People that are suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia often have to give up work because of the relentless pain. This affects lots of people, young and old, though older people are more prone to TN. This means that the cost-of-living crisis for the older generation is extremely challenging, more than the average household. This is because they can either choose to suffer extreme pain from their condition or have no money for food, this is because Trigeminal Neuralgia & the cold do not mix well.
Bills are rising faster than average in every household home, especially for those on benefits and pensions. For those of us with Trigeminal Neuralgia, it is far worse, as cold air on our faces is a trigger that causes immeasurable pain. The pain of an attack can be like shards of glass, electric shocks, or razors digging into your face. There have been reports of an increase in mental health issues for those that suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Sadly, Trigeminal Neuralgia is known as ‘The suicide disease’ due to the excruciating pain from those who suffer. Although many of us shy away from such a description for fear of scaring suffers. Sadly there is a correlation between people that suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia and suicide. For many people it’s having to make heartbreaking choices between eating, paying their housing costs, and putting the heating on. For many in the UK, this will be the first time experiencing this hardship.
Firstly, I would advise people with Trigeminal Neuralgia to contact their energy provider and inform them that they have the condition. It is unlikely they will know what Trigeminal Neuralgia is, but refer them to the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association Website. One such person did not have the choice as their Trigeminal Neuralgia was so painful;
‘I have been driven into poverty, who thought I would ever have to make choices of whether to pay my rent, buy food or put the heating on? In the end, I had to get rid of the pain”
“I am hungry, in debt, and in pain. I am grateful to the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association as they are donating me a membership while struggling. Speaking to the members at the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association might be the only way I can make it through the winter this year”
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