Persistent pain and language disorder

Marie88

Hi, I joined last week but didn’t properly introduce myself at the time as I was feeling quite stressed. I have been suffering from persistent back and pelvic pain and fatigue for over ten years, which has gradually got worse over time. I am also dyslexic and have what I think is expressive language disorder and slow processing speed.  Because of my pain and language disorder I find it really hard to find suitable work that I can actually do.  I am unable to do any physical work or stand for long periods of time and I struggle with office/admin work that involves writing emails, letters, maths etc.

Until March this year I was working in a reception role which I’d been in for six years. I was working with a family member who trained me and was very patient with me. The company knew about my learning difficulties and were very understanding and I had support from other colleagues if I was struggling. The job also allowed me to sit all day, but I could stand too if I needed to. So it was great because I didn’t have pain flare ups and I had support in work. I believe I wouldn’t have this support in another similar role, as I know it was because of working with my family member that I was able to do the job. Because of Covid I haven’t worked since March, my furlough will finish this month and I don’t think they will need me back until at least Spring, if at all.

Im really worried about finding another job and what I can actually do, I feel so stuck. I tried a call centre job in the past which I was dismissed from because I couldn’t keep up with the training and I had a sales assistant job that caused me so much pain. I’m just not sure what I’m going to do and it’s making me feel so stressed and anxious.

I joined the community to chat to people and also try and get some advice for finding a new job and how to talk to potential employers about my pain and language disorder. 

Tori_Scope

Hi @Marie88 It's nice to find out a bit more about you. I'm sorry that you're going through a difficult time, but hopefully we can help.

I think that one of our other users mentioned Support to Work to you last time. Have you been in touch with them? 

Ross_Alumni

Hi @Marie88

Hope you're well today and thanks for starting the discussion  

You say that you haven't worked since March due to furlough, and that it will end this month, when will you find out if they will need you back and when that might be? It must be hard not knowing, in the best case scenario they will have you back and that will ease some of your worries I'm sure.

With any employer, present or future, it's always best to discuss potential reasonable adjustments that could be made, so that you find it easier to do your job to the best of your ability, because you have skills and plenty to offer, it's about breaking down those barriers that can be posed by things like your pain and language issues.

Have you received any help from your GP or a pain clinic for your persistent pain?