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Post by Lucky Laura Loving Life on Jul 16, 2009 11:05:45 GMT -5
Dear Peeps,
Because of my health (trouble breathing,coughing,headache,fatigue)
I feel limited to which tasks I should do today.I was wondering if any of the other members deal with this? If so what are some good tasks that don't make things worse.  I want to get something done today but everything I think of is likely to cause more illness.Vacuum-too much dust etc.... Right now I'm ironing but that won't put my whole day to use.I have COPD which has Really kicked up,I think I could be coming down with a cold or the chemicals I used yesterday to clean the humidifier and the shower and tub may have set my lungs off. I used vinegar and "Lime Away" for cleaning .Anyway just hoping someone would have some ideas because I'm tired and can't think of some good things to do.
Love,Laura 
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Post by bluefrog on Jul 16, 2009 13:07:03 GMT -5
Hi, Laura!
I'm an asthmatic with bad knees who can't stand for more than ten minutes or so, so I've had to find some work-arounds to get basic stuff done.
First, it's amazing what you can get done sitting down. I have a rolling stool--any chair with casters works--on which I can zip around the kitchen, cook, clean counters, load the dishwasher, find stuff in the fridge, etc. It's a pain, but you can even mop a floor sitting down. That same stool, if I need it, can get me around any room in the house. It's really an incentive to keep the floor picked up.
It's also astonishing what you can do in less than three minutes: unload the dishwasher, make a bed, swish-and-swipe a bathroom, hang up clothes, pick up trash. I'm extremely short, so a metal "reacher" with pincers on the business end comes in really handy.
A vacuum with a HEPA filter would cut down on the dust spewed into the air when you're cleaning; a cannister vac might be easier to maneuver if you need to sit. A dust mask is useful, too. For dusting surfaces, I use a slightly damp micro-fiber cloth--and bring along a bucket of water to rinse the cloth as it gets dirty, so I don't have to walk to the bathroom or the kitchen to get it clean.
Both microfiber cloths and Mr. Clean-like sponges (the ones from dollar stores work, too) can get an awful lot clean without chemicals. Always try just water with them first.
Plain vinegar dissolves lime scale without using Lime Away--it just takes longer. Makes windows shine, too. It also works to steam clean a microwave if you add it to water and let the water boil in the microwave for about five minutes--but lemon juice smells better.
Yeah, housework with bad lungs is hard work, but it can be done. Take it in baby steps, do all you can sitting down, and rest often.
I hope you don't come down with a cold. It's tough enough to breathe already.
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Post by Peach on Jul 16, 2009 13:25:03 GMT -5
All of bluefrog's suggestions are excellent. I would just add: wear a face mask while dusting or doing heavy duty cleaning. Even just a simple small scarf or bandanna over your nose and mouth will keep you from inhaling some particles.
The rolling stool is also good for those of us with arthritis in weight-bearing joints, such as hips, knees, ankles. I got mine from a medical supply store - like they have in doctor's exam rooms. The important thing is that it rolls easily. Saves me from having to get down on my knees or stand too long while cleaning.
The HEPA filter is good. Just wish they weren't so expensive to replace. If you do replace, check if your vacuum allows the use of washable HEPA filters. You just rinse them out periodically and they're good for about 50 rinses. Saves lots of $$
As for what to do today that will not require much exertion: this would be an excellent opportunity to devote serious time to paperwork - such as sorting/tossing/filing piles of junk mail, bills, statements, etc., if you have anything like that to do.
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Post by puppybox on Jul 16, 2009 14:10:25 GMT -5
yes, piles of unopened mail can be sorted sitting down.
can you stand (literally) to do dishes? the steam is good for nasal passages and lungs. though if you have sink pudding and food on your dishes there may be smells that trigger allergies and asthma. remember, you don't have to do all the dishes. do it for a time period, about 10 minutes is enough to get lots done.
I have done this to great success: stuff paper towels up my nostrils. Don't let too much sticking out, you want to rip off the ends. but make sure nose fully plugged. You will look beyond stupid but if you can't smell then many allergies/sensitivites to chemicals/dust can't be triggered.
paper towels work much better than kleenex or facial tissue or whatever people call it.
hugs from me!
ps
if I were you i'd jsut stop ironing and other thigns I consider unncessary.
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Post by Lucky Laura Loving Life on Jul 16, 2009 16:02:25 GMT -5
Dear Bluefrog,Peach,Puppybox,
Thank You for all your help! I will look into the rolling stool idea and I do have some of those little masks that loop over the ears. I like the idea of using a bandanna as I could just wash it and reuse it. I have been doing phone calls to deal with some personal business and way too many to number for tech. support trying to resolve our ongoing ISP issue.My internet connection is in & out so I really want it fixed! My new vacuum has a HEPA filter but I still know I could not handle that today. I will get a bunch of icky food pitched from the fridge since tomorrow is rubbish day and while I was gone on my trip DH did not pitch a thing.  Going through the bills/paperwork is a great idea also!
I actually am all caught up on the kitchen & laundry so maybe a hot shower or bath later would help.Thanks again so Much!!! 
Love,Laura
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Jul 16, 2009 23:27:10 GMT -5
I like to alternate between two or three different small projects, that don't wear me out in the same way. For example, vacuuming alternating with sorting my jewelry drawer while sitting down, alternating with doing the recycling. I try to switch before I get worn out. For me, they all have to be tasks that I can complete that day, or I end up churning the squalor, instead of cleaning up.
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Post by gifted on Jul 17, 2009 0:56:01 GMT -5
Can you get hubby to do some of the more difficult chores for you? Or even trade with a neighbor or friend?
Some of the chemicals in household products are really nasty, so try to minimize your exposure to them.
I own a REAL respirator, from a safety supply store. I learned (maybe in an environmental studies class) that it is actually the smaller particulates that have the worst consequences, so I do not feel safe with just a dust mask. But using damp cleaning should keep dust levels lower.
SG
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