Fear of going out

What kind of trouble do you have with masks as this would be your first line of defense particularly when in crowded areas, traveling etc. When we all had to wear masks everywhere I found two “tools” I used which helped. One was a small open plastic insert which goes between your mouth and the mask, the other is a band to attach the straps to so it goes behind your head instead of pulling on your ears.

It's hard to breathe

This is the mask insert from my comment earlier although I have one which goes inside the mask.

I had those when COVID was bad but got rid of them. I wonder if Walmart still has them.

Do you nebulize with 7% saline? I would time it to nebulize just before going out and then maybe do the pm nebulizing earlier than usual. Just in case, the mask insert doesn't help.

I wish I could help. I have this same problem with masks. COVID was a real challenge!

I'm on 3% saline 2 time a day. Morning and night.

Prior to going to NJH, I was on 3% temporarily taking a break from 7% per my local ID doctor. My local pulmonologist was against me going on 3% and when I got to NJH, they were quite adamant about me getting back on 7%. So, I've been back on 7% since May and all is good. Lots of people find the 3% too harsh-so maybe that's why you use 3%.

NJH doctor also recommended that I nebulize before I swim in the morning. I just figured; it's a good idea to nebulize before going out. I totally understand, I have reactive airway disease, BE, and MABs-I wear a mask practically everywhere. I agree, I sure don't want to catch anything on top of this.

It sounds like you're not on oxygen. Maybe get a portable oxygen concentrator and mask over that. At least you would be breathing in clean air. Just a thought. I've seen some small O2 concentrators. Just a thought. Maybe your doctor has some suggestions?

I'll talk to my doctor. Thank you. I appreciate what you told me.

When I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and MAC and Pseudomonas in 2018, I already had asthma and chronic bronchitis. I too was worried about catching other illnesses. My primary and my ID doc both told me to go out and LIVE MY LIFE. During Covid we kept a very small circle, but otherwise I have tried to live as normally as possible.
What does that mean? In close spaces and/or during flu season, I mask indoors. Outdoors any germs in the air are highly diluted by the great volume of air and unlikely to infect you.
Risk is a combination of the quantity of infectious material and the duration of exposure, so walking through a mall is low risk. Standing face to face indoors for a lengthy period is higher risk. Flying in a plane for hours even higher.
If you have difficulty wearing a mask but are healthy yourself look for one with a valve to make breathing easier.
Every person is different, but I value a full life over one "locked away" trying to stay safe, but feeling miserable.
What do you most wish that you could do? Can we help you figure out how to do it safely?