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expate
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 01:21 |
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OK, I finally realized I needed to get the last room in my house, the kitchen, void of natural light. Last night, I went to Target in search of black shower curtains to tape on the windows. No black shower curtains to be found.
But, I did find curtains that are, "Blackout Panel - blocks out 99.9* of light for a better sleep". Good price, I bought them, taped them to the windows (to avoid leakage that can happen when hanging in front of window), had to redo a double window because I couldn't see well enough to realize that I "hung" the first panel on the wrong side and wasn't sure if the "blackout" quality of the panel was dependent on which side was facing out.
I backtraked, persevered, then finished, and went to bed to wait for morning's light to witness the fruit of my labor...
9:00 a.m. I feel my way down the stairs, "dawn" breaking as I reach the lower landing and faint light bleeds in through heavy drapes. I turn toward the kitchen, led by a faint but widening glow...
OK, if these "blackout panels"* are blocking "99.9 % of light", then I must have had my tent pitched on Proxima Centauri.
To be fair, it is well darker in there, but come on, that can't be for real.
Anyone else have this problem?
 dette
* and there were not asterisks anywhere on the packaging materials to qualify what was mean by "blackout panel" and "blocks out 99.9% light.Last edited on Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 01:22 by expate
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Hypervitaminosis D 1,25-D 52 pg/ml, 25-D 38 (4/08), 25-D 34 (8/08), 25-D 29 (10/08): all ng/ml, started Ph1 7/17/08, Ph2 11/4/08. Covered up, but no facemask any longer. NoIRs. Home low light.
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Caitiegirl
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 03:31 |
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We bought temporary black out shades that were pretty useless. Seems like they claimed 99. something % light blockage too. We finally went to the paint department in Walmart and bought a roll of the thickest black plastic we could find. It works well and only cost a few dollars. One roll did all the windows I needed to cover. Of course it looks hideous but I may get the kids some gel pens and paint and let them experiment.
Mindy
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Caitlin(17) lyme,seizures, myoclonus, dystonia, digestive, chronic headache, mental fog: 10/23/07 25D 36 1,25D 58, 1/18/08 25D 9.9 Cut sun/D 9/26/07 Benicar 10/25/07, NoIRs 10/29/07
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Dr Trevor Marshall
Research Team
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 06:08 |
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There are LUX meters available on Ebay for those who have plenty of money to spare (or who have a birthday coming up) and these allow the 99% number to be verified, as well as helping make sure the house is lit evenly and adequately 
I am a cheapskate, so I ordered my lux meter from Hong Kong, exactly like this one: http://tinyurl.com/6g5umb
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e-Florida
Health Professional
| Joined: | Wed May 16th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 128 |
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 06:22 |
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dette,
I have mounted mini blinds to most of the windows and sliding glass doors and have used different approaches to reduce light infiltration. I started out with taping thick construction-quality black plastic to the windows. Unfortunately, one window glass cracked as a result of it and needed replacement.
Here a few solutions for covering windows:
After my experience with the cracked glass, I stapled the black plastic to regular drapes. These windows are covered with mini blinds as well. Initially I used garbage bags, then for simplicity, I used construction-quality plastic from Home Depot.
For ceiling to floor windows and sliding glass doors, I have used dark brown blackout drapes from Wal-Mart. I highly recommend them; they certainly block out all light in the Pacific Northwest. They are much larger than conventional blackout panels and are made from fabric instead of vinyl (the vinyl gases off when exposed to sun). These panels are placed together with the mini blinds in the mini blind holder. The blinds cover up the drapes – looks great from the inside and the outside.
For the entrance window, I bought heavy black velvet fabric and two tension rods. With the help of a sewing machine, a very simple and elegant solution for a small to medium window.
For the bathroom skylight, I built a small frame in which I attached plastic panels (Home Depot). To the plastic panels, I taped two layers of thick black arts paper (Dollar Store). Then I mounted this contraption somewhere below the skylight. I placed it on very small nails.
One skylight I had professionally covered from the outside. It was very pricey ($1500) and not as effective as my bathroom contraption.
In my South Florida home, it is real easy: Close all hurricane shutters.
