Saturday, March 23, 2024

Jobs For People With Chronic Fatigue

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Creating A Workspace At Home Or In The Office

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS, SEID)? A Doctor Explains

If you want to create a workspace at home thats chronic illness friendly, it needs to be practical, comfortable and organised.

Creating proper a workspace at home is there to set the boundaries between your personal and professional life.

Its essential if youre going to work remotely, and heres how I recommend going about it.

Its not just about finding the best jobs for people with a chronic illness. Its about making your workspace the best that it can be too.

The Job Of A Transcriber

Another job that you can do from home is transcription. Transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and type out what they hear.

Do you have fast typing skills and sharp listening skills? Then, youre in the perfect spot and timing to be a transcriber.

Due to the worlds digitalization change, the transcription field is a bit different. Still, theres so much you can do to earn a nice living!

Yet, this job is a bit more demanding than others on this list. Thats because you need to be able to type quickly and accurately.

But if you think you have what it takes, transcription can be your life savior in the hour of need.

What Is Chronic Pain And How Can It Affect Your Job Search

Chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts weeks or years. There are a variety of injuries or illnesses that may contribute to a person’s need to manage chronic pain while also working or trying to find a job.

Those suffering from or managing consistent pain and discomfort may find it difficult to be seated or remain standing for long periods of time. They may also find excessive lifting or intense manual labor uncomfortable. As these are sometimes job requirements, it’s important to think about different options or accommodations available when searching for a job or career while also managing frequent bouts of discomfort. Here is a list of eight conditions that may cause someone to as regular or consistent pain:

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Finding Support At Any Job

Though some fields of work may be more suitable for folks with chronic illness than others, several of those in our fibro community stressed that finding an accommodating employer is what can really make or break a job. If you are passionate about a particular field of work, dont be afraid to pursue it. There may be options for flexible hours, or disability accommodations and some companies may simply be a better fit for your needs than others.

Its not really the job itself but rather the employers that help make it better, Mighty community member Bay H. told us. I always ensure that I have work accommodations in place but some employers go above and beyond to ensure they are implemented and my health is top priority.

Mighty member Nik W. added:

First off, ADA accommodations have been a lifesaver. I work for a nonprofit and were all able to work remote on Fridays, but due to my condition, Im able to work remote an additional day and as needed. That flexibility has been a game-changer. Now I can schedule specialist appointments and make up the time throughout the week without having to use PTO. I started out as a fundraiser with an external focus, but Ive since transitioned to a research and analytics role that allows me even more flexibility. Open communication with my supervisor has really made a big difference. I understand thats not an option for everyone, but Im thankful Ive found an organization that values their employees health and wellness. Nik W.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Job Description of Someone With Fibromyalgia

If you are no longer able to continue working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Going through the process of applying for SSD is generally not a simple task.

Therefore, its important to learn all you can about the process before you begin in order to maximize your chances of being approved.

The following information and especially the suggested articles can help you navigate the system as smoothly as possible.

There are two types of disability benefits available through the Social Security Administration :

Social Security Disability Insurance Pays benefits if you have worked long enough and have paid Social Security taxes within the past five years.

Supplemental Security Income Pays benefits based on your financial need.

If youre unsure which program best fits your situation, you can use the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to see which you may be eligible for. The tool is not an application, it simply helps you determine if you are eligible for benefits.

For more information about applying for SSI, go to the Supplemental Security Income Home Page. The Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool will also help you determine if you are eligible for SSI.

To determine whether or not you are disabled, the Social Security Administration asks five questions:

For answers to frequently asked questions about how the SSA determines the answers to questions four and five, read Work and Education Information the SSA Needs

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Focus On Creating A Chronic

Work, unfortunately, tends to cultivate super unhealthy habits. For real just take a look at those vending machine options.

In our corporate headquarters, we had a Starbucks every 50 feet , a Dunkin Donuts, and two full-fledged cafeterias that sold breakfast cereal, candy, and no main-menu options that were gluten-free .

Specifically for those of us managing autoimmune conditions using a diet and lifestyle like the Autoimmune Protocol, it is vital to carry these principles over into our work life.

What I mean is, if you exercise, decrease your stress, eat well, etc., when youre at home then make sure you also incorporate ALL of these practices into your work day. This could include:

  • Packing your lunch with healing, nourishing foods and only eating those foods not a snack from the vending machine
  • Letting go of the pressure to participate in office pizza parties or restaurant lunches. I always chose to attend, but opted for socializing while sipping on some water or other beverage instead of eating.
  • Taking all possible action to reduce your workload and work-related stress level
  • And my personal favorite that deserves its own section:

My Life With A Chronic Illness

Years ago, I worked as a pediatric nurse on a medical-surgical unit at the childrens hospital. While there was a lot of flexibility with this job, and it came with good benefits and pay, it also came with a lot of stress.

