brit 14 Posted October 12, 2017 It all started out with the normal stuffy nose and cough. I thought it was just allergies because the weather was starting to change. Then the next day I had horrible chest congestion that left me coughing all day, which lead me to go get checked out. I went to a minute clinic and they diagnosed me with a viral infection, not much they could do, except recommend over the counter medicine. I had been home for the weekend, and the next day I was going back to my college. When I went back I noticed that I was getting very exhausted easily and I was having period of feeling shortness of breath. I thought it was just anxiety and tried to wave it off. That night in my dorm I really felt I could not breathe. I was very light headed and I started panicking. I thought maybe it was a panic attack coming on, even though I haven't dealt with one in a while. I ended up calling my cousin and telling her what was going on and she proceeded to tell my aunt. Long story short, the next day brought my uncle coming to pick me up from my dorm and bringing me to an urgent care close by. At the urgent care place I told them what was going on and they gave me a chest X-Ray. Turns out I have pneumonia (exactly what I need when I can't afford to miss my classes and just got a new job). I ended up not going to class that day. I had to go to class today though since I had exams. It wasn't too bad, but I've noticed as the day goes by the harder it is for me to breathe. Right now, it is 1:30 in the morning and I am having the hardest time going to sleep. Tonight is definitely the worst it's been and when I lay down it gets so much worse. Also on top of actually having shortness of breath from the pneumonia, I am also having anxiety, making everything so much worse. I have no idea what to do, especially because I'm limited since I'm on my school's campus. I wish I could just be home, but I have to be stuck here in my dorm. I know pneumonia is a serious thing and should not be taken lightly, and rest is a very important step in recovering but I can't miss my classes. Also to even get my meals, I have to walk across campus and go up a flight of stairs to the cafeteria. I just don't know what to do or how to calm myself down, especially when I constantly feel I cannot breathe. I hate being here on campus and I'm terrified my pneumonia is going to get worse. My chest right now is so tight and it burns and I'm so dizzy. I have no idea what to do and I'm so scared and I'm all alone. Has anyone else had to go through this? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Holls 1505 Posted October 12, 2017 I'm so so sorry!!!!!! I wish I could some how help you. It definitely sounds like your anxiety is very high over the situation, good thing about that is you get to control it.. just try and talk yourself down... Remember you are doing your best when it comes to taking care of yourself as well as balancing classes and work. That's a lot! I think you should take one good day off from everything and sleep sleep sleep.. maybe if you can when you go get food make an early run and get something for the entire day?? Or can your room mates or half mates help you and bring something back? You will get through this. Hugs. I hope you start feeling better really soon. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike L 86 Posted October 12, 2017 This is nothing more than the pneumonia and the stress on top of the of being a student. Rest, fluids, and your doctors advice and you'll be just fine! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brit 14 Posted October 14, 2017 Thank you both for the advice! It's been pretty tough and the pneumonia still hasn't let up, so I'm thinking I'll take another trip to the doctor's. I just hope it goes away soon because it's starting to affect my academic performance and has taken a lot of energy from me. Unfortunately, at my school there can be no food taken out of the cafeteria so I have to walk there and up the stairs (which definitely has been tough). But I'm hoping it'll start to get better soon! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Holls 1505 Posted October 15, 2017 23 hours ago, brit said: Thank you both for the advice! It's been pretty tough and the pneumonia still hasn't let up, so I'm thinking I'll take another trip to the doctor's. I just hope it goes away soon because it's starting to affect my academic performance and has taken a lot of energy from me. Unfortunately, at my school there can be no food taken out of the cafeteria so I have to walk there and up the stairs (which definitely has been tough). But I'm hoping it'll start to get better soon! Sorry. I'm sure walking upstairs and having to attend class is hard.. idk how you are doing it all. Sometimes we just don't have a choice . I hope you are feeling better and have found some time to rest. Take care of yourself. Hugs. Let us know how you are doing. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NervUs 140 Posted October 15, 2017 Can you go to the health center? I don't know anything about your college, but my college had a few beds in the health center for very sick students that really needed rest. It was actually my campus job to run over to the dining services and bring their meals to them! If you have pneumonia, your professors will understand that you need to make up exams and you really shouldn't have to go through all you're going through. Please talk to someone on campus and find out what services they offer to students! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