For car travel: I tailor-cut sunshades (Dollar Store) and taped them to all windows in the back - where I sit during day travel.
Good Luck! -e
P.S. I concur with Trevor's recommendation; that lux meter works like a charm and travels well.
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Joyful
Member in Phase 3
| Joined: | Sat Jun 9th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 600 |
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 06:39 |
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Last summer I bought a Mastech Professional Luxmeter, LX10108 from Kaito, Electronics, Inc. through AMAZON.COM for $29.95. ($7.50 shipping/handling).
That certainly didn't break the bank. I haven't used it in a while though... seems like something we could pass around to the newcomers.
My window covering solution is completely different from the black plastic approach... which seems like a popular alternative.
In my case, I got permission from my local Costco to take about 6-8 heavy cardboard sheets (4' x 4') that they use in between layers on their paper product pallettes.
I cut the sheets to fit just inside my vinyl window frames and taped them (white colored side facing out) using blue painter's masking tape (easier to remove).
I like the fact that from the outside looking into the windows shows from the street like the backing of regular curtains, and from the inside, the only light is perhaps some blue glow from the edges. On top of that are my regular curtains that block that remaining light.
Also, the windows are still functional for letting in the cool evening air during the hottest part of the summer. 
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Lyme?1980 Babs?05 Bart?05 CFS?06 | 125D50 Ph1Jul07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | NoIRs cover up but rarely leave low lux home | 25D15 Oct08 | ABC of MP
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madwolf
Health Professional
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 07:05 |
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If you really want to stop light from coming through the window, aluminium foil works well. I used it to convert a spare bedroom into a photo darkroom once. It worked great!
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Dx: Psoriatic Arthritis, FMS/CFIDS, Raynaud's Restarted Phase 1 in Noremember 2007 Current 25-D is 35, Non-MP meds: Armour thyroid, 60mg qd. Cymbalta, 60mg qd. CoReg CR 40mg hs. (BP still stable) Januvia 100mg qd, Byetta 10 mcg sub-q bid.
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Linda J
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 17:37 |
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| I've had to redo my windows several times. I found out that corrigated cardboard shrinks over time, creating little cracks around the edges, though before it shrank, it was doing a pretty good job. I found out that what might be adequate window coverage during one part of the year might be completely inadequate when the level of the sun in the sky changes through out the season. And yes, I also found that the block out shades aren't enough. But rather than taking them down, I just layered more things over them to avoid having to be either working late at night when I really need to get my rest, or during the day when it will result in light exposure. Some of my windows have multiple layers of materials in an effort to completely block out the light. The best material I found was sheets of plywood. It can be cut to fit, painted to look a little more attractive both inside and outside like a picture painted on canvas, and sealed around the edges. It doesn't shrink over time as badly as cardboard, and sunlight can't get through it no matter how bright it is outside. The cats can't poke little holes in it with their claws in an attempt to look out the window in the holes that they've made. Next to that, aluminum foil seemed to do the next best job. I finally resorted to covering several of my windows with aluminum foil on top of what was already there, just because all the black plastic, room darkening shades, cardboard, posterboard, and heavy blankets and towels simply wasn't cutting it. If I could afford it, though, I'd use plywood on every window. It could be hinged so that the windows could be opened for an emergency or to ventilate a room when I wasn't in it. But I am making do with my club sandwiched window coverings on most of the windows because it's cheaper.
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Lyme thyroiditis IBS MVP PTSD MCS 125D63 SAM-e Claritin probiotics psyllium silymarin magnesium 5htp GABA homebound low lux NoIRs 25D8 (Oct08)
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expate
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 18:20 |
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Great suggestions, all. Thanks.
I've just ordered the lux meter; better safe than sorry.
I think I'll take the cardboard with decorative curtain route.
*wishes Oklahoma had Costco*
There's such a temperature differential here, not just between seasons, but interior and exterior, that I hesitate to use something that doesn't breathe.
More work ahead. Can't wait to just relax and know that I've at least got that part right.
dette
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Hypervitaminosis D 1,25-D 52 pg/ml, 25-D 38 (4/08), 25-D 34 (8/08), 25-D 29 (10/08): all ng/ml, started Ph1 7/17/08, Ph2 11/4/08. Covered up, but no facemask any longer. NoIRs. Home low light.
