Would I be exempt from having to wear a mask?

[Westie2012]

I’ve just been diagnosed with having heart pauses of almost 6 seconds and I’m waiting to see the cardiologist , I can usually wear a mask without any problems however yesterday I was out shopping for longer than usual with more walking around different stores. I wasn’t feeling great yesterday but not that unwell to not go out. After a while I had to take my mask off so I could breathe better . I’m going to get a visor instead, just wondered if I’d be classed as being exempt from having to wear a mask as I don’t want to be questioned as to why I’m not wearing one. I have been told if I was 65 I’d need a pacemaker fitted immediately.

[Prada47]

Hello

Sorry can't answer your question with reference to the wearing of a face mask, but just like to comment on your 6 sec pauses . Mine was pausing for 3 seconds which I found off putting so I sympathise with you !!

I was switched from 10mg to 7.5 mg Bisoprolol which has really reduced the frequency of the pauses and my Heart Rate has picked up. I do take Entresto which my Heart Nurse has suggested may be remodelling my Heart so that may be helping to. I do fit the criteria for a pacemaker but Cardiologist is holding off for now !!!

Just wishing you well on your Journey through this maze of Heart Problems.

Hands Face Space to stay Safe

[Westie2012 in reply to Prada47]

Thank you, how do you feel when you have a pause? This is all very new to me so all unknown territory.

[Prada47 in reply to Westie2012]

Hi

I have had a few problems with my Heart bigeminy, trigeminy and a miss every beat (anyone know the name for this ) which resulted in a quick stay in Hospital ! My pauses follow a bout of any of the three Bi Tri or every other one. Mostly at night when lying down.

I knew I had pauses before the Holter showed them I pushed the button on the Holter most of the time when I was experiencing a pause !

I knew it wasn't a run of Ectopic beats it just felt different like it had stopped I know that's not very informative, but it felt like it had stopped. My Heart Failure Nurse explained it like this. " if it stops you know and anyone around you will know your heart has stopped, a Pause and only you know " In a way it gave me some comfort it was just a pause and not an arrest.

I can only try to explain it as when you know it's paused you are thankful it picked up and you can hear the next run of beats lol

ps I am 73 but I think I am in reasonable Health

Hands Face Space to Stay safe

[Speakeazi]

Just a general note about visors. They have a lot of space around the face which means the damned virus can get in quite easily. When you wear one, take care to stand away or not behind those who are smaller than you- when you breathe out the breath/any virus present will come out of the visor in a chute. Take care

[Westie2012 in reply to Speakeazi]

Thank you

[Mikedabike]

I have to stress this is my own opinion and not based on any scientific knowledge. If I had trouble breathing and I felt I could not wear a mask, then I would not wear one. It’s as simple as that. I am a firm believer in good hygiene with soap and water and also normal social distancing. Here is the UK government link gov.uk/government/publicati...

[Qualipop]

Just remember that although a mask is meant to protect others, it does offer some slight protection to you as well by lowering the virus load you may get. You can get a silicone shape that fits inside a mask to hold it away from your nose and mouth. They have clips for the disposable masks but you'd have to sew it into a fabric one. search for mask brackets on amazon but check delivery,, whether they come from China or amazon.