The HEAT is on

[socrates2k1]

Good day all,

Well, Spring has sprung, here in Kansas, and we have had a warm beginning to it.
Several days of high humidity and 80 degree F weather.
This has slammed me with both increased fatigue and an increase in the tightening of my MS hug.
Needless to say, I have spent several days, in bed, resting or sleeping.
If this is how my Spring is going to be, I can't wait until Summer (sarcastically).
Other than resting in bed (or your favorite chair, love seat or couch), what can be done, if anything?
I know, I have read about the "heat" being the factor, and that cold compacts, etc. tend to help,
but can someone please explain, how cooling your exterior body temperature helps?

[I cannot get much done, staying in bed, it's not "living", it's "surviving".]

Thank you for your time, consideration, and cooperation, I truly appreciate it.

Take care and may God bless, you and yours

-- Socrates2k1

[beema36]

Socrates, I see we live in same general area. I think part of the problem is it has gone from one extreme to another in temps plus high humidity. Here's what my neurologist suggested years ago and has worked for me.  I drink lots if cool beverages but the secret is along with that I.eat large amts of crushed ice which lowers core temp. It ends up making me shiver but sure helps the effects of heat.
Beema

[jujuminx]

I can't say why cooling your outter temp helps but it does, at least for me.

Swimming is a great way to enjoy the outdoors but remain cool. Also, last fall when temps here were still pretty high, Prescription Solutions sent me a cooling pack that you can wear around your neck to help keep your body temp down. It helped me.

Constantly drinking cool beverages is also a great way to keep cool.

Hope you find something that works for you so you can enjoy your life.

Julie

[COBOB]

Not very stylist, but there are cooling vests out there.
http://www.stacoolvest.com/

Bob

[RedFlame]

defineately cooling vest, air-conditioning, fans and cold drinks.  Cold showers too.  

[jensequitur]

Humidity is a problem for me, as well as heat.  I have to stay out of the heat - getting overheated will knock me out for 24 hours.

If I'm in the heat - I use a spray bottle full of cold water.  Spray it on your face, let it evaporate, and then spray it again.  I pretty much have to spray all of my face and torso every fifteen minutes.  I've tried the neck coolers, and they just feel soggy and stifling against my neck.

They also have this magic neck cooler thingie - something like this:

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/50488908/Magic_Neck_Cooler.html

I have a friend who had one, and claimed it worked great.  I've never tried it.

[Lulu54]

This is a good time to again plug the FREE cooling items available for people with MS.

MSAA -
http://www.msassociation.org/programs/cooling

MS Foundation
http://msfocus.org/Cooling-Program.aspx

Both of these groups have a variety of items available - and NOW is the time to apply for them.  Don't wait until it gets too hot to function.

Lu

[HoustonDogLove]

I just got a new car and I found out you can apply for darker tint with a medical excuse. I asked my neurologist and it sounds like they are making a letter for me, Who knows if Texas DPS will approve it, I asked my tint friend and he said mostly people get darker tint excuses for skin conditions. Hopefully it will work, If the car is cooler when it's hot and stays cooler it will also cool off faster. I wont have to have the sun beating down on me. cause sometimes in the car it doesn't matter how good the AC works if the sun is on you your cooking.

I am nervous about this summer too, this is my first summer knowing I have MS. I wonder how the heat will affect me. I am just starting to feel good again and thinking I maybe regaining the feeling in my hands slowly. I would hate for things to turn around.