I worked 12-hour shifts from 7 PM to 7 AM. Not only is the graveyard shift hard on ones body, but you also have fewer resources and staff to assist you during these hours.

Over the course of a year, I had seven children crash on me. Seven situations where children were so sick, they almost died and had to be transferred to the PICU. This stress, coupled with late hours, put my body into a tailspin.

I went to the doctor to tell him about my symptoms, panic attacks, anxiety, weight gain, chronic fatigue, sleep issues, and gastrointestinal problems, only to discover that I had hypothyroidism. A chronic condition that I will forever have to take medication for and one that often wreaks havoc on my overall well-being.

Living with chronic illness can be a huge challenge.

The good news is there are many part-time jobs, freelance careers, and home-based business opportunities that allow you to set your own schedule, making it easier to earn an income when you have a chronic illness. When you work for yourself, you can work when youre feeling up to it and take breaks when you need to.

If youre struggling to keep a job and earn an income due to your chronic condition, here are some of the best work-at-home jobs for people with chronic illnesses.

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Accommodating Employees With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndrome

People with ME/CFS may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Be aware that not all people with ME/CFS will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.

Omicron: Gp Explains Overwhelming Science Behind Vaccines

How to Win Disability Benefits for Chronic Fatigue

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Covidvaccination is no silver bullet but it greatly reduces the severity of symptoms. Its important to understand this distinction because it tempers your expectation of what to expect from vaccination. Yes, Covid is far more likely to result in a milder illness post-vaccination but its still possible to experience symptoms.

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The Job Of A Proofreader

Well, this is the easiest and low-stress job on this list. You just read a text and omit the grammar mistakes sound soothing?

Proofreaders check written materials for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

They also look for inconsistencies in the text, incorrect facts, or information. Proofreaders typically work from home and can set their hours.

So if youre looking for a job you can do at your own pace, proofreading might be the perfect option.

Examples Of Jobs That May Be Suitable

Jobs that might be suited to people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:

  • Librarian jobs and similar desk jobs that are indoors, sitting and have regular hours can be more comfortable for people with CFS. In these roles, you may want to consider a part-time position if you find your condition affects you.
  • Data entry jobs can be a good solution for people with CFS, often allowing you to work at your own pace and take regular breaks.
  • Virtual assistant roles are also popular, they involve things like scheduling meetings, sorting mail and email, preparing documents, and performing personal assistant duties remotely.
  • Jobs that allow you to work from home can be more suitable as you are in control of your schedule and can take breaks when needed. Flexible working and work from home jobs include freelance editing, web design or project management jobs.

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Chronic Pain Can Prevent Us From Doing Things We Like To Dobut It Can Also Impact Our Ability To Do What We Have To Do Namely Work

Studies have shown that people with a chronic pain condition struggle with missing work days, staying employed and finding employment that fits with their conditionand many simply leave the workforce altogether. Recent research suggests that the financial cost of pain to society is around $560 to $635 billion, taking into account days of work missed, hours of work lost, lower wages and healthcare costs. The reality is that its in the employee and the employers best interest to have a good job fit for pain sufferers.

So to get the right fit and stay gainfully employed, what should you be looking for in a job?

Here are a few things to look for in employment if you have some form of chronic pain:

Flexible hours or the ability to set your own scheduleThis way you can take time to rest when youre having a flare-up and work when you are feeling healthy.

Freedom of physical movementAvoid long periods of either sitting or standing and have the ability stand up, sit down and walk around when necessary. The ability to take regular breaks is a must.

Little to no travelLong car rides and being stuck in an airport or hotel when pain flairs up can inhibit work and increase your stress level.

Remote work/work from home optionsAs with flexible hours, this allows you to listen to and accommodate your bodys needs when you are experiencing pain.

Job options if you have chronic pain

If you have migraine

You may transition

Worst job choices

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Pin on Living With Chronic Illness

Scientists have been researching chronic fatigue syndrome for many years, but they still arent sure what causes it.

