Heat and MS: Okay, it's officially hot now...
Tuesday June 30, 2009
Okay, it's official. It's hot. It's humid. This means that for those of us with MS we have a choice - stay inside and be kinda mad and anxious about summer, or go outside and be REALLY mad and anxious about summer.
I'm bringing up these articles again to remind us that, even though it is that time of year, there are some things we can do to keep functioning the best we can. It is also to remind us that, if we feel a little slower, a little bit MSier, forget and drop things more, not to be too hard on ourselves. Get a glass of iced tea, get in the pool or inside and take it easy.
Read the full articles:
Boy, this was timely! I had forgotten what heat can do to my MS symptoms. The heat reminded me but I was feeling very angry and alone about it. Thanks for the reminders on how to keep cool and also for allowing me to feel as if I’m not alone.
Hi Julie. I don’t see any email address where I could contact you with questions. Could you please e-mail me at my address and leave your e-mail so I could ask you a couple of questions regarding your MS. My son has MS and I am trying to find as much helpful information for him as possible. Thank you very very much. Pam
While the heat bothers me a little (DC in the summer bothers everyone!), I am of the opposite ilk – the cold makes my MS spasticity much worse and my feet and hands get cold enough to turn bluish. Once I get cold it is very difficult to warm up. I dread the end of summer and the coming of winter.
However, here’s a cooling tip I use when horseback riding in the summer heat: put damp bandannas in the freezer. When you are out in the heat drape one around your neck and wrap two on your wrists. Lots of blood vessels close to the skin against the cold wraps. I also soak and wring out the shirt I am wearing – yeah it’s a wet T-shirt on horseback. But, I’m cool!
What helps me in the very hot weather of my country (45 degrees) is a thermos full of ice. I keep adding water to it n drinking from it. Air conditioning from the inside is my secret!
I ride horses in GEORGIA / HOT!!! A cooling vest by Cool-medics is the answer!! It’s attractive and designed for the equestrian events. Most of my riding friends own one now and I don’t feel so identified. It really works and is stylish. Go to cool-medics.com and try one out / you won’t be disappointed.
Reba
I have had MS for seven years. The summer heat and humidity not only intensifies my symptoms but it also drains me of any energy I think I might have. For this, my neurologist prescribes Provigil 200 mgs QD. It really helps. Also for the heat, I take two or three “warm” showers a day. Believe it or not, a warm shower helps me to “cool” off better than a cool one.
Hi every one, I have MS since 1999 and I live in Iraq and you the Situation in my country
My symptoms is becoming worse day by day
but I don’t care with that
I try to live and forgotten my MS symptoms