Coughing is sooo embarassing for me!

[Rokiss12]

hey i totally understand! i go through mood swings where im like 'oh no! im going to upset everyone!' to 'ahh screw it, if they care then they shouldnt because they dont know me!'

haha but im almost always self concious in the movie theater. all i can say is, is that you should try and keep your head up...people who judge you don't matter, so just focus on yourself and not them

"people who matter don't care and the people that do care dont matter"

 

[jfarel]

Here are some things that help me. I was like you for a long time. The only thing that has worked has been getting the junk out of my chest beforehand. While I can't always do that, usually I'm able to nowdays. Hypertonic Saline will make you cough junk out if it is in your chest. Also the vest and exercise are a big help. If exercising always makes you cough, do it after your neb and vest and if it still makes you cough as it sometimes does with me, get some exercise equipment at home. Nowdays, I usually am able to get rid of the coughing by getting the junk out in the mornings afternoons and nights with my vest therapy. I do cough some during the day, but I don't usually have coughing fits like I used to. Also, I used to sometimes have a dry cough, but since starting Zithromax a few years ago that is gone.

 

[jfarel]

Here are some things that help me. I was like you for a long time. The only thing that has worked has been getting the junk out of my chest beforehand. While I can't always do that, usually I'm able to nowdays. Hypertonic Saline will make you cough junk out if it is in your chest. Also the vest and exercise are a big help. If exercising always makes you cough, do it after your neb and vest and if it still makes you cough as it sometimes does with me, get some exercise equipment at home. Nowdays, I usually am able to get rid of the coughing by getting the junk out in the mornings afternoons and nights with my vest therapy. I do cough some during the day, but I don't usually have coughing fits like I used to. Also, I used to sometimes have a dry cough, but since starting Zithromax a few years ago that is gone.

 

[jfarel]

Here are some things that help me. I was like you for a long time. The only thing that has worked has been getting the junk out of my chest beforehand. While I can't always do that, usually I'm able to nowdays. Hypertonic Saline will make you cough junk out if it is in your chest. Also the vest and exercise are a big help. If exercising always makes you cough, do it after your neb and vest and if it still makes you cough as it sometimes does with me, get some exercise equipment at home. Nowdays, I usually am able to get rid of the coughing by getting the junk out in the mornings afternoons and nights with my vest therapy. I do cough some during the day, but I don't usually have coughing fits like I used to. Also, I used to sometimes have a dry cough, but since starting Zithromax a few years ago that is gone.

 

[EnergyGal]

I did the same thing that you did Jfarel. Before I would go out on a date, I would spend hours clearing my lungs with a double therapy session back to back. I would exercise and exercise and huff and puff until there was no more stuff. It worked, most of the time, I did not cough for hours.

Once I was comfortable with someone, I no longer thought about it but still kept up my routine.

 

[EnergyGal]

I did the same thing that you did Jfarel. Before I would go out on a date, I would spend hours clearing my lungs with a double therapy session back to back. I would exercise and exercise and huff and puff until there was no more stuff. It worked, most of the time, I did not cough for hours.

Once I was comfortable with someone, I no longer thought about it but still kept up my routine.

 

[EnergyGal]

I did the same thing that you did Jfarel. Before I would go out on a date, I would spend hours clearing my lungs with a double therapy session back to back. I would exercise and exercise and huff and puff until there was no more stuff. It worked, most of the time, I did not cough for hours.

Once I was comfortable with someone, I no longer thought about it but still kept up my routine.

 

[Emily65Roses]

I understand what you're saying. I have my moments... usually in class, or something similar.

But Amy makes a good point, you need to accept it. It sucks, but it's there.

You can try some of the suggestions, doing extra therapy, etc. But eventually there will come a time when even those won't help much. So while you're throwing in some extra drugs or vest time (or whatever), also work on your mindset.

If people don't like it, it's THEIR problem, not yours. What Kate said is right, about the people who matter thing. Try to keep it in the back of your head somewhere. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Emily65Roses]

I understand what you're saying. I have my moments... usually in class, or something similar.

But Amy makes a good point, you need to accept it. It sucks, but it's there.

You can try some of the suggestions, doing extra therapy, etc. But eventually there will come a time when even those won't help much. So while you're throwing in some extra drugs or vest time (or whatever), also work on your mindset.

If people don't like it, it's THEIR problem, not yours. What Kate said is right, about the people who matter thing. Try to keep it in the back of your head somewhere. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Emily65Roses]

I understand what you're saying. I have my moments... usually in class, or something similar.

But Amy makes a good point, you need to accept it. It sucks, but it's there.

You can try some of the suggestions, doing extra therapy, etc. But eventually there will come a time when even those won't help much. So while you're throwing in some extra drugs or vest time (or whatever), also work on your mindset.

If people don't like it, it's THEIR problem, not yours. What Kate said is right, about the people who matter thing. Try to keep it in the back of your head somewhere. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Debi]

Good advice on the treatments, water, something to suck on. The only thing I would add is that in some situations it helps to make a simple statement to those you are with that you have a lung condition that causes the cough, and that you are actually okay. Don't jump down my throat and tell me it's none of their business. I said in <b>some</b> situations, not every time you cough or every time a stranger looks at you when you do. Use your judgment. Sometimes people are just concerned and worried that you are going to pass out or something when you have a bad episode. It's your way of letting them know you appreciate their concern and that they don't need to worry. I'm not advocating this for every time you cough, but if you have one of those bad cf coughing fits, it helps to reassure those you are with.

