I Can’t Believe They Said That!!!
From one patient to another, we have all had that moment
when we think to ourselves, “I can’t believe they said that!” Sometimes it is a stranger at the grocery
store, a coworker or the naïve family member.
Normally the closer the person is to you the more it hurts and the
longer it consumes your thoughts. It is
very difficult for others to understand what life is like living with a serious
medical condition. The purpose of this
post is for you to share with those most involved in your life. My hope is that it will be a gentle guide to
help the communication between you and them.
The following guidelines pertain specifically to Pulmonary Arterial
Hypertension (PAH).
What NOT to say…
- “You don’t look sick.” Just because we do not look sick does not mean that we are not feeling poor. This disease is a microscopic internal struggle between the heart and lungs. PAH affects millions of tiny blood vessels that branch off from the larger pulmonary artery that is connected to the heart. Every breath and heartbeat requires more energy for a PAH patient than for a healthy person.
- “It’s not that bad.” A patient struggles regularly to perform daily tasks that would otherwise be simple. This is incredibly frustrating and an emotional battle. We struggle with acceptance of the limitations that are placed on us by this disease. We struggle with the social embarrassments of needing to take breaks because of lightheadedness or turning blue when performing a task that requires an increase in oxygen. It is discouraging to be meet with non-sympathetic statements.
- “I know how you feel.” You do not know how we feel so please don’t say so. Our high blood pressure feels very different than the more common type of high blood pressure. We experience side effects from medications you have never taken. Multiple hospital stays, doctor visits and medical tests are physically draining. The way this disease affects us is individualized and it is impossible for you to know how we feel.
What to say…
- “I believe that you are sick.” Instead of telling someone that they don’t look sick, you should believe them. The way PAH affects the individual fluctuates day to day. On the worse days it is nicest to know that you’re believable. Denial of the impact of this disease is only harmful. Conveying that you believe the patient is sick allows us to feel that you are willing to fight this with us.
- “I’m sorry this is something you are going through.” Sympathy: the perception, understanding, and reaction to the distress or need of another human being. Telling us “It’s not that bad” while meant to be encouraging is actually naive. This disease is bad, life or death bad. To be encouraging say, “I’m sorry this is something you are going through.” It conveys sympathy to our situation. It is encouraging to know that our pain saddens you.
- “Help me understand.” While you may not know how the patient feels, you are able to be more supportive if you gain understanding of PAH. Listen to us talk about how diagnosis changed our life. Learn about the science of the disease. And one of the best things you can do to understand is attend a patient support group meeting. A few of my friends went with me in college and I clearly remember how enlightening it was for them and how supported I felt.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of what not to say and
what to say to a PAH patient. Please add
your own in the comment section below.
Remember share this article with your family and friends!
