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View Full Version : Question for those with lung disorders.



KineGirl
05-06-2008, 04:21 PM
To start I have Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency. Its a very very rare liver borne disorder that eats at my healthy lung tissue and promotes lung diseases. Im 35 and I already have over 30 bullae in each lung and emphysema. I just saw one of the few specialist in the world yesterday at UNC and while I found out I was a modern day miracle - Im much more healthy than to be expected considering (I blew a 102 on the spirometry test! though a 74 on exhalation) ... my new doctor thinks I may be one of the "super athlete" types - which is great news for me and my body! I also found out that my lungs are highly susceptible to infection and collapse from dust and especially smoke. I dont have to wear a mask at home except when cleaning and when Im outside during pollen season. Any smoke makes me very sick and Im thinking when Im at WDW I should wear one during fireworks but Im wondering if I should wear one all the time while in the parks. Ive been to WDW lots but of course I never paid any attention as whether it was dusty or not. Does anyone else have lung disorders/diseases and do you notice whether you have to wear a mask more often at WDW or just during fireworks or at any other time? Im also a little paranoid about being around so many ppl (& their germs) since Im also susceptibe to a cold turning into pneumonia. Usually I have hand sanitizer on me at all times and have learned to keep my hands off of things such as hand rails etc.. Any tips or relatable experiences would be appreciated. I dont want to be overly paranoid but I also dont want to be over confident and hurt myself. I asked my doctor and he wasnt familiar with WDW so he didnt know if I should wear one the whole time and of course he is all about promoting normal lifestyles when it can be applied. So again any help from those who can relate would be great!!
TIA

medic9016
05-06-2008, 06:57 PM
I would think the dust will be most likely be low except for Animal Kigdom. The fireworks , Lights motor action, Fantasmic, Tomorrow land speedway, and IllumiNations, I would be cautious. We have a few Disney nuts at one of our hospital ER, I will ask what they think if I carry someone in there and they are there.

KineGirl
05-07-2008, 12:58 PM
Thank you! Like I said I want to do the World as normal as possible and I think for the most part I will. I just dont want to be over confident.

MsMin
05-17-2008, 01:01 PM
My dd26 is very sensitive to smoke, dust, perfumes and humidity. We have been caught a couple times in the smoke from the fireworks so do make sure you check the direction of the wind before you pick a spot. If you are directly downwind we have even had particles float by. She tends to have more difficulty when the humidity is up or when more stuff is in the air. We carry germ-x to help and my kids use it after each ride (a little neurotic but better than washing your hands after every ride:blush:).
Watch the dry days too especially at AK because I'm sure there is a lot of animal dander and dried feces in the air --though Disney does a great job at keeping the place clean and smelling fresh. Hay is usually a horrible irritant too. Have a safe trip!

KineGirl
05-17-2008, 01:41 PM
My dd26 is very sensitive to smoke, dust, perfumes and humidity. We have been caught a couple times in the smoke from the fireworks so do make sure you check the direction of the wind before you pick a spot. If you are directly downwind we have even had particles float by. She tends to have more difficulty when the humidity is up or when more stuff is in the air. We carry germ-x to help and my kids use it after each ride (a little neurotic but better than washing your hands after every ride:blush:).
Watch the dry days too especially at AK because I'm sure there is a lot of animal dander and dried feces in the air --though Disney does a great job at keeping the place clean and smelling fresh. Hay is usually a horrible irritant too. Have a safe trip!


Thanks MsMin
I talked to my specialist at UNC again last week and hes told me to get a specific mask for the smoke and dust while in WDW during/after fireworks & AK. I was concerned that maybe I should skip those events & AK all together but he reassured me staying upwind, wearing the specific mask should really help and of course, to leave immediately if it does start to effect me. Again hes a great doctor who is all about promoting "normal" lifestyles so Im glad that hes knowledgeable & doesnt feed into my over-worrying. When I get around a good amount of smoke it makes me horribly ill :sick:, my lungs seize up on me and puts me on my back for days. Not to mention the potential of collapse :eek: Hence the paranoia. Im also a little vain and feel wierd that ppl are staring at me like Im contagious but thats truly my own problem and I just need to get over it. If I need it I need it, right?