COPD and welding?

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So, I'm on the third month of using Advair after my doctor told me I have COPD...I'm only 43."Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases. It makes it difficult to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD: Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus; Emphysema, which involves destruction of the lungs over time."My lung X-ray looked good he said, but he was very surprised I was a non-smoker with this condition - the nurse was too.  They kept saying, "and you say you don't smoke?"Last year I started using an inhaler, then I started burning through them fast - now with Advair, no inhaler.I still function fine, with the medication, I'm just concerned what will happen as I age.Anyone else on this road?Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:dave; sorry to hear you're having breathing trouble. my late father developed emphysema about 7 years after quitting a lifelong lucky strike habit. whenever i go to the dr and he has a listen to the lungs he say's i bet you're a non smoker (true) maybe i'll request an x-ray just in case.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Yep, been a life long asthmatic. I am on similar meds and about 10 yrs older than you. you can PM me if you wantMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Dave, I expect with your condition the use of a respirator is out, but could you use a PAPR system to help preserve your remaining breathing capacity?
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550Dave, I expect with your condition the use of a respirator is out, but could you use a PAPR system to help preserve your remaining breathing capacity?
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Yep, been a life long asthmatic. I am on similar meds and about 10 yrs older than you. you can PM me if you want
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveI'm sure a PAPR would be excellent - since I only weld to bring in extra cash I'll have to evaluate the cost on that one.Guess I should start with a good respirator/mask and see how that goes?
Reply:Thanks for the heads up tbone, I'll keep an eye out for a used setup and see what I find.My shop is pretty small at 26'x32' so a good vent system could do the job too?I was unaware that a person could fail to be able to use a standard face mask - I'll have to try it and find out what happens.Should be pretty obvious if it's too hard for me to breathe in one I'd guess.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Dave,I'm still a smoker at 70  (I know stupid, etc...no lectures please).  Have  COPD, most notably in the last 10years, and have used Advair for about 5 years.  I don't  see an effect from welding so long as I weld outside and keep the fumes from coming under my helmet.  Tig, which I'm learning now, seems to present no issues so far.  At your young age, I'd take all possible precautions.  At my age, I just want to learn and enjoy while I can.  BTW: Sold the Miller 350lx today at asking price and brought the remaining unit home.  So I need to change my signature.  Also got a sweet deal on a ESAB 500i cutter yesterday.  Will post seperately on that.  Now I've got to run about 100'of  SOOW 2/3 to power the Miller 350 and let it experience full joy. I'm looking forward to tigging at home!Best to you.Jerry30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveThanks for the heads up tbone, I'll keep an eye out for a used setup and see what I find.My shop is pretty small at 26'x32' so a good vent system could do the job too?I was unaware that a person could fail to be able to use a standard face mask - I'll have to try it and find out what happens.Should be pretty obvious if it's too hard for me to breathe in one I'd guess.
Reply:I'm sure my doctor should be able to point me to the right people for that test - thanks for the info Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:We did fit test at the hospital for mask with a plastic hood and sachrin.  If you smelled the sweet sachrin then you failed.  The PAPR would be good as it blows the clean air into the mask.  I'll keep my eyes open for used ones locally as well for ya.Ben
Reply:Hi, I feel for you Dave, lost my brother, age 72, a year ago to emphysema...... he was a life long smoker and only gave it up 2 years previously, but he also did a lot of wood work and didn't use any form of face mask, so I suspect the accumulation of 'baccy smoke and saw dust particles played havoc with his lungs etc.I hope the people entering the work force are taking note of the hazards an industrial atmosphere can present when they work for anyone who doesn't pay attention to the needs of clean air etc.When I was retrenched in '98 I went back to the bench and worked part time mornings only for a guy with a welding and machining business, and I frequently had to open the big doors and turn on a big pedestal fan to enable the fumes to get out as the air got quite blue at times.Eventually he invested in a fume removal outfit and that solved the clean air situation.Ian.
Reply:Does welding bother your asthma?
