Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has its challenges, but they’re not always visible to others. Some days, for example, it feels like a plastic bag is suffocating me. That’s how I described my breathing difficulties when my durable medical equipment company denied me oxygen because it was a “luxury.” Many people struggle to understand my reality because I don’t appear sick.
With PH, even simple tasks like showering, doing laundry, and running errands can be daunting. Yet the judgmental stares I receive when I use an accessible parking pass are disheartening. That’s always a lovely start to my shopping experience. (Hear the sarcasm?) Depending on how I feel that day, I’ll either approach the situation with anger or use it as an opportunity to educate others on PH.
But explaining the severity of this disease is difficult, especially when the symptoms aren’t visible. People may assume I’m lazy or entitled if they’re unaware of my daily struggles. At times, even those close to me have doubted the seriousness of my condition because of how I look on the outside. It’s isolating, and I’ve lost some fair-weather friends.
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The invisible symptoms of PH
Even if you can’t see it, I want you to know how PH feels. Every day for the past 19 years, I’ve experienced the challenges and burdens of this often-invisible illness. Some mornings, I wake to find myself entangled in my oxygen tubing. I live with shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and a constant fear of my illness progressing. It’s a weight I’ve learned to carry, but it can be overwhelming.
Some days I feel as if I’m drowning in my own body. My lungs struggle to take in enough oxygen, leaving me gasping for air and feeling like I’m suffocating. From the outside, you might not even notice. But inside, it’s a constant battle.
Despite the challenges, I’ve learned to find joy and meaning in my life with PH. It’s forced me to slow down and appreciate the little things, like taking a short walk on a sunny day or spending time with loved ones. I’ve also found support and community through online PH forums and groups. It’s affirming to connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with an invisible illness.
Dealing with emotional and mental effects
But there are days when the weight of PH feels too heavy to bear. When my body is weak and uncooperative, or I have to cancel plans because of fatigue or pain, I allow myself to feel frustrated and angry. But then I remind myself to be grateful for what I have and what I can do.
I may have a rare disease, but it does not define me. It’s just one part of who I am, and I refuse to let PH — or the judgment of others — hold me back from living my life to the fullest. I may have limitations, but I also have determination and resilience. Even if others don’t understand my struggles, I will continue to PHight for my health and happiness.
For anyone with a chronic illness like PH, know you are not alone. Your struggles are valid, visible or not, and your strength is admirable. Together, we can lift one another up and advocate for better understanding and support for those with invisible illnesses. Let’s change the rare and chronic disease narrative and show the world who we really are.
Note: Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Hypertension News or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary hypertension.
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