I get embarrassed when I'm out of breath

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ej0820

New member
Hey guys!
 
So, my lung function is actually pretty crappy. My last pft was in the upper 30s and that was a long time ago. I'm on SSDI and only working part time while I go to school. Things have been getting really tough for me as of late. On days I work, I'm exhausted after a 6 hour shift. I usually have to go to class in the evening still which wears me out even more. I come home for late night IVs and rinse and repeat the next day. I've been progressively getting more out of breath at work. I'm a cashier (among other things) at a craft store, so my job isn't a hard one. However, coughing fits at the register get me out of breath and this ALWAYS happens when I have a line of customers. I have a whole shpeal I need to say to the customers when they check out and I sometimes can't get it out because I'm trying to catch my breath while still getting them through my line and out the door. I get really embarrassed when this happens. Our breakroom is all the way in the back of our store which is sometimes a rough distance to go just to get a break, so I end up out of breath on the way there, continuously being stopped by customers. Again, forcing myself to answer questions or direct someone somewhere while huffing and puffing gets me nervous.
About a week ago, I got to school and had to walk a fair distance from my car to an elevator (the handicap spots are always full). I got on the elevator with one other person, not even realizing how out of breath I was until that person very worryingly asked me if I was going to be ok. I don't know why, but I was so embarrassed by that!
I'm more of an introvert, so maybe it's the attention I don't like? I feel like when I'm seen out of breath and unable to quickly recover, I'm being a wuss or coming off as a drama queen. I mean, I almost feel like I'm seen as an @$$ for not being able to just suck it up and keep going. Has anyone ever felt this way? I feel dumb for putting this pressure on myself and getting so nervous about "being caught out of breath", but I don't really know how else to think...
 
E

ej0820

New member
Hey guys!

So, my lung function is actually pretty crappy. My last pft was in the upper 30s and that was a long time ago. I'm on SSDI and only working part time while I go to school. Things have been getting really tough for me as of late. On days I work, I'm exhausted after a 6 hour shift. I usually have to go to class in the evening still which wears me out even more. I come home for late night IVs and rinse and repeat the next day. I've been progressively getting more out of breath at work. I'm a cashier (among other things) at a craft store, so my job isn't a hard one. However, coughing fits at the register get me out of breath and this ALWAYS happens when I have a line of customers. I have a whole shpeal I need to say to the customers when they check out and I sometimes can't get it out because I'm trying to catch my breath while still getting them through my line and out the door. I get really embarrassed when this happens. Our breakroom is all the way in the back of our store which is sometimes a rough distance to go just to get a break, so I end up out of breath on the way there, continuously being stopped by customers. Again, forcing myself to answer questions or direct someone somewhere while huffing and puffing gets me nervous.
About a week ago, I got to school and had to walk a fair distance from my car to an elevator (the handicap spots are always full). I got on the elevator with one other person, not even realizing how out of breath I was until that person very worryingly asked me if I was going to be ok. I don't know why, but I was so embarrassed by that!
I'm more of an introvert, so maybe it's the attention I don't like? I feel like when I'm seen out of breath and unable to quickly recover, I'm being a wuss or coming off as a drama queen. I mean, I almost feel like I'm seen as an @$$ for not being able to just suck it up and keep going. Has anyone ever felt this way? I feel dumb for putting this pressure on myself and getting so nervous about "being caught out of breath", but I don't really know how else to think...
 
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ej0820

New member
<p>Hey guys!
<p>
<p>So, my lung function is actually pretty crappy. My last pft was in the upper 30s and that was a long time ago. I'm on SSDI and only working part time while I go to school. Things have been getting really tough for me as of late. On days I work, I'm exhausted after a 6 hour shift. I usually have to go to class in the evening still which wears me out even more. I come home for late night IVs and rinse and repeat the next day. I've been progressively getting more out of breath at work. I'm a cashier (among other things) at a craft store, so my job isn't a hard one. However, coughing fits at the register get me out of breath and this ALWAYS happens when I have a line of customers. I have a whole shpeal I need to say to the customers when they check out and I sometimes can't get it out because I'm trying to catch my breath while still getting them through my line and out the door. I get really embarrassed when this happens. Our breakroom is all the way in the back of our store which is sometimes a rough distance to go just to get a break, so I end up out of breath on the way there, continuously being stopped by customers. Again, forcing myself to answer questions or direct someone somewhere while huffing and puffing gets me nervous.
<p>About a week ago, I got to school and had to walk a fair distance from my car to an elevator (the handicap spots are always full). I got on the elevator with one other person, not even realizing how out of breath I was until that person very worryingly asked me if I was going to be ok. I don't know why, but I was so embarrassed by that!
<p>I'm more of an introvert, so maybe it's the attention I don't like? I feel like when I'm seen out of breath and unable to quickly recover, I'm being a wuss or coming off as a drama queen. I mean, I almost feel like I'm seen as an @$$ for not being able to just suck it up and keep going. Has anyone ever felt this way? I feel dumb for putting this pressure on myself and getting so nervous about "being caught out of breath", but I don't really know how else to think...
 