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expate
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 18:22 |
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Oh, and I know what you mean about the cats, Linda. That was a major concern for me -- trying to rig up something that would not intrigue my cat to try to get to the other side of it. She is a window dweller. Oh well, she's going on the Protocol too!
dette
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Hypervitaminosis D 1,25-D 52 pg/ml, 25-D 38 (4/08), 25-D 34 (8/08), 25-D 29 (10/08): all ng/ml, started Ph1 7/17/08, Ph2 11/4/08. Covered up, but no facemask any longer. NoIRs. Home low light.
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Joyful
Member in Phase 3
| Joined: | Sat Jun 9th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 600 |
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 21:37 |
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Wow, the cats add a whole new element... hadn't thought of that.
As for the cardboard, the kind I used was not corregated, but a very heavy single thickness (and with a nicely white colored side too).
After a whole year in pretty hot/intense sunlight I did pull down the two in my bedroom to re-tape them. We don't have humidity all the time, but I found one little spot of what looked like mold on one window. I cleaned the window off and found that this kind of cardboard was sturdy enough to be good to go for another year (I think). I think it is somewhat like poster board.
Madwolf reminded me, though, I did put an aluminum foil inner layer inside the windows in the shower of both bathrooms for a little more moisture protection.
It may not be the best solution for everyone, but I really need functional windows as we do not have air conditioning in our home.
This thread seems like it would be useful to the curemyth1 folks as well...
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Lyme?1980 Babs?05 Bart?05 CFS?06 | 125D50 Ph1Jul07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | NoIRs cover up but rarely leave low lux home | 25D15 Oct08 | ABC of MP
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Chris
Advocate
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Posted: Mon Aug 4th, 2008 01:55 |
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We had luck with blackout curtains from Country Curtains, originally bought for the kids room, to get them to sleep on time in the bright summer evenings. And we had luck with simple white vinyl curtains, from Home Depot, or Lowes, or some such place. The white vinyle is ugly, but we used it behind a set of lighter weight drapes that we already had, so they weren't noticeable.
-- Chris
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sarcoid since 1983 (or much earlier), MP since summer 2004 Chris' story
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eClaire
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Mon Sep 25th, 2006 |
| Location: | Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 1009 |
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Posted: Mon Aug 4th, 2008 05:06 |
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I used blackout material from a fabric store and taped it to the window panes with velcro so as to not damage the surrounding window frame, but that is a very expensive way to go. And I found working around the locks--that is the tiny cracks from impercise cuttin) to be difficult. (I have socks drapped over the locks in the windows of my bedroom, which are hiding behind some blinds.) I also discovered that electrical tape, even dark electrical tape is not a good solution for blocking out the tiny little spots and cracks (hence, the socks)...yes, I know that's not necessary unless you are extraordinarily light sensitive.
I think luan would work, particularly for specialty windows and have recommended that.
After doing all of that (getting the blackout material because I thought it would make the house look less weird from the outside), I think the option of aluminum foil is a lot better.
I also wanted my windows to be functional (the other reason for taping the blackout material directly to the window panes), but that won't happen until I can handle the small cracks of light in the bedroom. I could handle it in the living room, but there is no reason to make that area functional until the weather cools when I can let cool air in in the evening.
What a learning process. Perhaps we ought to develop regional teams once the MP take off to help folk be adequately prepare for the MP.
As for the lux meter? Well, I ordered one and returned it; they said it was entirely operational. HOWEVER, my brain was not.
Making all the overhead lights adjustable and adjusting them so that my eyes are comfortable probably does the same thing (given that I was extraordinarily light sensitive to start with...there was no chance I had over 30 lux anywhere).
Claire
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CFS FMS MCS COPD hypermobility IBS/GERD osteoporosis 125D48 25D8 Ph1Dec06 ModPh2Jun07 NoIRs limited outings covered up low lux home abx brk 3/2 - 5/25/08 Ph 2 10/29/2008
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expate
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Mon Aug 4th, 2008 16:10 |
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Wow, it really does take such a lot of preparation and trial and error. I'm just staying largely out of the kitchen until my daughter gets back in town and I can extract some favors from her. I think I'll try poster board with blue painters tape on the windows with curtains over (if needed).
