COVID19 and Cleaning Agents

By intricatepurple

1 min read

I have a work position deemed "essential" which I have no issue with HOWEVER during this global event that we are exposed to comes guidelines and restrictions. First gripe, various cleaning agents which I don't mind either but I am in an office with over 20 people (yes we are social distancing) all in fear of contracting COVID19 is a mecca of people constantly cleaning with who knows what but the smells have me suffering in silence. Also, the facial coverings which I find hard to breathe and minimization of oxygen has my light-headed with pain. Don't get me wrong I totally get it. I am tired of the different levels of suffering, and I have all but stopped my self from complaining up to this point because I am frustrated. And before anyone says "just stay at home" I take my employment very seriously and although i am one of many I do feel like I make a difference. Anyone else in this position? And if so what are you doing as a coping mechanism other than the usual song and dance.

https://migraine.com/living-migraine/invisibility-pain/

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Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
Hi IntricatePurple- I'm so glad you shared your story with us. This is SUCH a stressful time all around for every single one of us - and it hits each of us in such different ways. What you describe I'm sure is something to which many people can relate. Whether or not it's because we are going to work or because we are trying hard to stay safe at home, many of us are being exposed to more cleaners and cleaning agents than we were previously. And of course, for many of us, strong smells are a trigger for attacks. Additionally, as one community member recently posted, wearing a mask can be a trigger as well: <a href='https://migraine.com/q-and-a/medical-face-mask' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/q-and-a/medical-face-mask/</a>. I think it's incredible of you that you are continuing to go to work and to make a difference in whatever way you can. Thank you for doing so. As to how to cope in the midst of this stressful time, it sounds like you're doing it! By reaching out here for support, you are demonstrating a healthy step that I hope others will follow. We all would do well to reach out to our communities (whether they be friends, family, or the larger communities of which we are a part, like <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a>) to stay connected and access the warmth and support that will help us get through this challenging time. Outside of that, it's tricky to apply the solutions we might usually encourage (like trying to talk to coworkers about migraine to ask them to cut down on wearing a strong perfume- because in this case, we can't avoid the chemical smells of cleaners). We can't avoid wearing masks either. Is there any way you can take mini-breaks throughout the day to step outside for some fresh air to get away from the cleaning smell and remove your mask to get some deep breaths and real oxygen? Really thinking of you and glad you wrote in. Please stay in touch and know we're thinking of you. - Holly (migraine.com team).
1. intricatepurple Member
 Hey Holly, I hope your keeping safe out there. After I moaned and groaned on here about the goings on I called my doctor. To be more precise I called my neurologist whose solution for my dilemma was first just stay home (not happening) second Lamitcal. Deep sigh. Like i want to add another medication to my repertoire. So with much fanfare I spoke with the HCMP person to see if i had options. She even flatly told me to take the neurologist advice and take the time off. Once again no, and let me explain why there is no telling how long this pandemic is going to last and quarantine has people losing their minds and i would definitely be one of them. Her suggestion which surprised me was to isolate me from everyone else. Impossible right? Wrong, they actually put me in a private office by myself temporarily. I was dumbfounded. I have been in the office roughly going on three weeks and in that time i havent taken any medication in about 14 days. 14 days!!! OMG! Besides my botox injections and avjoy nothing else! This revolution just floored me! Just wanted to give you some updates that their our employers out there willing to do a little extra you simply have to ask. I will update you soon as the quarintine at least for my state will be lifted soon and back into doom ill go. Stay safe out there. And to anyone reading this dont despair.
2. Peggy Artman Moderator
 Hi IntricatePurple, I just wanted to chime in to say that I'm having problems with the cleaning products too. Bleach has been a long time trigger for me, and all the extra cleaning products on top of it has increased my number of migraine attacks. These times seem endless, but I'm looking forward to being into some sense of normalcy again. Peggy (Migraine.com team)
glassmind Member
You have my sympathies. A recent migraine was triggered for me when I entered a retail store and the fumes from the shop carts being cleaned hit me. And yes I was masked. I've worn masks or scarves for years as a trigger avoidance. I encourage you to talk to your doctor and your supervisor to see what accommodations can be made. It is admirable that you want to keep working, but yes your needs are important also. Best to you in finding a solution. And soul hugs
1. glassmind Member
 P.S. If a private work space or telecommuting is an option maybe that would work? I know some job sites this option is unavailable. I do wish you the best. (psychic note to everyone else: plain, unscented soap and water or a very mild bleach solution is all that is needed to effectively clean with! I realize cleaning supplies may be in short supply, but soap and water are still out there, yes?) Note for this community. We do have to advocate sometimes very firmly for ourselves. I am retired, but have a friend with severe allergies and asthma. This individual fought for a separate work space and brings their own homemade cleaner for their workspace. Another fought for accommodations and had her parttime hours reduced from 30 to 12 to zero. Zero. Still an employee but zero scheduled hours. The fight is a tough choice to make and it is cases like my second friend that lead to keeping quiet and suffering. May there be more outcomes of compassion for you, intrIcatePurple, and us all. Hugs