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Mallymookcf

New member
i know what you mean. my lung function is still pretty good, but i do get out of breath frequently. working out in the gym in an aerobics class is the worst. i hardly go any more because i have to quit and catch my breath or go sit down. i am one of the younger ones in the class, and from the outside, i look fit and in shape. i feel like people think i am weak and dramatic. it gets embarrassing to have to stop when someone is more than twice your age keeping up just fine. other times i have had to leave because my blood sugar will plumit and i have to go sit in the lobby and eat, and another time i started coughging up blood. those people probably think...that girl finds every excuse to quit! hahaha! its kinda funny to wonder what they must be thinking...i guess i shouldnt care, but we r human..right?? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
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Mallymookcf

New member
i know what you mean. my lung function is still pretty good, but i do get out of breath frequently. working out in the gym in an aerobics class is the worst. i hardly go any more because i have to quit and catch my breath or go sit down. i am one of the younger ones in the class, and from the outside, i look fit and in shape. i feel like people think i am weak and dramatic. it gets embarrassing to have to stop when someone is more than twice your age keeping up just fine. other times i have had to leave because my blood sugar will plumit and i have to go sit in the lobby and eat, and another time i started coughging up blood. those people probably think...that girl finds every excuse to quit! hahaha! its kinda funny towonder what they must be thinking...i guess i shouldnt care, but we r human..right?? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
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Mallymookcf

New member
<p>i know what you mean. my lung function is still pretty good, but i do get out of breath frequently. working out in the gym in an aerobics class is the worst. i hardly go any more because i have to quit and catch my breath or go sit down. i am one of the younger ones in the class, and from the outside, i look fit and in shape. i feel like people think i am weak and dramatic. it gets embarrassing to have to stop when someone is more than twice your age keeping up just fine. other times i have had to leave because my blood sugar will plumit and i have to go sit in the lobby and eat, and another time i started coughging up blood. those people probably think...that girl finds every excuse to quit! hahaha! its kinda funny towonder what they must be thinking...i guess i shouldnt care, but we r human..right?? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
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cnsky54RRT

New member
I don't know if this will be of help, but I want to assure you that in my job at a hospital I find that EVERYONE has something wrong. It may not show, they may be embarrassed about it and keep it hidden, but nobody is exempt from some sort of ailment or imperfection. Finding that out has made me a lot more empathetic. Your shortness of breath and coughing makes you a bit vulnerable because it is right out there for all to see. You may feel self-conscious in front of a customer, but they may be worried over a terminal cancer diagnosis that they must face. Please don't feel dumb or like the only one who has a burden to carry!
 
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cnsky54RRT

New member
I don't know if this will be of help, but I want to assure you that in my job at a hospital I find that EVERYONE has something wrong. It may not show, they may be embarrassed about it and keep it hidden, but nobody is exempt from some sort of ailment or imperfection. Finding that out has made me a lot more empathetic. Your shortness of breath and coughing makes you a bit vulnerable because it is right out there for all to see. You may feel self-conscious in front of a customer, but they may be worried over a terminal cancer diagnosis that they must face. Please don't feel dumb or like the only one who has a burden to carry!
 
C

cnsky54RRT

New member
I don't know if this will be of help, but I want to assure you that in my job at a hospital I find that EVERYONE has something wrong. It may not show, they may be embarrassed about it and keep it hidden, but nobody is exempt from some sort of ailment or imperfection. Finding that out has made me a lot more empathetic. Your shortness of breath and coughing makes you a bit vulnerable because it is right out there for all to see. You may feel self-conscious in front of a customer, but they may be worried over a terminal cancer diagnosis that they must face. Please don't feel dumb or like the only one who has a burden to carry!
 
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entropy

Guest
ej, I totally understand this. Introverts are usually self conscious and tend to keep weaknesses hidden if possible. In a situation like this, one has no choice but to show weakness to others, and it's not a good feeling. Our society stigmatizes people with medical conditions and, therefore, it is natural for us to feel embarrassed or ashamed about having to cough loudly, be out of breath, etc.  In my opinion, it comes down to personality type.  I know of some people with CF who are totally open about it and don't seem bothered at all.  I wouldn't call these people "introverts." I am an introverted person myself and I try to avoid coughing loudly around unfamiliar people. However, when it does happen, I do feel extremely embarrassed and anxious. Sometimes I will be out of breath and people will be asking me questions, and I can't answer completely because I have to catch my breath. I'm not sure how it comes across -- people might think I'm being rude, or perhaps they think I lose my concentration easily. All in all, at least you know you're not alone.
 
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entropy

Guest
ej, I totally understand this. Introverts are usually self conscious and tend to keep weaknesses hidden if possible. In a situation like this, one has no choice but to show weakness to others, and it's not a good feeling. Our society stigmatizes people with medical conditions and, therefore, it is natural for us to feel embarrassed or ashamed about having to cough loudly, be out of breath, etc. In my opinion, it comes down to personality type. I know of some people with CF who are totally open about it and don't seem bothered at all. I wouldn't call these people "introverts." I am an introverted person myself and I try to avoid coughing loudly around unfamiliar people. However, when it does happen, I do feel extremely embarrassed and anxious. Sometimes I will be out of breath and people will be asking me questions, and I can't answer completely because I have to catch my breath. I'm not sure how it comes across -- people might think I'm being rude, or perhaps they think I lose my concentration easily. All in all, at least you know you're not alone.
 