The duct tape I used didn't stick to the widows. Discouraging. I don't know if it's the sun or... I don't know. I'm hoping the blue tape will work.
I REALLY can't wait for winter. It's supposed to go up to 106 degrees today, 109 with heat index. 
dette
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Hypervitaminosis D 1,25-D 52 pg/ml, 25-D 38 (4/08), 25-D 34 (8/08), 25-D 29 (10/08): all ng/ml, started Ph1 7/17/08, Ph2 11/4/08. Covered up, but no facemask any longer. NoIRs. Home low light.
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expate
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Mon Aug 4th, 2008 16:12 |
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Oh, and yes, we definitely need regional teams in the future.
dette
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Hypervitaminosis D 1,25-D 52 pg/ml, 25-D 38 (4/08), 25-D 34 (8/08), 25-D 29 (10/08): all ng/ml, started Ph1 7/17/08, Ph2 11/4/08. Covered up, but no facemask any longer. NoIRs. Home low light.
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Juanita
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Thu May 3rd, 2007 |
| Location: | Alberta Canada |
| Posts: | 368 |
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Posted: Mon Aug 4th, 2008 19:30 |
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We gone through several approaches with blocking light. We started with newpaper taped to the windows, but that didn't block enough light. So we taped up tin foil instead. Looked REALLY weird from the street and we got a lot of teasing from the neighbours about our trying to avoid our thoughts being read by aliens.
The worst of the tin foil was the mould that grew behind it when the season changed to Fall and there was less heat to dry out the window behind the foil. Terrible mould growth on all the windows.
So we bought auto window tint sheets. They come with glue, but can also be put up with water and firm pressing with a credit card to remove the air bubbles. We went that route out of fear that all our windows would end up with glue problems later on. But it wasn't dark enough so we added a second layer. That works really well. You cut two sheets to fit the window, then use the glue to press them into one and set it into the window with water. All our windows have this treatment.
Then on the sides of the house that are extra bright, we also hung dark navy blue curtains from Ikea. In those rooms it is almost as dark as night. In other rooms we hung beige Ikea curtains with forest green curtains behind them. Not as pitch black so you can wander around easily, but dark enough that our eyes don't hurt. *we were too cheap to buy a lux meter* 
No mould, it wasn't expensive, and it's dark enough that when someone comes into the house they are shocked at how dark it is, but we are comfortable.
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MCS, CFS, FM, CS, DH, stroke neuro, seizures, skin ca, IBS, eczema, irregular heartbeat| NoIR avoid light and D| Sept 21/07 25D-40.8ng/ml| May 7, 07 1,25D-35.8pg/ml
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expate
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Mon Aug 4th, 2008 20:39 |
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Wow, Juanita, it sounds like you've been through it. I realize how little energy I have when I think about how much effort this is taking. Then too, it took me nine years to get around to putting up curtains downstairs (we had blinds). 
I'm still adjusting to not being able to see well enough to where everything takes extra effort and adds stress.
Hmmmm, I think the grump-o-meter is reading a little high today.
dette
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Hypervitaminosis D 1,25-D 52 pg/ml, 25-D 38 (4/08), 25-D 34 (8/08), 25-D 29 (10/08): all ng/ml, started Ph1 7/17/08, Ph2 11/4/08. Covered up, but no facemask any longer. NoIRs. Home low light.
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Juanita
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Thu May 3rd, 2007 |
| Location: | Alberta Canada |
| Posts: | 368 |
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Posted: Wed Aug 6th, 2008 19:33 |
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In the beginning, when we were first darkening everything, I cried and cried and cried. My world was already so small being that sick. So losing the freedom to look out and feel the sun on my face through the window broke my heart. It was one of my last pleasures from my old life. Took the whole family to settle me down and some valium.
They said.... try it for three days and then we can talk about again. Maybe we'll have to ease into the darkening of the house, but let's try it for three days. I have short term memory loss so I know they were just managing me. Three days doesn't seem long, intellectually, eh? And for me, three days feels like nine years as I won't remember the day before the three days started. Ha!! 
