Hello again 😊
Today at school they informed that we will go on a 3 day trip. So the schedule is really tiring and it involves a lot of walking pretty much all day. Problem is I can't even walk a minute... Do you maybe have any suggestions about what I could do or have with me so I won't be totally breathless, coughing and tired on these 3 days and enjoy myself ??
Thank you in advance! 😊
Is there any reason why you can’t explain why you cannot cope with it? Your disability should be taken into account.
The thing is I don't want to be the reason everyone else misses on something... I don't want to affect my classmates trip too... I am just trying to find a way to be relieved...
Why? Can't they all go if you don't? x
Well they can, but I really want to go on a trip with all my friends and all...
Surely they can go without you? It would spoil their trip if you are unwell and need support/medical care. In fact you shouldn’t go unless someone is present who can take responsibility for health issues. The correct thing to do is to speak to your doctor or nurse to ask for advice.
Yeah you have a point Bella395 but I want to go and everyone else gets to... It isn't fair... I can't be controlled by my breathlessness and do nothing though...
You are right to battle on and not be controlled by the breathlessness. However, please give consideration to your limitations. Do what you can but pushing yourself too hard may come at a cost. From what you say in your opening post you know, deep down that this trip will stretch you beyond those limitations. Is the trip very far away from home? If not, could one of your family take you to meet your friends for a few hours?
It is somewhat 5 hours from home so I wouldn't even consider to tell my parents that...
Hi Musicaddict . 👋
It sounds as though you'd really like to go on this trip. 😊 Understandable. I am guessing your medical team are still in the process of trying to work out the cause of your shortness of breath?
in Japan every school has a medical nurse. Students go to him/ her when under the weather etc. Students who who have to have special medication like insulin get their medication at the nurse's station. The school nurse also accompanies students who need support on school trips. Does your school have such a support system?
Now, important question, do your parents or guardian know about the trip and your shortness of breath? You are very young and having support is crucial to you getting all the necessary help to enjoy your school years and beyond.
Sending very best wishes,
Cas xx 🌿🌼
Thank you for your response Caspiana!
No my school does not have a nurse, and my parents and teachers know about my shortness of breath and all but if the medications don't help what can I do??
Go back to your doctor and say your medication is not working. Sometimes it is a case of finding the right combination/strength that suits you. Try and build up your stamina before the trip. I missed a lot of schooling due to asthma/pneumonia, etc but was always keen to build my strength/stamina up in-between. Even when very breathless, I would do gentle walking and concentrate on controlling my breathing. Sometimes, it is sad but you do have to miss out on trips/parties, etc but if this is the case, at least you can keep in touch with your friends using technology these days. The main thing to remember is to try and stay calm with your breathing. If you can manage this, you will find you can do more than you thought possible.
Anna is right, they must find the reason for your shortness of breath before they can really treat it effectively. In the short term leading up to your trip, building up your stamina a bit,is a good thing as again, Anna suggested. However, be aware that you don't know the cause yet, sometimes heart conditions can also cause shortness of breath. It would be best to talk with your doctor and get some advice about exerting yourself.
Please also sit down and explain your fears and current limitations to the teacher in charge of your trip. If they know you are worried, I have no doubt they will do their best to sort something out to help you. You can still go and have fun!! 😊👍
Please keep us updated. I am rooting for you.
Cas xx 🌞🌻
Ha you must be joking Cas. There are barely enough teachers let alone a nurse! x
Honestly, this surprises me quite a bit Bev. xx 😑
Cas like all public services in this country now education has been cut to the bone too. Along with the NHS and the police. I had a break in last year and the burglar could still have been there. I called the police explaining and it took 4 and a half hours for them to come. The policeman told me he had 8 other calls to attend.... x
Can u get access to a wheel chair and have someone push u around?
I could, if it is provided on the museum's and etc but outdoors I don't think I could...
Is there an option not to go? As you say you can't walk for a minute you have to tell the people in charge otherwise sounds like you'll mess it up for everyone else. Is it an option to hire a small mobility scooter? The small ones fold down and come apart so quite easy for storage.
Hi there Musicaddict ...it's quite simple as I see it. If you are unable to walk through being very breathless,then without a nurse or carer with you,I fail to see how the school would even consider you going on this particular trip. For one,the insurance policy for away trips most likely wouldn't cover you. Imagine if it's cold and wet weather,your breathing is bad and if nobody can care for you, you are in all honesty,putting the whole trip in jeopardy. Everyone would be so worried about you the entire trip. It's only my opinion and I hope you take my comments in the manner I was trying to relay........it's not wise for you to embark on a school trip,taking you far away from home and then even without any other problems,you can't manage to walk very far etc etc. Please speak to your teachers and parents and if need be,your GP also.
Please become back and inform us how you got on. Best wishes.
You've had a lot of good advice. It's difficult to make suggestions without knowing what kind of trip is involved. If it's museums, galleries and such, then a wheelchair seems the best bet. If you find you're feeling well enough you can get out and push the empty chair which is helpful when you're only slightly breathless. If the trip is an outdoor activity type where it won't be easy to push a wheelchair it becomes more of a problem. Perhaps a compromise if the school will allow you to go on the trip but sit out any lengthy hiking.
When I was 16 with bad asthma I took a lot of time off school, so well done on persevering. I know this won't be what you want to hear but if you can't walk for a minute I'm surprised you can even get to school and your teachers must know how difficult it is for you. Sometimes we have to admit to ourselves that something can't be done - but then as others have said go back to your GP and ask/beg/demand that they sort out your meds and get your asthma under control.
Best of luck - your dilemma takes me right back to my schooldays and having to miss out on activities. I wish I'd had your guts and the will to argue with the medical establishment (and my parents) to get my breathing under better control earlier.
In all honesty the school will not want to take you if you cannot cope with the activities, because it is too much of a responsibility and the insurance will probably not cover you. You need to talk it over with your parents, your doctor and your school. This is not a decision that you can make by yourself. Once your medical problem is sorted out then life may brighten up for you, but as I used to say to my children ‘into every life a little rain must fall’. Sorry to be so blunt, but sometimes life is very unfair. There will be other opportunities xx
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