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I wish I felt a little better. Discouraged.

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Aug 18, 2020 | Replies (26)
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@kayskid

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I wonder if I became infected from potting soil as well. I do a lot of outdoor work and can't imagine wearing a mask while breathing hard to get a job done. The outdoor work is keeping me sane during the pandemic. My husband has Parkinson's Disease with dementia and getting outside is an enormous stress reliever. I am worried about low lymphocyte counts; wondering if it is caused by the infection or due to autoimmune issues.

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Replies to "Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I wonder if I became infected from potting soil as well...."
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Aug 15, 2020

Do what keeps you sane! If you cannot use a mask when handling potting soil; then try holding your breath when scooping it out. That's what I do. Gardening has been a life saver for my daughter and I. That, and adopting a dog that keeps up taking walks.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 15, 2020

@kayskid - I have an issue with masks while doing hard work too, but I make an exception when handling the potting soil. What I do though, is dump it in a large plastic tub, wet it down thoroughly and walk away to let any dust settle, then use it to fill my pots and baskets. Also, wood mulch can be a source of MAC, so I hire someone to spread it for me. Then, before I work the soil in an area that has the mulch, I wet down the mulch, rake it out of the way, do my planting or digging, then put it back. Just trying to be as safe as I can while getting the job done!
Sue

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