COVID-19 and MAC: What are you doing differently to protect yourself?

@macjane I can't breath when wearing a mask. Anyone else having this difficulty or suggestions.

What type of mask are you using?

@flib Many people find it difficult to breathe in a mask, especially with any kind of diminished lung function. It is not your imagination as one man here tried to tell another - the fabric inhibits the movement of air - exactly as it is intended to do. I certainly prefer to be without one, but am able to just push through it. My masks are made of two layers of sturdy quilting cotton, pleated in front, with elastic around the head. They are approximately the same in permeability as the surgical masks (not N95 respirator mask.)
N95 masks are another matter - I truly do struggle to breathe through those, which severely limits my pleasure in working in the garden, where I wear it when digging in or scratching on the soil due to my lung issues. My daughter, an ER nurse, suggested wearing your mask as much as you can stand, even around the house, to build up your ability to breathe through it - that is what they counsel new employees who have trouble tolerating it.
I hope you find a solution that works for you, as I believe many of us will be wearing masks in public for a good while.
Sue

@sueinmn That is a very good suggestion Sue. I really struggle to breathe when wearing a mask. Thank you for the info. irene5

@alleycatkate I hope she continues to be great, she and her team are smart thank goodness.

@anniepie , woops I meant we are going from leven 4 to level 3 on tues then in another 2 weeks to level 2 all going well.

I tried using masks that are given out at doctors' offices. I think they are called procedure masks. I wore one in my elevator and also the time I went to the grocery store about 5 weeks ago. I have severe copd in addition to bronchiectasis and had a lot of trouble with the mask. Without a mask, I was very anxious in the elevator but I need to take my doggie out 3x a day so I needed a solution.

Then, I remembered that I had purchased a n95 bio scarf last fall to wear outside to keep me from inhaling smoke, fumes, etc. It is made from the same thick, non porous fabric as a n95 mask and I couldn't breathe through it at all. Also, it moved a lot so I stuck it in a drawer. But now, I have figured out how to use it for my particular situation.

It's very long and I wrap it around my neck leaving a pocket in the front which I pull up as high as my nose. It's loose so I don't know how much good it is doing except it blocks anything right in front of my face. When I feel someone is too close, I hold the pocket close to my face so it covers my mouth and nose just like a mask. When I feel safe again, I let it go. It blocks my breathing for a short time and only when it's necessary.

Also, I wear a glove on my left hand but leave my right one bare and I only touch the scarf with my right hand. I use the gloved hand for elevator buttons doors, etc. The good news is that rarely is anyone in the elevator and we are all encouraged to wear masks anywhere in the building. The few times someone attempted to ride with me I insisted on riding alone.

I feel much less anxiety using the scarf. And I really need to be able to breathe without anything blocking me. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

@rits I feel like I could have written what you just wrote! I don’t know what’s worse - the anxiety if I don’t wear one or not being able to breathe if I do. This is all very interesting. I really thought I was the only person who couldn’t breathe with a mask! My son had brought us some excellent N95 masks. The one time I wore one I almost had a panic attack because I couldn’t breathe! I have a cloth one with a filter that is better. I don’t have any suggestions for you, but at least we aren’t alone. irene5

Rits. The last time I ventured out to the market in mid March, I wore an n95 mask and almost passed out. I had to leave the store leaning over the shopping cart. I also have afib and found my heart beating unusually fast either due to labored breathing or anxiety or both. I have not been to the market since. I have been using a grocery delivery service.
I ask myself the question of whether I will return to work when my state opens up for business. I feel that even by June it will be too uncertain. And I am most especially concerned about the fall and flu season and the 2nd wave of the virus.
My pulmonologist has recommended that I not be out in public.
I fervently hope that we all stay well and are able to avoid this virus and that there will be a vaccine available soon. Much love to all of you.

@ginak Hi Gina. Yes I've watched how bad it got in Italy and other places in Europe, then New York and other parts of the USA. I've been thinking about and praying for people where you are Gina. So sad to hear about it all -- it's truly frightening, and truly sad.
It's awful to think that in many places this has only been the 'First Wave' of this virus. It could come back again later in a 2nd Wave, or 3rd, etc. Who knows if Australia and New Zealand will still be doing okay then.

For me it's almost like I was living in New York too because I can't leave the house at all. I've been in lock-down for months now because I have 2 immune deficiency diseases -- neutropenia and low globulins, I live alone, and nobody can come into my living space. I'm retired and don't work now. It get deliveries to the doorstep and wash everything down, and I have telephone and Zoom or Skype medical appointments. So I'm getting very 'stir crazy' (laugh). Thank God for this forum site.
I sypathisize so much with all of you in the US and Europe. Annie x