hi everyone. I’m a 35 year old female non-smoker who was diagnosed with COPD 3 months ago after a PFT. I’m new to all of this, and I have no idea what I’m doing, really. I was prescribed Arnuity Ellipta which I take every morning, and a rescue inhaler as needed.
For my work, I’m a quality technician at a foam manufacturer. We recently (this year) added an extrusion line so instead of just buying/converting/selling foam, we are actually making it. The components go in an extruder and come out of an oven, and as this happens, it releases ammonia, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide. Obviously, I’m wearing a respirator while on the floor.
ok so to my problem… I have to be able to communicate with the extrusion operators. Everyone has a terribly hard time hearing me while I’m wearing it. I am shouting at people (not to be mean) but so they can hear me. We have had a lot of issues this week, and I’ve noticed after “screaming” at people for half the day, my voice naturally gets raspy. But more than that, I have a hard time breathing and my chest feels heavy and hurts. Today, after a series of screams, I had to step outside to take off my respirator and use my inhaler. Now, I’m so tired and my chest hurts. I should be cleaning and getting ready to cook tomorrow for the holiday, but I’m laying down instead.
does anyone have any ideas or tips on how to live like this/reduce the exacerbations? (For what it’s worth, I am looking for a different job).