1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

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

Posted by kathyhg @kathyhg, Feb 27, 2020

Is anyone doing anything differently to protect themselves now that we are facing the reality of covid-19?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Jane S. Brown | @macjane | Apr 24, 2020

There are a lot of people keeping you in their prayers. Doing this on your own makes me think of how truly brave & strong you are. Be Safe and Take Care. Jane Brown

REPLY
Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @anniepie "@ginak Hi Gina. Yes I've watched how bad it got in Italy and other places in..." + (show)
@anniepie

@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

Jump to this post

Hi everyone! I am thinking of all of you, and pray you all remain safe from this virus. Hugs, Terri

REPLY
Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @irene5 "@rits I feel like I could have written what you just wrote! I don’t know what’s..." + (show)
@irene5

@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

Jump to this post

I cannot breathe in the N95 masks either. My lungs aren't strong enough to pull the oxygen through the mask. I just stay home.

REPLY
1 reply
ginak | @ginak | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @flib "@macjane I can't breath when wearing a mask. Anyone else having this difficulty or suggestions." + (show)
@flib

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

Jump to this post

I have the same problem. I find it helps a little if I breathe through my mouth. Also, If I find myself really struggling while exerting myself, I stop and concentrate on slow deep breaths until I feel a little better.

REPLY
ginak | @ginak | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @anniepie "@ginak Hi Gina. Yes I've watched how bad it got in Italy and other places in..." + (show)
@anniepie

@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

Jump to this post

@anniepie I’m glad you are able to get your deliveries. I was having such a hard time getting a delivery in my area, I finally gave up and went to the market myself. With my gloves and Clorox wipes and mask, (which fogs up because of my glasses, lol). I worry about the time we start to re-open. I think people will stop being vigilant and it will cause another “wave” of illness.
I’m sorry you’re so isolated, but you seem to still be in good spirits. I will keep you and the rest of us in my prayers.
And for anyone else with the fogging glasses problem, I heard if you fold a tissue and put it under the nose piece it stops the fogging. It works! Although if it moves you start getting little piece of tissue in your mouth! You have to be VERY careful with the folding and placement. LOL 😂

REPLY
2 replies
irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @windwalker "I cannot breathe in the N95 masks either. My lungs aren't strong enough to pull the..." + (show)
@windwalker

I cannot breathe in the N95 masks either. My lungs aren't strong enough to pull the oxygen through the mask. I just stay home.

Jump to this post

Smart woman!

REPLY
alleycatkate | @alleycatkate | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @ginak "@anniepie I’m glad you are able to get your deliveries. I was having such a hard..." + (show)
@ginak

@anniepie I’m glad you are able to get your deliveries. I was having such a hard time getting a delivery in my area, I finally gave up and went to the market myself. With my gloves and Clorox wipes and mask, (which fogs up because of my glasses, lol). I worry about the time we start to re-open. I think people will stop being vigilant and it will cause another “wave” of illness.
I’m sorry you’re so isolated, but you seem to still be in good spirits. I will keep you and the rest of us in my prayers.
And for anyone else with the fogging glasses problem, I heard if you fold a tissue and put it under the nose piece it stops the fogging. It works! Although if it moves you start getting little piece of tissue in your mouth! You have to be VERY careful with the folding and placement. LOL 😂

Jump to this post

@ginak ...Thank you for that wonderful tip on fogged glasses!!! Are you here in the US? (somehow I am thinking NY??) I am buying groceries online through Walmart. I drive to their designated parking spots and they come out and load them into my cargo space- no interaction whatsoever. I still do wear my mask as when they load they will lean into my SUV. It takes sometimes several days to get an order placed but keeps me out of the stores. Kate

REPLY
2 replies
lilypaws | @lilypaws | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @anniepie "@ginak Hi Gina. Yes I've watched how bad it got in Italy and other places in..." + (show)
@anniepie

@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

Jump to this post

First of all all your e-mails come in my suspected spam and I accidently erased them sorry I miss so much. This is Jeanie (lilyoaws) My thoughts go out to you. I also have an immune disease, but not as bad as you do. I can't go to the grocery store, but going to pick up my daughter today. My thoughts and prayers are sent your way. Don't use zoom, just skype. My husband is a security manager at Wells Fargo. It's very dangerous and can take info from your computer. I am going stir crazy too. I'm waiting to hear from Mayo Clinic to have a low back fuse from t-10, L5, and S-1. It's a big surgery, but can't wait to get it over with. They are thinking about opening elective surgeries up. Bless your heart it must be so hard for you. I do puzzles on my computer. I am in pain from my back and have to do an injection with a very small needle into my stomach to increase my bone mass. Sorry I'm talking about myself. Take care of yourself and pray.

REPLY
1 reply
ginak | @ginak | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @alleycatkate "@ginak ...Thank you for that wonderful tip on fogged glasses!!! Are you here in the US?..." + (show)
@alleycatkate

@ginak ...Thank you for that wonderful tip on fogged glasses!!! Are you here in the US? (somehow I am thinking NY??) I am buying groceries online through Walmart. I drive to their designated parking spots and they come out and load them into my cargo space- no interaction whatsoever. I still do wear my mask as when they load they will lean into my SUV. It takes sometimes several days to get an order placed but keeps me out of the stores. Kate

Jump to this post

@alleycatkate Yes, Kate, I’m in NYC. For more than a week, I tried for deliveries through Shoprite, Stop and Shop, Peapod, Instacart, Shipt, Costco and Key Food. I don’t have a Walmart near me. The nearest one is in NJ. I finally just gave up. My husband usually “gears up” and goes every other week. I haven’t even tried to order any more. But, honestly, I prefer to go, so I know EXACTLY how careful I’m being and getting exactly what I want. Lol. It really hasn’t been that bad. We go early.

REPLY
1 reply
lilypaws | @lilypaws | Apr 24, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "@flib Many people find it difficult to breathe in a mask, especially with any kind of..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@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

Jump to this post

I'm sorry Sue. this is Jeanie (lily0aws) I didn't read the question. I have been staying home, except to pick up a couple prescriptions where they bring the prescription to you and you don't have to get out of the car. Today though I have to pick up my daughter, I am immune is low. I will where a plain mask. I missed yesterday, because the notifications come into my spam and I forgot to forward it to my inbox. I am lucky I have a good husband, but he is so scared that I'm going to get to Covid-19. I'm having a big back surgery at Mayo clinic ( I live in Iowa) so it's out of network. The most I have had to pay is $650 for my Tymlos and injection to get my bones stronger. They are thinking about opening up the elective surgeries. I'm have anxiety, because I want to get it scheduled. Bless to all who suffers. Prayers are sent your way.

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.