has this aggravated my emphysema ?

[paco19613]

hi all

it’s been a while , but i’ve been doing ok ….

just looking for some advice really although i have been getting some one to one with skatergirl who has helped me immensely recently , but also looking for your thoughts or advice on this ?

we had new conservatory windows & doors fitted yesterday and i was my normal slightly breathless self when i got up but as the day went on i got progressively worse and couldn’t understand why , so retreated to bed very early and started on my rescue pack .

whilst lying there i thought i’m wondering if the chemicals the guys have been using to clean the plastic & windows had caused this ? it must of been surely as the smell was really bad 🤮🤦‍♀️

so with that after advice of my dear friend here got hubby to open all doors & windows and also read up to put bowls of white vinegar & cut onion up to help the smell absorb overnight .

feeling better this morning but he needs to paint 🤦‍♀️ i’ll stay out of the way i think …..

my question is in situations like this in general everyday life would i benefit of getting an air purifier if i’m prone to getting so breathless i can barely walk ? my oxygen levels were low but kept going back up to 94/96 on rest .

what’s all your thoughts please guys ?

xxx

[Lol1944]

What I can say is I go out somewhere to avoid cleaning or polishing tasks. All decorating or say carpet replacement is done when I am on holiday. Not always possible but avoid ladies who use perfume. All these things do affect my breathing.

[paco19613 in reply to Lol1944]

yes thanks lol1944

i’m beginning to realise this 🙈but i’m still knew to all this and i’m just learning as i go but thanks to this site it’s deffo helping me .

[Mellywelly]

Anything that smells like that can irritate your airways and to be honest with it doesn't take much as I have stopped having air freshers, perfume only on the back of the neck and hairspray I spray then run quick 😅. Somebody who works in my local supermarket wears about half a bottle of aftershave and that can start me off. But anything regarding new jobs around the house be very wary of. It's getting warmer now so opening windows is your best bet. As for purifiers ask your pharmacist and they will let you know which is best. Good luck 👍

[paco19613 in reply to Mellywelly]

thanks i’ll go speak to them monday x

[Bingo88]

Good morning paco 19613. Hope your feeling better this morning. Ref the painting. If the tin says to wash brushes in water it is water based paint. Which is mainly all they make these days so you should not get many smells from the paint. Take care. Brian

[paco19613 in reply to Bingo88]

yes brian i’m feeling better thankyou , i wouldn’t want to feel like that again in a hurry but i’m sure as this awful disease progresses that’s exactly how i will be everyday which scares the life out of me 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[ilos in reply to paco19613]

It's that knowledge that wears you down pdchologically isn't it? Best wishes.

[paco19613 in reply to ilos]

couldn’t he more right

[Bingo88 in reply to paco19613]

Yes it is a frightening thought that we have to try and put out of our minds. I had a bad cough in January and the cold hit my chest when it was minus 5 one night and I started coughing and really struggled to get my breath which was a frightening experience. Take care. Hope the paint didn't cause too many problems for you. Brian

[paco19613 in reply to Bingo88]

feeling bit better thanks brian it’s just educating ourselves a bit more i think and bring more aware of these things we used to take for granted x

[B0xermad]

Definitely would think it be that,we had a window fitted last year and it affected my breathing for a couple of days

[paco19613 in reply to B0xermad]

thanks confirmed 👍

[Alberta56]

Good luck in avoiding all the various smells sent to plague us. I used to scuttle past the perfume departments in stores or Duty Frees. Nice smells can be as much of a problem as nasty ones. Your respiratory team should be ready to monitor you and prevent your breathing deteriorating any time soon. I don't think they will let you get as bad as you were the other day.

[paco19613 in reply to Alberta56]

hi alberta56

apart from my dr & resp nurse i don’t have a team as yet but i’m assuming as soon as i get on the pr course which hopefully will be in the next month i will have the full support i need thanks x

[Alberta56 in reply to paco19613]

As Littlepom tells us all, if you don't get the support you need, keep plugging away. I hope the PR course will provide you with plenty of information about where and who to go to if you need support at any time. I know I can contact the PR nurses here in Essex if I need anything. Very good luck. xxx

[paco19613 in reply to Alberta56]

i’m hoping i do get that support thanks x

[Homely2]

Matt paint is fine for me, silk is a bit dodgy, full on oil based paint is horrible. Personally I would go out for the day if somebody was painting and have the house aired before returning

[strongmouse]

Hi, It is possible to react to new windows and the chemicals needed to fit them. Good advice from your friend re onions. and as far as possible open windows to allow everything 'to air off'. It can take a while, but the first few days are worst.

I use HEPA air filters which are good for dust mites and pollen. Amazon do some relavitely cheap, but air filters for chemicals can be more expensive. Air filters with charcoal in them can be good for absorbing smells.

Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) are given off by new plastics, which can cause problems. It depends on which chemicals you are reacting to. The air filter description should tell you what it is used for. "Healthy House" website have good information on their website about the different types of air filters but their products are expensive.

[paco19613 in reply to strongmouse]

that’s really good advice & info thanks so much , im sure it was the chemicals that they were using to clean all the plastic & windows off with …. going to look into those websites thou 👍

[Solily]

I feel that when you have any lung issues or allergies that the slightest fumes or smells can aggravate the sinuses and or lungs. We just got two new recliners and started noticing burning in my nostrils and a slight cough.... I am sure it's from the chemicals in the fabric. Hopefully soon I can open the windows in the room where the recliners are. Right now we are dealing with very cool temperatures .... too cool to open windows ... right now only 50F!!

[Alberta56 in reply to Solily]

I remember what a nasty shock it was when we got our lovely new sofa. It was beautiful and it was trying to poison me. I think it was the fire-proofing chemicals that did it.

[paco19613 in reply to Alberta56]

omg i can imagine x

[Patk1]

It sounds like it was the smells/chemicals plus high pollen.if yr ok,I'd b reluctant to take rescue meds.i increase salbutamol and fostair for shortish events x