Do others really understand asthma or do they just think you bring it on yourself?
Author: I often feel a little self-conscious/embarrassed to let others know that I suffer from asthma and missed work because of it. Do people really understand that when you’re asthma gets out of control, it’s not your fault? That when you experience a severe attack, it is not only terrifying but sometimes uncontrollable and physically debilitating? I have a friend who thought that if I just ignore it, it would go away/not be as bad, like when you suffer through a cold. It seems as if some people either think it’s just a psychological problem or they think you can just take your inhaler and then get better and that’s all there is to it.
Are people that educated about asthma as they should be? Does anyone else feel a little self-conscious when you admit that you’re an asthmatic?
I don’t tell everyone. When my friends at work or my close friends from home express concern about me, that’s when I end up telling them the truth…
I actually hate drawing attention to myself…
I am a severe asthmatic. No one can understand what you and I go through on a daily basis except those with severe asthma.
I worked at a doctor’s office as a medical assistant and STILL had sly remarks and hateful words said to my face as well as behind my back.
I would be hospitalized many, many times and still they thought it was something i could control if I put my mind to it. One co-worker suggested that I breathe into a paper bag as if i had a panic attack!
When you work in a small office setting, everyone knows who has asthma if it severe like ours. Keeping it a secret like the other answerers suggested is just not feasible.
My oxygen saturation is consistantly low (90%).
I am now a stay at home mom. My family struggles financially but at least I am home and can take my medications when I need them, get more rest, and not worr about losing my job due to frequently calling in sick.
Please feel free to email me and chat if you ever need to talk with someone who cares and understands you. I sincerely mean that and hope you do.