There may be more than one cause. And the different causes may interact with each other to bring on different symptoms in different people. Experts are studying potential triggers, which include:

  • infections: Experts have wondered if infections like measles or Epstein-Barr virus might increase the risk for CFS. The role Epstein-Barr plays in CFS is not clear because studies have not confirmed it as a cause.
  • emotional stress
  • low blood pressure

Chronic fatigue syndrome can affect people of all ethnicities and ages, but its most common in people in their forties or fifties. Its very rare in kids. A few teens do get CFS, and it affects more girls than guys.

Sometimes different people in the same family get CFS. This may be because the tendency to develop CFS is genetic, but more research is needed to see if this is true.

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Your Medication Is Wiping You Out

Zyrtec Allergy Relief Tablets + Itch Relief Stick
Zyrtec Allergy Relief Tablets + Itch Relief Stick

Certain allergy medications, including first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine can make you feel tired, says Stanley Schwartz, M.D., Ph.D., division chief of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Antihistamines block the receptors for histamine in the body, and there is a receptor for histamine in the brain that keeps you alert, he explains. When certain antihistamines reach your brain, they can make you feel sleepy as a result. Thats why Dr. Monteleone says she often encourages patients to use second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine . Theyre non-sedating and tend to have less of that fatigue-causing property, she says.

How Many Freelancers Suffer From A Chronic Illness

The significance and burden of chronic illness should not be trivialised as there are many more freelancers and contractors who are managing chronic illnesses than you might imagine.

With around 15 million people in the UK with long term conditions and chronic diseases, and with a growing self-employed community numbering around 4.3 million people in the UK, it’s likely that at least 1 in 4 freelancers may be affected in some way from chronic or long term illness, which may impact their capability to work.

And chronic conditions are likely to occur more often in the self-employed sector than the general workforce, as many people choose to work for themselves based on the option to manage their work and health balance for themselves. Long term and chronic illness tend to exhibit more in older people , a prominent demographic within the self-employed sector.

For those with chronic illnesses, productivity levels may be unsteady and many freelancers find themselves losing hours to both sickness and recovery time. Managing multiple chronic illnesses may also be a concern as the Department for Health cites that the number of people with multiple long-term conditions appears to be rising. And the struggles associated with chronic disease can often leave you wondering what to do when you fall sick as a freelancer.

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When To See Your Doctor

If your shortness of breath is accompanied by fever, chest pain, tightness in the throat, and wheezing, then you could be experiencing angina or a heart attack. These combinations of symptoms require immediate attention.

In general, if you are experiencing shortness of breath for no obvious reason like exercise, or it is on-going and frequent, speak with your doctor right away. Uncovering and treating the underlying cause will be the only way to correct the shortness of breath.

In This Article

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Blogging One Of The Best Jobs For People With Chronic Fatigue

CFS: Living With Chronic Fatigue Sydrome

Instead of looking at 9-5 jobs, people with chronic fatigue can become bloggers. Its a great job for people who want to work from home and set their hours.

All you need is a computer and an internet connection, and you can blog about anything.

If youre unsure what to blog about, write about your experiences with chronic fatigue. You can mention what works for you.

Theres sure to be an audience out there who would appreciate your insights.

So if youre a good writer and have something to say, blogging could be a good option. Dont wait, and make the best use of your creative thoughts.

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Will I Still Be Able To Work With Me/cfs

Research shows that about half of people with ME/CFS work part-time or full-time jobs. For some people with ME/CFS, the ability to work is possible thanks to a supportive employer and certain workplace accommodations, including a flexible schedule, a quiet comfortable place to rest, and memory aids.

But, if you cant work because of ME/CFS, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits. Learn more about applying for disability through the Social Security Administration.

What Is Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Believe it or not, fibromyalgia syndrome is the second most common musculoskeletal condition in the United States, with over 12 million sufferers, most between the ages of 25 and 60. Women are 10 times more likely to get the syndrome than men.

So far, researchers haven’t been able to determine the cause of fibromyalgia, but suspected triggers include infection, hormonal disturbances, physical and/or psychological stress, and genetics . Current wisdom suggests the condition is usually caused by a combination of several of these factors.

Fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose because it doesn’t appear in blood tests or x-rays. It’s called a syndrome because the condition shows up as a collection of symptoms the same ones shared with several other disorders including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis, to name a few.

Widespread pain lasting more than three months anywhere on the body may be the first red flag. Other symptoms might include:

  • Lower pain threshold or tender points
  • Debilitating fatigue
  • Numbness/tingling in the hands and feet

Clearly, symptoms like these can make finding suitable jobs for people with fibromyalgia a challenge. Still, there are options available…

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