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entropy

Guest
<p>ej, I totally understand this. Introverts are usually self conscious and tend to keep weaknesses hidden if possible. In a situation like this, one has no choice but to show weakness to others, and it's not a good feeling. Our society stigmatizes people with medical conditions and, therefore, it is natural for us to feel embarrassed or ashamed about having to cough loudly, be out of breath, etc. In my opinion, it comes down to personality type. I know of some people with CF who are totally open about it and don't seem bothered at all. I wouldn't call these people "introverts."<br /> <br />I am an introverted person myself and I try to avoid coughing loudly around unfamiliar people. However, when it does happen, I do feel extremely embarrassed and anxious. Sometimes I will be out of breath and people will be asking me questions, and I can't answer completely because I have to catch my breath. I'm not sure how it comes across -- people might think I'm being rude, or perhaps they think I lose my concentration easily. <br /> <br />All in all, at least you know you're not alone.
 
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theLostMiler

New member
aww this sucks. I understand, I feel like I get embarrassed easily too, luckily for me I am either way naive or oblivious to notice the looks and stares whether condescending or concerning b/c I feel like I have never really encountered much of that. I mean I feel like people just walk by me with not even a stare. And I have never had anyone tell me to stop smoking.
I often before I got into class after climbing the stairs would stand outside the door and catch my breathe (I was always late haha) or stand in the stair well landing and cough or go into the bathroom and cough. I can't imagine the job situation, I waitressed (when I was healthy) and the few times I did cough was super embarrasing obviously for the occupation, I feel I was sanitary about it, but I did have a couple walk out on me once.
Lately I get out of breathe waaayy more and waay worse, adn some of my friends aren't really used to seeing that yet, so they have asked me if I am okay. I had a crab feed fundraiser for me, and I was walking around a lot (and should have had my o2 on me) but I didnt and I was embarrassed when I was out of breathe... I was nervous too so I was getting winded just talking b/c I was amped up.
Like entropy, I dont really have advice, just a story...
 
 
 
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theLostMiler

New member
aww this sucks. I understand, I feel like I get embarrassed easily too, luckily for me I am either way naive or oblivious to notice the looks and stares whether condescending or concerning b/c I feel like I have never really encountered much of that. I mean I feel like people just walk by me with not even a stare. And I have never had anyone tell me to stop smoking.
I often before I got into class after climbing the stairs would stand outside the door and catch my breathe (I was always late haha) or stand in the stair well landing and cough or go into the bathroom and cough. I can't imagine the job situation, I waitressed (when I was healthy) and the few times I did cough was super embarrasing obviously for the occupation, I feel I was sanitary about it, but I did have a couple walk out on me once.
Lately I get out of breathe waaayy more and waay worse, adn some of my friends aren't really used to seeing that yet, so they have asked me if I am okay. I had a crab feed fundraiser for me, and I was walking around a lot (and should have had my o2 on me) but I didnt and I was embarrassed when I was out of breathe... I was nervous too so I was getting winded just talking b/c I was amped up.
Like entropy, I dont really have advice, just a story...
 
T

theLostMiler

New member
<p>aww this sucks. I understand, I feel like I get embarrassed easily too, luckily for me I am either way naive or oblivious to notice the looks and stares whether condescending or concerning b/c I feel like I have never really encountered much of that. I mean I feel like people just walk by me with not even a stare. And I have never had anyone tell me to stop smoking.
<p>I often before I got into class after climbing the stairs would stand outside the door and catch my breathe (I was always late haha) or stand in the stair well landing and cough or go into the bathroom and cough. I can't imagine the job situation, I waitressed (when I was healthy) and the few times I did cough was super embarrasing obviously for the occupation, I feel I was sanitary about it, but I did have a couple walk out on me once.
<p>Lately I get out of breathe waaayy more and waay worse, adn some of my friends aren't really used to seeing that yet, so they have asked me if I am okay. I had a crab feed fundraiser for me, and I was walking around a lot (and should have had my o2 on me) but I didnt and I was embarrassed when I was out of breathe... I was nervous too so I was getting winded just talking b/c I was amped up.
<p>Like entropy, I dont really have advice, just a story...
<p>
<p>
 
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ej0820

New member
thanks, all! Your replies make me feel less alone. I was worried I was going to get a bunch of "You're being silly" type replies. It's so stupid that we feel this way, but it's also hard not to!

And don't even get me started on the "What a cough! You'd better quit smoking!" comments, lol. I get those while at work all the time from people. *eye roll*

Thanks, guys.
 
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ej0820

New member
thanks, all! Your replies make me feel less alone. I was worried I was going to get a bunch of "You're being silly" type replies. It's so stupid that we feel this way, but it's also hard not to!

And don't even get me started on the "What a cough! You'd better quit smoking!" comments, lol. I get those while at work all the time from people. *eye roll*

Thanks, guys.
 
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