I think I was also in denial about how sick I was, plus.... you lose so much control over your life when sickness owns you, eh? Giving up light seemed beyond my ability. But, sure enough, after the three days I could see how comforting the darkness was, how much better my eyes felt, and how much calmer I was.
It still took me five or six months to stop fussing about it ocassionally, but now it is the norm. And when someone new comes into the house and complains, I look around and wonder for a moment just what they are irritated with. It feels good now and I'm glad we did it.
At the moment, I'm thinking... I'll never make it light again, it's just that soothing, eh? But we'll see when we get there.
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MCS, CFS, FM, CS, DH, stroke neuro, seizures, skin ca, IBS, eczema, irregular heartbeat| NoIR avoid light and D| Sept 21/07 25D-40.8ng/ml| May 7, 07 1,25D-35.8pg/ml
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expate
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Thu Aug 7th, 2008 04:08 |
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Juanita, thank you for this. It is a beautiful answer to my angst.
Odette
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Hypervitaminosis D 1,25-D 52 pg/ml, 25-D 38 (4/08), 25-D 34 (8/08), 25-D 29 (10/08): all ng/ml, started Ph1 7/17/08, Ph2 11/4/08. Covered up, but no facemask any longer. NoIRs. Home low light.
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Deb Grabetz
Advocate
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Posted: Thu Aug 7th, 2008 13:51 |
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Yes Juanita, a very accurate account of what I too went through. We have a 20' x 20' upstairs family room, that I basically took over when I started MP. Tom put up room darkening shades, I have a TV, fireplace, computer and my I-Pod here! The room is painted a warm, inviting sage green with many of my favorite watercolors hanging on the walls. I failed to really appreciate my lovely surroundings and agree, it was a lot of anger coming from being so sick and having my life pulled out from under me like a dirty rug! I was angry about being so ill again, (no dx, second flare, worse this time!) angry about not being able to fly, angry about turning 50 and becoming ill the same month...angry that our kids were almost out of college and Tom and I had "plans" like travel that were now physically impossible for me...
My sister-in-law stopped over to see me early in my treatment and her first words were..."oh, I would love to be home every day and in this beautiful room"...hmmm, it made me think about how my mind had become MY PERSONAL BATTLEFIELD! I soon learned to love my surroundings! Yes, I still miss the world outside but just last night, as I had an awesome day and some energy to spare, I watered my flowers and spent some time listening to the crickets chirp, watching the cars drive by our busy street and enjoying watching the twinkling stars in the sky....yup, the planes overhead still cause me a little misery as I miss my work...but for the most part, I could not be more thankful!
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Sarcoidosis/lungs, lymph,liver, GI, neuro, D12542, Ph17/07, MPh2 9/07, B12, cover up, NoIRs, low lux home, not working, 4/07D2511 1/08D25-0 CranialSacral weekly
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Elisabeth
Health Professional
| Joined: | Tue Feb 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | Missouri USA |
| Posts: | 125 |
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Posted: Sat Aug 9th, 2008 04:21 |
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Odette,
These look REALLY tacky, but we went the dark sheets/pillowcases route, mostly b/c we had excess of these in our linen closet after combining households last summer.
I too gradually darkened our home. I grew up on a farm spending as many of my waking hours out of doors as possible and loved being outdoors as an adult. The "30 lux or less" thing came as a real shock - especially once I realized what that looked like! Initially we just pulled our shades and thought that was dark - ha! Like the others though, I now too feel so much better in the dark than the light b/c of the sx's that are illicited by it, so that I actually now prefer it.
As I said, black/dark blue/navy sheets/pillowcases have done the trick for us (the pillow cases can provide a double layer OR can be cut open to provide more width). We have wooden window frames so we just tacked them up - literally (hence the "tacky" look!).
Hope you're "in the dark" soon! 
Elisabeth
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CFIDS FM hypothyroidism depression TMJ sinusitis bronchitis Ph1 Mar08 (1/08) 25D10 (3/08)25D24 (9/08)25D12 (1/08)TSH5.8 (9/08)TSH0.3 Ph2 June08 Zoloft Synthyroid MgOx Colace FiberChoice Lactaid NoIRs homebound in lo lux
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