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Posted 11/27/2007 12:51 PM (GMT 0)

At Wal-Mart we had another cashier named Shirley...She called in sick when the air pollution was bad.  We had a lot of forrest fires.  Her Asthma and Allergies were acting up.  Another Asthmatic, Joan, She had a bad cold and she had a very very hard time breathing becuase of her cold. 

I see a lot of people working sick at Wal-Mart.  I don't see any point to this because you will make everybody else sick, plus you might have a severe attack. 

To Call in or Not to Call in??? That is the question. 
Posted 11/28/2007 3:46 AM (GMT 0)

I rarely go into Wal-Mart because something in there causes my asthma to flare every single time.  They do have some things in the frozen section that I like, but I've decided to just let my daughter pick those things up for me.  I had an asthma attack in Wal-Mart about a month or so ago.  Thank goodness I had my nebulizer in the car.  I used it and then called someone to come and get me.  I have stood at the check out a few times coughing and wheezing and pulling my inhaler out and using it and explaining to the check out person that I have asthma.  Every time this has happened, I have been told that a lot of people with asthma have trouble in Wal-Mart.  I didn't go back for several years and just recently tried to go a couple of times.  It's definitely not worth it for me.

Carla

Posted 11/28/2007 7:31 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, another day, I thought I was the only one who had problems with Walmart! I have a bad asthma attack every time I go there. I think it is they don't use the air conditioning in the summer and the store has no ventilation. I have ended up in the hospital after a Walmart trip. Now I run in get what I need and get out fast.
Posted 11/28/2007 1:20 PM (GMT 0)

I work there so it is always a problem for me.  We seem to have a high number of Asthmatics at Wal-Mart.  What do you think causes all of the Asthma Attacks in the stores?
Posted 11/29/2007 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Wow. Sounds like they need to do some indoor air quality studies. I bet they cut corners during construction (to keep costs down) and don't have adequate ventilation. Could be buildup of outgassed chemicals from all the new computer stuff, clothing, etc. that gets treated with anti-inflammatory chemicals, could be outgassing from construction materials (paint, etc.), could be poor construction techniques causing mold buildup, could be something else or a combination of various things...

I got Asthma attacks from going into Safeway stores during/shortly after the most recent round of remodeling, too, and am not fond of shopping in Walmart stores (much too crowded here, since they only have a couple Walmarts in the area and tons of people seem to love to shop there).

Just my $.02...
Posted 11/29/2007 6:04 AM (GMT 0)

Macrip,

It sounds like you are either going to have to find another job or go after Wal-Mart with a good attorney.  I would try going through the proper channels first, but with my asthma as severe as it is, there is no way I could work there.

Did you have asthma before you started working at Wal-Mart?

CeeBee, I can't believe you have had the same problems I've had at Wal-Mart.  I know they will do anything to save money.  So there's no telling what the problem is.

Macrip, keep us posted and let us know if we can help you in any way.  I don't see how you can work there.

Take care!

Carla

Posted 11/30/2007 1:21 AM (GMT 0)

Yes, I had Asthma for about 10 years.  My Lung Capacity is decreasing.  My problems started in April.  I had a bad stomach flu and I have not felt well since then.  This Asthma has been worsening.  My Normal peak flow reading should be around 587 for my age.  My highest reading soo far is 452.  I hope I won't be on oxygen.

I need a nebulizer.
Posted 11/30/2007 3:37 AM (GMT 0)

So you do have a peak flow meter?  My allergist and I have never discussed what my peak flow should be for my age because it doesn't matter any way, I'm never going to get there.  I take it I'm much older than you, I'm 56.

If you have a peak flow meter, you will know what I'm talking about.  My green zone is 400, yellow zone is 390 to 200 and my red zone is 200 or below. 

I think it sounds like you need a nebulizer and I am serious about how much the Xopenex inhaler has helped compared to all the other inhalers I have used.  I haven't had to use my nebulizer as much since I got it.

Good luck to you and please keep us posted.

Carla

Posted 11/30/2007 9:59 AM (GMT 0)

Oh yeah.  I am only 28.  I am little down about all of these health problems.  We have another lady at work her health has totally fallen apart.  I have considered taken some time off in January.  I go back to my Lung Doctor on Dec 31st. 

Why does everybody acting like this Asthma is Minor? 
Posted 12/1/2007 5:58 AM (GMT 0)

Are you referring to everyone as being your employer or also you doctor?  Maybe you need to get a new doctor. Stats show that asthma patients treated by allergists tend to do better.  I know you are seeing a pulmonologist, but he most likely doesn't treat allergies.  Asthma and allergies go hand in hand.  From the way you describe it, you asthma sounds pretty serious.  You are going to have to stand up and make this doctor understand and then consider getting an appointment with an allergist.  Asthma is very serious.

Take care!

Carla

Posted 12/1/2007 6:53 AM (GMT 0)

 I mean my Employer.  She tells me "Asthma is not going to kill you.  It does not mean you can stop doing what you have to do."  She wants me to do highly injurious work.  Working with Asthma and my other health problems isn't like she says.
Posted 12/1/2007 11:57 PM (GMT 0)

Your supervisor could find herself in a world of trouble. Asthma does kill.  You definitely need to have your doctor either write a letter or even just write it out on a prescription pad what your limitations are at work. You need to think about it before you talk to him and make a list because he is not going to be fully aware of what you are being expected to do.  You need to do this ASAP.  You have to stand up and take care of yourself.  I know it's not an easy thing to do, but they can't fire your over it, they might make it a little uncomfortable, but that's better than you having asthma attacks at work.  Be sure to keep a copy of what you give to your employer.

I've given you the tools you need, now go stand up for yourself, o.k.?

Big Hugs to you!

Carla

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