Advice needed....

[Lynnelovessunshine]

I've written before to say that I suffer from severe anxiety! I try to not let it beat me but I'll be honest, somedays it's very hard to get out the house!!! I do go, mindfulness, visualisation etc.... and I deal with my day as a teacher.... until it's time to come home....

walking!!!! Definitely linked to anxiety!!! During the day I can walk further than when I first arrive at school or before I leave!!!

Walking has become an issue, a major issue, I walk less and less each week!! Not in distance- 4/5000 steps aday but in the amount at a time. Every time I am ill it knocks my confidence, Christmas I was dreadful!! . Physio wants me to do a 6 minute walking test with oxygen- this is where I need the advice- will it help?

My FEV1 is only 20!!! But my SATs are between 90 and 94 and even when I walk up stairs they don't drop below 88!!! So will Oxygen help?

Thank you for your advice xx❤️

Ps as an aside, this same physio hasn't noticed that my pelvis is 1 and a half inches out of alignment- a neighbour who is a physio has let me know this and given me exercises to help.

[Carnival567]

Teaching is stressful enough without being ill, and being ill is enough to make you stressed in the first place, so I feel for you. I would suggest you talk to your GP about the anxiety and the oxygen as for your own sake you can't go on like this. My sats are often steady at 88 and I use ambulatory oxygen, which helps. I am sure that in your situation it would probably help. The children would be fascinated and helpful. I do hope you feel better soon xx

[Lynnelovessunshine in reply to Carnival567]

Thank you ❤️

[Caspiana]

Hello Lynnelovessunshine .

I am so sorry you are struggling so much. Just before I left my job my FEV1 was around 36%. I too was a teacher. I had to commute and the commute was worse than the teaching during school hours. I cannot imagine how you do it with your FEV1 at 20%. I recall vividly being very anxious as well. * hug*

I think your physio has your best interest at heart. I would say give it a go. Since you are struggling so much. Try the six minute walk test and have a good chat about it. I think your doctor will weigh in with his / her opinion as well.

Here in Japan if your O2 drops to anything below 90 you are put on oxygen therapy very quickly to stop any damage to your vital organs. I have definitely had a much calmer existence since I started on ambulatory oxygen. Without a doubt, less tired and more energy which in turn helped my anxiety. I would say however, if your anxiety is very severe please tell your doctor about it. I have been attending a mental health clinic for three years now. It really helps me cope.

My dear Lynne. Hang in there. Smile, breathe and take your time. It will be okay. Please keep us updated.

Sending love,

Cas xx 🌹

[Lynnelovessunshine in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you for you support ❤️

I wouldn't be able to teach if I had to commute either. Luckily I just have to 'wobble' too and from the car 😂

My SATs may be better than they should be with my FEV1 level because of my sporty background xx

I hope you are doing better ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Xx

[Caspiana in reply to Lynnelovessunshine]

Looking forward to hearing how it goes. Please remember to put yourself first. Self care is so important. I know when I was teaching especially high school, I forgot all about caring for my mental health. xx 🌷🌸

[Hidden]

You need time off I think..I taught full-time it was too hard..especially as a language teacher..you talked you desaturated..

[Caspiana in reply to Hidden]

Bingo! 😊

[Hidden in reply to Caspiana]

Are you still teaching? I taught French and Spanish. I had to teach till I was 62 to get my pension plus my form and head of department duties, it was 😓 😃

[Caspiana in reply to Hidden]

I can imagine how tough that was. 😐 I teach one class a week. Just to keep myself in the loop a bit. More fun than work to be honest. xx

[Hidden in reply to Caspiana]

You do well. I miss it..I miss the kids..but not the amount of paperwork! 😃

[Hidden]

can your doctor refer you to a cpn.i find my cpn very helpful and down to earth.if that was the right phrase.wishing you well,

[Dedalus]

Cognitive behavioural therapists may be able to help. Ask your GP/Respiratory Team about an urgent referral. Good luck with everything xx