I am affected
By Gabs
@gabs8513 (48686)
United Kingdom
April 16, 2010 3:10pm CST
I am not a happy Birthday right now, this thing with the Volcano is affecting me in a bad way
At first I was wondering what is going on with me, because the slightest thing and my Breathing is so laboured it is scaring me, when I walk with Gissi (who is also having Problems) I have to use my Inhaler all the time as my Breathing goes, just making a coffee is hard I was talking to a Friend on the Phone tonight, I was not able to talk properly I had to keep stopping and then carry on
My Neighbour then asked me if I had not seen on the News that this Cloud which has come here from the eruption of the Volcano in Iceland will more then likely affect People with Asthma and all chest and Lung Problems, no I did not see that bit but it explains now why I have been like this since yesterday
It hurts when I breathe to but that will be down to my Lungs expanding at the moment of course this is not helping me at all
I just hope this will pass over soon, as I do not like this lack of getting my Breath and the horrible cough that is with it
So has anyone else been affected by this in any way?
10 people like this
31 responses
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
16 Apr 10
Gabs, is today your birthday? If so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I know you said this is not a happy birthday but everyone needs to be acknowledged on their birthday. It's their very own special day, you know. 
We had the same thing happen here, except that it was not a volcano affecting the air, it was a HUGE brush fire in another State north of us. What I did was wear a dust mask while I was outside and made sure to keep my windows closed until the air quality got better. Believe me, the mask helped!
I noticed quite a few other people wearing them at the time, too. Is there a way you can get some masks? Hardware stores sell them as well as medical supply shops.
I wish there was a doggie mask for our furry friends but I've never heard of them. I doubt they'd keep them on very long even if they were available.
I'd suggest, other than the mask, that you stay inside as much as possible. I hope this passes quickly! Let's hope the wind shifts so the ash goes in another direction. Please take care!
We had the same thing happen here, except that it was not a volcano affecting the air, it was a HUGE brush fire in another State north of us. What I did was wear a dust mask while I was outside and made sure to keep my windows closed until the air quality got better. Believe me, the mask helped!
I noticed quite a few other people wearing them at the time, too. Is there a way you can get some masks? Hardware stores sell them as well as medical supply shops.
I wish there was a doggie mask for our furry friends but I've never heard of them. I doubt they'd keep them on very long even if they were available.
I'd suggest, other than the mask, that you stay inside as much as possible. I hope this passes quickly! Let's hope the wind shifts so the ash goes in another direction. Please take care!
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
16 Apr 10
Hi Marty
The Mask is not helping me it is horrible, the only window I have open is the Bedroom one as I can not sleep with the Window shut I seem to stop breathing
I just hate this I really do
Sorry about the Confusion I never even noticed it till I was tagging the Discussion, I was just not with it lol
My Birthday is not till June lol
My Meds have been increased but if no better by Monday I have to call them back if I get worse over the Weekend I have to go to emergency
Hugs
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
16 Apr 10
Ah, I just saw that it isn't your birthday. I was kind of excited because mine was two days ago and it would've been so cool! Dragon, dzzy, me and you, all within four days of each other! Anyway, I will wish you a happy birthday, whenever it is! 
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
16 Apr 10
Man, am I forgetful!!! I wanted to suggest that you contact your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. There may be something they could suggest or do for you while the air quality is so bad.
1 person likes this
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
16 Apr 10
Hi Gaby. As if you didn't have enough on your plate! There isn't much you can do about this, apart from wearing a mask and trying to keep indoors until it passes.
I know our airports are filled with people not being able to fly into London and other places in Europe because of cancelled flights.
Please be careful.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
16 Apr 10
Hi Cloud I can't stay in I have to take your little Nephew out so I am forced to go out
I tried the Mask, not helping, this is scaring me a bit because this breathing is awful
The coughing is driving me crazy and it hurts
The Flights might start again tomorrow but nothing for sure
Big Hugs to you
2 people like this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
17 Apr 10
?Happy Birthday to you?
?Happy Birthday to you?
?Happy Birthday Dear Gabs?
?Happy Birthday to you?
?And many more?
Sorry its not happier for you. I read about the volcanic ash and how bad it is, I can't imagine it. Take care, hope it dissapates soon and you feel better even sooner. Stay in as much as you can.
2 people like this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Sure I can send you a song again in June. My birthday is in June too, June 27, shhh don't tell anyone, I am going to be 49 yrs. old. I bet you thought I was nutty putting question marks on each sentence. When I typed the response I put the little music symbals, I have no idea what happened to them. To make them you press alt, hold it, then press 14, you let go and the music symbal is there. I hope the ash gets better real quick, I bet it is scary.
it should have said Person not Birthday but will you sing to me again June 
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
17 Apr 10
No, but I"m also in the USA. Just a thought that might help ...........do you take Vitamin E ?
I understand it's good for the lungs and helps with breathing capacity.
It has many other uses but you should look it up and maybe give it a try.
