18 months ago, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease - pulmonary fibrosis as a complication of Rheumatoid Arthritis (or possibly from the treatment). My rheumatologist and respiratory consultant are working together to give me the best quality of life without exacerbating the lung disease. I know it's progressive, but I am naturally concerned to slow down the progression as much as possible.
I live in West London, a couple of hundred yards off a fairly busy high road. Another move would probably kill me, so that would be counter-productive, but I am getting out of London as often as possible, to get some fresher air.
I'm an artist and continuing to work is extremely important to me. I used to work in oils, wax and dyes. I have had to abandon those media. I still work in oils but water-water soluble ones without any solvents, as well as acrylics, charcoal and mixed media. I use watercolours a little, but always in conjunction with some other medium. My studio is small, but can be well ventilated via a skylight and sliding doors when weather permits.
I have read about Airlite Paint and wonder if anyone has experience of using this?
I also intend to purchase an air purifier, but need to make sure that it's compatible with the paint. And finally, I want to invest in the best possible mask.
If any artist has any helpful advice, I would be extremely grateful to hear from you.
Written by
Jora
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Sorry to hear your news and I hope you can still manage to paint in a medium you like.
I don't know much about different materials, but I did work in a very posh house in West London a few years ago. They had nice-looking (and quiet) air purifiers running in every room to combat air-borne pollution. I know this is what they were as a courier arrived bearing new filters for them.
I'm sorry, I can't, but judging by the owner, there was no expense spared! I think for me - apart from the quality of the filtration - the other important thing would be the sound level. I suppose if you're in a very noisy environment, or you listen to music all the time, it might not matter too much.
The other thing is the cost of the filters as I imagine you'd race through them in London. However, it's an investment in your health and quality of life so worth it I'm sure. You might find second-hand Blue Air on Ebay. I imagine the super-swish ones are often replaced by the latest models in some people's houses - you might find a bargain....
I have no idea about artists materials, I wouldn’t know an oil paint from a pastel.
However, like you I have ILD, I also have cats which my consultant always mutters about. I also live in a high pollution area.
I got a cheap air purifier to put in the sitting room was only about £35 and works a treat. I bought it to try with the thought I would upgrade but I’ve no need to, does what it says on the tin
I have a Queenty beside my bed . It says the filter should last 3-4 months. But that must depend on how polluted the environment is. How often do you change yours?
Thank you so much. A couple of questions, if you don’t mind, Judes:
1) Could you see the filter needed changing, or was it just manufacturer’s instructions? In the Summer, the building opposite was demolished and I expect there was a lot more dust then, despite double glazing.
2). Do you keep the purifier on the whole time? I read somewhere that unless you do, it has to deal with the build-up of pollution every time you switch it on.
I’m not quite sure what you mean by ‘some sort of level’, but currently this is my treatment:
Methojet 20 mg (pre ILD it was 25 mgs);
Prednisilone 12 mgs, folic acid 6/7; omeprazole; amitriptalyne 7/7; Vit D; Calcium; Carbocistein 375mgs x 2 daily; Co-trimoxazole 80/40prophalatic antibiotic; melatonin. I nebulise 2-3 times a day and also use a flutterer. I’m not doing any strenuous exercise at the moment, but am about to organise a programme with a physio. I am due to see my respiratory consultant in February. I’m afraid that the lung function test will show a deterioration as I’ve had two chest infections in the last six months, the last one
developing into Pleurisy. Not fun!
I don’t know if this ii has helped at all. I hope so.
Thank you for replying, my meds about the same as yours,I don’t take amitryptline or Melatonin. I have another prophylactic - Azithromycin and. I’m down to 7 mgm os prednisolone.
I’m currently getting used to Mycophenelate - 4 th week.
Was diagnosed last. November.
I seem to go from 1 thing to another. Also have lupus don’t know what’s caused what.
If you don’t get an answer about the paints,try again every few days. If the person with the knowledge isn’t on the forum that day,the post will be lost.so keep trying.hope you keep well over Christmas
Hi Jora. I too have rheumatoid along with bronchiectasis and have recently gone onto methotrexate, which really worries me in case I develop ILD. You said that you developed this possibly due to the treatment, could i ask if you are on methotrexate? I am the type of person that needs to know what to expect so am then prepared.
I’m on Methotrexate 20 mgs by pen. My respiratory consultant doesn’t think it was the MTX. I’d been on it for 6 years and she believes that it would have manifested itself sooner . So she thinks it was the Rheumatoid Arthritis itself. My Rheumatologist isn’t 100% convinced so I’m now on 20mgs ( I used to be on. 25mgs) and I’m being very carefully monitored, with blood tests every ten days. I currently on 12.5 mgs Prednisilone but am trying to get down to 10mgs.
I have Non-Specific interstitial Pneumonitis (NSIP) in its fibrotic form. This is one of the ILDs and mine is also related to rheumatoid arthritis. So I sympathise with the many issues you have.
For interest, my meds at the moment (after 7 years of many different changes) are Hydroxychloroquine, Mycophenolate, Pred (currently back down to 15mg after being increased to 40mg to control another flare, Co-Trimoxazole, Omeprazole etc).
I'm certiainly not a professional artist but took up painting 3 years ago. I can't be in the same room as white spirit/brush cleaner, so if I need that I use a jar outside.
My main disappointment was when I realised that charcoal was making me significantly breathless. I really enjoy using it so tried a few things and found that wearing a mask is very helpful and also being very careful when tipping off any excess and catching it on a cloth and shaking it outside. Also keep a bowl of water available to wash my hands. I think it's the loose charcoal that is the problem when you breathe it in. An air filter sounds a great idea. (I don't know about Airlite paints).
I hope you find something that helps so that you can work more comfortably.
I realise that it’s expensive to change medium, but I find the water soluble oil paints are way better than traditional ones. The pigments are strong, and one just washes brushes In soapy water. Unfortunately, if you introduce any traditional oil into the same painting, there will be a reversed molecular change and you will lose the water solubility . The fat over Lean rule applies, so you need to use special mediums. I Can’t have any turps , even Zest, near me.
I work a lot in charcoal, but now with a well fitting mask.
I check the filter every now and then and can tell when it needs changing. I would imagine it depends how much muck is in the air.
I generally have it on a couple of hours in the morning and again in the evening. I have cats and can tell when it needs
putting on as they can smell!
When I first thought about getting one was very sceptical, when I was first diagnosed was definitely in denial, but it does work. My chest certainly feels better, and the house doesn’t smell. 😁
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Advice please 🌿🐞
Charlie the artist 🎨 
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