Also, we are always posting on this forum how much it bothers us when people with viruses are coughing all around us at work, the movies etc. Well, what do you think they must feel like when we have a coughing fit? They are worried they are going to catch something from us - they don't know we aren't contagious cuz they don't know we have cf.

Anyway, everyone needs to do what's comfortable for them, and I just wanted to share what I have done throughout my life.

Debi
54 w/cf

 

[Debi]

Good advice on the treatments, water, something to suck on. The only thing I would add is that in some situations it helps to make a simple statement to those you are with that you have a lung condition that causes the cough, and that you are actually okay. Don't jump down my throat and tell me it's none of their business. I said in <b>some</b> situations, not every time you cough or every time a stranger looks at you when you do. Use your judgment. Sometimes people are just concerned and worried that you are going to pass out or something when you have a bad episode. It's your way of letting them know you appreciate their concern and that they don't need to worry. I'm not advocating this for every time you cough, but if you have one of those bad cf coughing fits, it helps to reassure those you are with.

Also, we are always posting on this forum how much it bothers us when people with viruses are coughing all around us at work, the movies etc. Well, what do you think they must feel like when we have a coughing fit? They are worried they are going to catch something from us - they don't know we aren't contagious cuz they don't know we have cf.

Anyway, everyone needs to do what's comfortable for them, and I just wanted to share what I have done throughout my life.

Debi
54 w/cf

 

[Debi]

Good advice on the treatments, water, something to suck on. The only thing I would add is that in some situations it helps to make a simple statement to those you are with that you have a lung condition that causes the cough, and that you are actually okay. Don't jump down my throat and tell me it's none of their business. I said in <b>some</b> situations, not every time you cough or every time a stranger looks at you when you do. Use your judgment. Sometimes people are just concerned and worried that you are going to pass out or something when you have a bad episode. It's your way of letting them know you appreciate their concern and that they don't need to worry. I'm not advocating this for every time you cough, but if you have one of those bad cf coughing fits, it helps to reassure those you are with.

Also, we are always posting on this forum how much it bothers us when people with viruses are coughing all around us at work, the movies etc. Well, what do you think they must feel like when we have a coughing fit? They are worried they are going to catch something from us - they don't know we aren't contagious cuz they don't know we have cf.

Anyway, everyone needs to do what's comfortable for them, and I just wanted to share what I have done throughout my life.

Debi
54 w/cf

 

[Scarlett81]

I do manage usually to hold it till I get to a bathroom, or a private corner. (30 seconds or so...)
When I have these public embarassing-type coughs, they are so hard that I can't talk or even squeeze in one word. So I usually make light of it by giving a silly thumbs up, rolling my eyes, or doing an ok sign. Then people usually see I'm ok and they leave me alone.
I do think its rude for people to just stare at you while you cough-people always do that! What the h*ll is wrong with them? You shouldn't be staring at someone. I'm sure they are only worried, but its still rude. I have said to people-do you have a little staring problem?
You shouldn't restrain yourself from coughing though. Try to get over it. And this shouldn't be giving you so much trouble that you don't go out babe. Try to let it go. Actually-you shouldn't be coughing so much that its giving you that much of a daily problem. Maybe you need a tune up or should add an extra albuterol aerosal during the day to help you get through it without coughing so much.

 

[Scarlett81]

I do manage usually to hold it till I get to a bathroom, or a private corner. (30 seconds or so...)
When I have these public embarassing-type coughs, they are so hard that I can't talk or even squeeze in one word. So I usually make light of it by giving a silly thumbs up, rolling my eyes, or doing an ok sign. Then people usually see I'm ok and they leave me alone.
I do think its rude for people to just stare at you while you cough-people always do that! What the h*ll is wrong with them? You shouldn't be staring at someone. I'm sure they are only worried, but its still rude. I have said to people-do you have a little staring problem?
You shouldn't restrain yourself from coughing though. Try to get over it. And this shouldn't be giving you so much trouble that you don't go out babe. Try to let it go. Actually-you shouldn't be coughing so much that its giving you that much of a daily problem. Maybe you need a tune up or should add an extra albuterol aerosal during the day to help you get through it without coughing so much.

 

[Scarlett81]

I do manage usually to hold it till I get to a bathroom, or a private corner. (30 seconds or so...)
When I have these public embarassing-type coughs, they are so hard that I can't talk or even squeeze in one word. So I usually make light of it by giving a silly thumbs up, rolling my eyes, or doing an ok sign. Then people usually see I'm ok and they leave me alone.
I do think its rude for people to just stare at you while you cough-people always do that! What the h*ll is wrong with them? You shouldn't be staring at someone. I'm sure they are only worried, but its still rude. I have said to people-do you have a little staring problem?
You shouldn't restrain yourself from coughing though. Try to get over it. And this shouldn't be giving you so much trouble that you don't go out babe. Try to let it go. Actually-you shouldn't be coughing so much that its giving you that much of a daily problem. Maybe you need a tune up or should add an extra albuterol aerosal during the day to help you get through it without coughing so much.