I haven't heard about a volcano but don't guess I would.
Take care and use a dust mask too?
many big hugs,
quita
2 people like this
@sulsisels (1685)
• United States
17 Apr 10
Hi Gabs..I feel so very bad for you..I can't imagine how difficult that must be for you, not to mention scary. Maybe try to stay in the house and only go out if its absoultely necessary like with Gissi..I wonder how long it will take for it to pass (the volcano residue) Please take care of yourself, stay calm and dont stress if possible. This will be over soon and you are going to be fine..I promise..Love and hugs J
2 people like this
@sulsisels (1685)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Gosh Gabs..Definately get the nurse there asap..I watched a piece on t.v. this morning about the volcano. It is just catastrophic. i could not believe the pictures. So, forgive me, its been a long time since school, but England would be about 11-1200 miles from Iceland? No wonder your so bad, especially being down wind. Wear your mask all the time even if it dosen't seem like its working. It is helping, believe me. Please let us all know how you make out tomorrow after nurse comes. Try not to stress as that will only make it worse. (I know thats easy for me to say, but really try not to) I'm worried about you and will be including an extra prayer for you & Gis tonight..Love J and Hounds
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
17 Apr 10
Belated birthday wishes hun, and miouw from Moomin.
I'm in the Midlands hun, and although we have had a couple of stunning sunsets, we don't seem to have been affected too much. I'm guessing that the cloud is likely to affect people, the particles are so fine that they aren't noticeable until you develop breathing problems.
Take it easy hun, hopefully it will pass over.
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
16 Apr 10
well, since I'm in the U.S. and the volcano is blowing your way, I'm not having a problem
Guess you and Gissi need to get masks to take walks with... I'm joking about Gissi, tho, since he wouldn't wear it if you put it on him!
Did ya hear the Doctor Who crew are stuck here in the States because the planes are grounded?
2 people like this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
17 Apr 10
Not here but I see on the news that it's grounded lots of flights etc as the dust gets in the propellers etc and the planes could crash...hopefully it will pass soon and you'll feel better. This pollination thing is getting to me....allergies!
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
17 Apr 10
iHOPE IT SOON GOES AWAY & U FEEL better. It's all over the news about airports having to close etc. Seem as if it's just one bad thing after another. Try to have a good weekend.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Sorry u aren't feeling better, Gabs. I was hoping u were.
1 person likes this
@momiecat (997)
• United States
17 Apr 10
Where do you live? I think you should go to the doctor if you are feeling that miserable. I am sorry you are not having a happy birthday but may be when you feel better you can celebrate then. It does not matter what day you celebrate but just that you celebrate at all is what counts. I used to hate my birthday but a girl at work told me what she does is set aside some money and then use it on her birthday to treat herself, like buy some new clothes, get a manicure, get her hair done, etc. I think that is a good idea because it gets you away from thinking about getting one year older. Anyway, your health is more important, so go to the doctor and get some breathing treatments. I think the ash is going to be around for a while and if you live closer to Iceland than we do here in California, you are going to have to be under a doctor's closeful watch for a while.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
17 Apr 10
Hi gabs,
Yes, you sounded very bad and the stress of it just don't help, I have asthma and it has been worse then normal so I put it down to this black ash, I think we may need to wear a mask when going out, oh no!!! I just saw a vision of Gissi with a mask, LOL!!! no, but something should be done about this, lets hope it will clear soon for the sake of all of us. Take care sweet, love and hugs.
Tamara
2 people like this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
19 Apr 10
Oh dear, Gabs! It must be so uncomfortable for you! We are a long way from any problems in Australia. I can only imagine how difficult the breathing difficulties must be. The only thing I can suggest is keeping indoors and resting as much as possible until things settle down. I would give my doctor a call if I were you. I hope you are feeling better by now.
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
19 Apr 10
Hi Paula they have put my dosage up on my Inhalers for now
I have not been as bad today so I am hoping that it is passing over it is a relief to be able to breathe a bit easier
I just hope this passes over soon
All this time we had strong winds and now that we need it there is none
2 people like this
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
16 Apr 10
Yes I heard about this and how all the flights in Europe are at a stand still. There is nothing but ash in the air from what I have seen in a video online. How about trying to have a cup of hot coffee that is suppose to help with asthma problems aside from your medicine. I would keep your windows closed. Wash your face completely and wear a mask if you have one if not put a scarf around your nose and mouth to help you from breathing that horrible air. Good luck and hope this passes soon.
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
16 Apr 10
Hi Lelin
I was wondering why you wished me a Happy Birthday lol and then saw that I wrote Birthday instead of happy Person I am sorry for that
I also have Emphasinia and COPD so it will not help, I have to keep the Bedroom Window open or I can't breathe during the night so I can't win
The only thing that worries me is if this gets worse that I will end up in Hospital on an Oxygen Bottle to bring my Oxygen back up it is so scary and they are expecting it to erupt again I really hope it doesn't
2 people like this
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
16 Apr 10
By the way Happy Birthday and I hope you are feeling better soon!