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Mostly not. Stick will, unless I deal with the smoke. Open the garage door, and fire up the walmart oscillating fan, and I am fine.
Reply:Originally Posted by puddytatHi, I feel for you Dave, lost my brother, age 72, a year ago to emphysema...... he was a life long smoker and only gave it up 2 years previously, but he also did a lot of wood work and didn't use any form of face mask, so I suspect the accumulation of 'baccy smoke and saw dust particles played havoc with his lungs etc.I hope the people entering the work force are taking note of the hazards an industrial atmosphere can present when they work for anyone who doesn't pay attention to the needs of clean air etc.When I was retrenched in '98 I went back to the bench and worked part time mornings only for a guy with a welding and machining business, and I frequently had to open the big doors and turn on a big pedestal fan to enable the fumes to get out as the air got quite blue at times.Eventually he invested in a fume removal outfit and that solved the clean air situation.Ian.
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Mostly not. Stick will, unless I deal with the smoke. Open the garage door, and fire up the walmart oscillating fan, and I am fine.
Reply:You'd better retire Dave.Ship me all your welders.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopYou'd better retire Dave.Ship me all your welders.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveHa!  I know, you're just looking out for me right?Pretty nice of you....I consulted with my welders and they said Alaska is too cold and UPS would dent them.Better luck next time
Reply:Welders thrive in the cooler climates.  They wouldn't notice any difference from Minnesota, maybe warmer. Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveHa!  I know, you're just looking out for me right?Pretty nice of you....I consulted with my welders and they said Alaska is too cold and UPS would dent them.Better luck next time
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BVermont has a similar climate to Minnesota. Seriously, I don't have it but I wonder sometimes why. My mother would reach for the next cigarette as she put one out, by age 1 I had had bronchial pneumonia twice! That's a lot of second hand smoke. Early in my working days if there were 10 people on the job, 9 were smokers. Add a great deal of work related exposure to inhaled material, it is a concern. My wife's brother swears by his airstream helmet. air is pumped from a hepa filter on your belt, and pumped through your hard hat. It keeps you cooler, provides clean air, and controls fogging.
Reply:Originally Posted by akpolarisWelders thrive in the cooler climates.  They wouldn't notice any difference from Minnesota, maybe warmer.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveFrom the winter we had this year in the northern half, you are likely right.  Hard to even get any warm air out of them My poor welders are hiding in the shop now - all this talk of them being mailed anywhere has them scared Pretty clean air where I'm working today - writing trigonometry curriculum for the school I work at.I'm including career based projects for them to work on using the actual tools of the trades: forestry inclinometer, transit level, and so on.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDave I'm just concerned what will happen as I age.Anyone else on this road?Originally Posted by Willie BAn education I missed out on, but would love to have had. As for clean air in a school........my wife teaches first grade. She's sick more than not. Schools are a giant Petrie dish.A fan blowing on you must be used carefully while gas shielded welding, but works great stick welding. Consider a fume extractor.
Reply:Dave,sorry to hear about that. do you or the medical professionals know what caused this? I am worried about it as well since I have sleep apnea. I've heard that sleep apnea can cause these pulmonary diseases down the road, COPD being one of them.... Medication will be your best ally for now but you will have to compensate later in life for the tolerance of the medicine, I have high hopes that they will have a better treatment within the next 10 years so fingers crossed!Good luck.Miller Dynasty 200Millermatic 211Instagram?.... find me @ WELD_MEDIC
Reply:Thanks  I also have high hopes of better treatment later since I am quite young and doubt that drugs would work for the entirety of my life.They do not know the cause, but I think it's reasonable to assume it is from working without proper ventilation or masks while welding, grinding, painting, cutting, etc.I'm a non-smoker and smoking was what their first thought was since it's a common reason.They were puzzled to find that was not the case.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Dave, I like colder air myself. It seems denser to me and I breath better. In winter, fireplaces and central air heating seem to dry the air even more than it is in the desert. Makes it uncomfortable for me and is why I prefer colder air. One thing I learned living in SoCaL was that jogging in the evening or early morning was healthiest because of air quality. The ionosphere is also farther from the Earth at those times as the Sun pushes it closer to Earth and effects air quality from what I know of. At nite before bed time, I like to go outside, face the breeze and breath deeply. The fresh air fills my lungs and gives me a sense of trying to be healthy with all my bad vices or vises (spelling?)Hope that helps
Reply:I know what you mean - nothing smells cleaner than a -20 degree morning Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Dam Dave that sucks man, sorry to hear. I may have to fly out for your birthday and when you done blowing out your candles I'm gonna take advantage of the situation and beat the crap out of your big azz  I told you that you would never see it coming and I owed you one LOL. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeDam Dave that sucks man, sorry to hear. I may have to fly out for your birthday and when you done blowing out your candles I'm gonna take advantage of the situation and beat the crap out of your big azz  I told you that you would never see it coming and I owed you one LOL.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveCrazy SOB  You're gonna beat my azz?  Is that all the higher you can reach?
