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Sometimes Being a Shut-In is a Necessity

I have been a shut-in the past couple weeks and will probably continue for the future next couple of weeks. The weather here in Central Texas has been crazy. Temperatures are up and down almost daily. 80's one day, 50's the next. A week of cold drizzly rain, followed by mid 80's and windy (lately 30-40 mph). Add in the tree pollen being early this year and it is a flare-up waiting to happen. I made the mistake of going for a walk with my daughter and my two grandsons two weeks ago. The day was nice. 74 for a high, slight breeze. But I forgot to check the pollen count. Turns out Oak pollen was high, and the winds picked up almost as soon as we started the walk to a nearby park. By the time we got back it was almost two hours outside. I enjoyed the time with my family, but I paid for it the next day and the following week. I flared from the pollen and spent the next 7-10 days coughing and having a rough time breathing. I finally kicked it and have stayed indoors since. Oak pollen is over 12,000 today and predicted to go higher in the next week. Also, next week (Monday and Tuesday) are predicted to be in the 90's. A little too early for that summer heat. So, I will be staying indoors until the pollen is over and the temps stabilize. Always be aware of outside conditions before going out and avoid something that could cause a flare up. Something I neglected to do and paid the price for my own oversight. Take Care everyone and God Bless.

  1. Hi - you know how much we appreciate your contributions here, and this post is no exception! It's always good to keep in mind everything you have shared here. I imagine, it would have been just as enjoyable to spend those two hours indoors and not have been exposed to the elements, such as they were. I imagine your daughter and grandsons would have enjoyed that sort of indoor time as well! It's better for everyone, in your family, when your health is preserved and protected.
    I'm with you on that!
    Warmly,
    Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

    1. Happy to be able to help, Dminor. I think many of us have been there, too. I know I have. I can easily ignore the wise choice and move ahead to do what I'd like to do rather than consider what might happen afterwards. Like you, I've paid that price and have tried to reduce my headstrong desires when it just isn't practical. Sometimes, it's hard to give in to illness!
      Have a good night!
      Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

    2. That is called a learning curve, and it is how we learn our limitations. That is what makes these experiences so important. Barbara Moore (Moderator)

  2. so sorry this happened to you too! Georgia has been receiving most of the weather that you in Texas have had. Yes, like you I was out and about just enjoying the weather and did not pay attention to the pollen count. Well I am hanging out with you, sad I was not enjoying it with the grandkids though. I also had to go a week with out allergy meds so the new allergist could test me again for it had been 15yrs. Needless to say, I did it, I failed on everything that grows outside along with dust/dust mites. Just like I said, but hey she did now added cats to my list of allergies LOL. Did get new meds, they have helped, but was already bad enough in the lungs I had to jump on the antibiotics and steroids again. Sure glad that the steroid I take (Dexamethasone) is a fast worker compared to others. So hanging out in house unless there somewhere I have to be, the weather forecasters are predicting Easter this should be over by, we shall see. I will have to leave the house before then, you bet mask on walking out the door and making sure the cars air/heat is set for "recycle inside air" hoping not to add more pollen being blown at me. Hey do they make HEPA filters for cars??? Just asking for a friend LOL... Hope this is over soon so we all can be back out enjoying. Feel better

    1. Hi Dminor - all good here!
      I know what you mean - my 2001 Tahoe's cabin filter is a nuisance to access - I don't bend like that anymore so, I leave it for the mechanic! I've seen staged filtration for that application, but not HEPA per se.
      I know what you mean about the Rogue - we had one too (2019), and that one was easier to change
      The newer model year cars do seem to have the HEPA applications and can be more favorably priced. I guess you are behind the proverbial 8-ball with that Mazda - I get it!!
      Keep at it Dminor - you are doing fine!! You appear to have everything covered, too!
      All the best,
      Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

    2. Awesome on the programs, I too am using one right now for my Trelegy, costly little bugger 😀 On May 11th I will find out if I am still allergic Penicillin or not. Had no idea there was a test for that. Hoping for a NO not allergic that will be something amazing also. Take Care

  3. Ah, Texas weather! If you don't like it, just wait a minute. Y'all who can take NSAIDS and allergy meds are lucky! I can't take NSAIDS and I am deathly allergic to antihistamines. So, fun! I have tried to spend some time sitting on the back porch to get some sun and warmth, but it has been somewhat erratic! Again this morning I woke up sneezing my brains out and having what I can already tell is going to be a bad breathing day, of which I have had a bunch these past couple of weeks. Aargh! I am stubborn, though, so I will be back out there on the back porch about lunchtime, at least for a little while. It has been seriously windy every day, but this morning seems calmer, especially after last night's storms. I was trying to watch the CMT awards last night and some stupid self-important weather chick drowned out an hour of it right in the middle, due to area storms with tornadoes, and there is no evidence any touched down, so she drowned out some good music (it was held right here in Austin!) for no good reason. The part I got to see was a great show, though! And we didn't get a drop of rain, though it was pretty windy. But it is that time of year around here, so I know there's more coming. But I will get more sun, though no walks. I can't go any distance out there without my walker or rollator, so it really isn't worth it to me. Oh, well. I do also plan to dig around in the shed for some stuff I've been trying to find. I was actually up on ladder in there last week, but I had a helper for safety. My dizziness is not improving, so I have to limit that. I do have more fall prevention therapy about to start, as apparently the world seems to be spinning too fast right now! Oh, well. Y'all be safe.

    1. Hey, be sure to watch their videos on their YouTube channel. I am hooked and watch them just about daily. Esp. the Catalina Island show. It's just awesome. These guys are consummate musicians, and the best in the world!!!
      Yeah, Mold is kicking me today, and oak. Been sneezing until I am approaching headache territory. Breathing not too good either, but doing extra breathing treatments. Be safe there. Later.

    2. Take Care, kloker.X

  4. Hi Dminor9, I would like to say Thankyou for your knowledge and kindness, and also to Leon, take care.X

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