1 person likes this
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Oh Gabby, I'm so sorry to hear that the ash from the volcano is affecting you. Of course it would since you must be in the path of the winds carrying the ash.
May I suggest that you get some of those face masks to wear during the days and nights. They will filter the ash from your breathing and stop the ash from getting to your lungs.
I sure hope things get better for you with this. I have you in my prayers and Gissi too. Hugs
1 person likes this
Good to see you back
I am calling the Nurse out tomorrow nothing is helping I am in pain and breathing is so hard
Big Hugs Sweetie xxx@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
19 Apr 10
Yes it is
I mean I hve a lot of Probs with my Emphasimia and COPD but this has been the worse
It has been a bit better today so I hope it is passing my dosage on my Inhalers has been put up but if that does not help back on my Steroids I go
Big Hugs to you and much Love
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
19 Apr 10
That is probably the best thing you can do at this point. I hope you feel better real soon. I have breathing problems (COPD) so I have a feeling of what you are going through. Not being able to breath is the scariest thing I know that I go through. Blessings to you dear and lots of hugs.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
16 Apr 10
Oh dear gabs! You can't win no how, can you? Is there anybody that you know that's south of you and Gissi that you can go stay with for a few days or how ever long it may take for this to subside? You two really need to get into the fresh air. So far, the US isn't affected by it however, when we lived in Texas, and the fire that was raging in Mexico, the smoke came up from there to where we were and it was really suffocating so I know just about what you're going through so you two really need to get down south if you're able to.
2 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
18 Apr 10
so sorry gabs. I also have copd. not sure if its the foliage or what but we are having probl;ems in az,usa here last couple of days. can you take Mucinex? when my breathing hurts, this sometimes help to take a couple doses of mucinex. also i was wondering if you've heard of the spray oxygen? my son found it online and we ordered some. a couple of whiffs of that helps. last time i went to the doctor he said i was taking to much of my inhaler. it was albuterol inhaler. said that effects your heart and at times makes it harder if you do it to much. he put me on an inhaler thats much better. its the same thing i put into my nebulizer. only in hand held inhaler form.Xopenex its called. instead of albuterol it contains levibutoral. which is better for your heart and doesnt race it. maybe should ask about this. its helped a lot. i also take Spiriva to sleep at night. helps me breathe better while sleeping.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
18 Apr 10
Hi Bunny
Thanks for this I will certainly ask my Nurses about all this
What is Mucinex I have never heard of this I have 3 Inhalers that I have to take and then my Tablets to I have increased the Dosage on my Tablets like I have been told to but it is not working, so I am calling them out to me tomorrow
Hugs to you
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
18 Apr 10
Musinex is a med over the counter here in usa. its in pill or liquid form. i couldnt find liquid last time so now i have to swallow the pill. 
which is hard if you have copd. anyway, its supposed to disolve congestion. the doctor recommended it when i was coming out of the hospital 3yrs ago. so now if i have an extra hard time breathing or pain in my side of my chest, i take a couple of doses or take it for a day and it seems to help. 3 inhalers??wow!
wonder what kind of meds are in them. 
which is hard if you have copd. anyway, its supposed to disolve congestion. the doctor recommended it when i was coming out of the hospital 3yrs ago. so now if i have an extra hard time breathing or pain in my side of my chest, i take a couple of doses or take it for a day and it seems to help. 3 inhalers??wow! wonder what kind of meds are in them. 1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
16 Apr 10
Hey Gabs~ I am really sorry that you aren't feeling well and
don't know what to say! I didn't realize that the Volcano's
ash was able to reach so far to affect you! If you continue to
have these breathing difficulties I hope that you will go to
somewhere else that is further away from this. Maybe you and
Gissi will have to go stay somewhere else until this is cleared
up! Maybe you should go to stay with your daughter if this
continues. Between you and Gissi and both of you having breathing
problems this is the worst thing for both of you! Why don't
you two think about moving further away from this for now? I
know that you are just getting settled in and all, but your
health is more important and I am so worried about the both
of you! Love, Leslie, Star and Luna
2 people like this
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
17 Apr 10
Hello gabs, dear, hehe I was suppose to greet you, Happy Birthday, too. Should it's your birthday, your situation now is not a good birthday present. Good it's not. How about a wet facetowel to cover your nose, gabs? I remember here years ago when ash fall covered the streets, the plants and the roofs of the houses. People were complaining of the itch felt at their bodies. same with the coughs. I just hope you'll get over this, gabs. For your environment to get clearer and clean fresh air would be around the soonest. Take care, deargabs, love you.
2 people like this
@caiye786 (95)
• China
17 Apr 10
I heard the news of volcano from Internet this morning ,it is far away from me ,but i make a great effect to Europe ,especially in aviation industry .there are thousands of traveler who
have to stay at the airport ,on the account of ash .i sympathetic them ,and hopes that tomorrow ,they will star their flying soon .