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeLOL ill beat you down to my size first so i can look you square in the eyes for the rest of the punishment. I may even throw a few extra candles on the cake for good measure. Make sure you scan it quick so make sure your math is up to par.
Reply:Lmao bud  i hope you feel better my good friend! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Thanks . As long as I take the meds on time they work pretty good Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:[QUOTE=MinnesotaDave;4386301]Thanks . As long as I take the meds on time they work pretty good [/QUOTE Cool Dave glad to hear it. If i ever pop in ill flush em on you but ill get it filled the next day with th pain pills your gonna need as well. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermike If i ever pop in ill flush em on you but ill get it filled the next day with th pain pills your gonna need as well.
Reply:Great Dave! Feel better my man! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Thanks mike - good luck on your first day back to work bud Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Dave what do you think attributed to your current condition?
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikDave what do you think attributed to your current condition?
Reply:I rather figured as along those lines. If you could go back in time do you think it would be worth your bother to do different?
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikI rather figured as along those lines. If you could go back in time do you think it would be worth your bother to do different?
Reply:I am not busting your chops Dave but hoping to display the example to younger people about the importance of ear plugs and respirators and all sorts of other things along those lines. There are many lessons to be learned here.
Reply:No worries - At some point everyone serves as a bad example instead of a good one.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Question Dave, are you down on capacity or soluble oxygen (efficiency) to cause the COPD diagnosis? You should ask.Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveFair question, much of the time I could have been wearing a mask quite easily if I purchased one, so I would have to say yes.It's kind of like growing up shooting, adults thought it was silly for us to wear plugs or muffs, I'd change that too.
Reply:My youth, I made certain was filled with all of the loudest noises. Machines such as snowmobiles, and motorcycles had to be loud to be fun. Tools, I'm afraid I have always had a Tim Taylor thing going, only the biggest were good enough. Guns tended to be varied in size, but the loudest to this day is a 22 pistol I no longer dare fire as it is worn out. Music was obnoxious!I once bought a Lee sonic ear valve, an ear plug said to automatically close to protect. After I lost one, I never replaced it. Ear muffs and ear plugs are a more recent development.These days I am paying the price!
Reply:I have asthma that reacts to cold humid air and to some seasonal and animal triggers.  I'm also an ex smoker and quit two weeks after I woke up one night and heard what I thought was soda fizzing in a can and it turned out it was my lungs.  The various welding processes I do 5 - 7 days a week hasn't bothered me but it does concern me and I wear a respirator when working with cres stick, flux core, and carbon arcing and I use an industrial fume extractor as well.  A few months ago I moved locations from a ground floor block to one on a second floor and started having asthma attacks and ended up laid out for a week with a pneumonia like infection.  Because of this I asked that the air quality be checked and our safety department set up test equipment and the claim was that it was good but I remember just how dark the filter pad was on the tester and I know how quickly dust builds up all over my gear and lockers.  The shipyard is as old as time and there is asbestos and lead paint and other materials that freak me out but I take care not to grind anything with obviously ancient paint and never welding on anything like that as well without all the safety gear I need.Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.