her diagnosis for a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia. Here is her story:

More about Belle & Trigeminal Neuralgia:

Diagnosed at 23, Belle was forced to take extended time off from her 9-5 due to her chronic pain, and inevitably led to her creation of her OnlyFans. With hopes of making an additional income and the flexibility to make her own hours, the content creator says "OnlyFans has been the best decision she's ever made". She is now in remission and has become an advocate for those struggling with TN. As one of UK's leading OF models, Belle has brought in over half a million dollars in the last two years and looks to be mortgage free by 30.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal Neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which starts near the top of the ear and splits in three, toward the eye, cheek and jaw. The pain is often described as stabbing in sensation and so severe that the affected person cannot eat or drink.