From the article: Tips to Survive the Summer with Multiple Sclerosis
Many times I would not realize that I was experiencing MS-related heat intolerance - I thought I was fine, but would start slowing waaaay down. It was only when it got noticeable to others (and they mentioned it) that it would occur to me that I was operating a much lower capacity than usual and it was probably a result of the heat. One day I tried some cooling neck wraps that my mother-in-law made for me (and to send to troops in Iraq) and I realized that I could adjust my heat tolerance up about 10 degrees with this nifty little thing. What tips have you tried to survive the hot weather? Share with other MSers here. Share Your Tips
Beat the Heat
- I bought a "chillow" (www.chillow-pillow.com) A thin plastic pillow w memory foam inside & a valve to put water in. It cools my head and neck quickly. Also, a gel ice pack inside the waist of pants, front of shirt (a trick from surgical nurses)
- —annemostbeautiful
Swimming!!!
- I find swimming to be the best way to cope with summers. If you swim regularly during the summers, it ensures that you both enjoy summers and stay cool. Plus, you get lots of Vitamin D, which is great for MS.
- —ambika95
Coping with heat
- I started using a cooling vest this past spring to cope with TX summers. I bought mine from Polar Products that uses cold packs you put in the freezer. It works great at home, on walks, and especially when I get into the car after it's been in the sun. The car AC works fine but just isn't enough for me. Because my legs need extra cooling in the car, I pull a couple of the packs from the vest and slip one under each thigh. The vest is not fashionable but it sure helps me stay active! I keep the vest in a cooler in the car 'til I need it, and it stays plenty cold. It's been a good investment.
- —Guest Susan
ken
- I did buy a neck and spine ice pack it helped a lot
- —Guest ken
Heating Tip
- I stay in the house with the overhead fans and air conditioner going. If I have to go out, I go early, early morning or late, late evening.
- —Guest MistyLilacs
Sorry, can't think of any
- The only thing that really helps is to sit by an open window and have as many fans on as I can and lots of cold mineral water in the 'fridge. The only trouble with that is that when I drink too much I have to go to the bathroom fairly often and its hot in there! Ice packs in the freezer help as would airconditioning, but that's expensive as well, so I need extra help too!
- —anneveasey
Dealing with heat
- From my experience, it really helps me each year to get acclimated. I live in Southeast Texas and it's really hot. We've been up to 102 several times this year already and it hits at least 99 degrees everyday. I start early in the year, usually around March in Texas, and make sure I spend time outside everyday. Exposing myself to the rise in temperatures gradually over a 3-4 month period is the best way I have found to help my MS. When I tried to avoid the outside temperatures, I was miserable when I had to get out in it. But when I start acclimating myself to the heat, I find it is much easier to tolerate the 100 degree plus temperatures. Hope this helps some of you that are suffering.
- —Guest Cindy
Stay cool tshirt
- If all else fails I am moving to Alaska, LOL!!I usually do what I have to do outside before 10am, then I hide inside. Jockey just came out with a t-shirt that they called "Stay Cool". This shirt says that it drops your core temp 3 degree. It works and is amazing. I picked up a neck wrap from walmart. I have what they call a personal mister that is a pump action bottle.
- —Guest darcy
Coping with hear
- Hi I fill a hot water bottle put it in the fridge then rest my feet on it to cool me down. If my feet are hot I cannot function. Or freeze water in an old bottle, wrap in towel and place at end of bed or where ever you like to cool at night. I have found nothing for the day as yet! I live in the uk they don't do cooling vests, but my cousin from the USA is sending me a cooling hat and neck scarf.
- —Guest Tracy
THE HEAT WITH MS
- Wear a ball cap to insulate your head.. This helps in the heat..I live in Houston and its now 104 F...The heat ZAPS me and I try to do everything in the mornings or evenings when its cooler outdoors....
- —Guest MILOBUG
Swamp Cooler
- I had never heard that name before last weekend, but at my local Wal-Mart I found a portable handheld fan with a spritz bottle. I was set up to grill outside the next day (grill ~500 degrees, day ~85 degrees), so I got the fan. I was able to grill quite easily with the assistance of the O2 Cooler I picked up. It has made my life so much easier to combat the heat sensitivity, especially when it's been close to 90 lately.
- —Guest Jessica
A couple of tips for staying cool
- One of my favorite cooling foods - frozen red grapes. And they're good for you too. Keep you car cool by parking in the shade if you can find any.
- —Guest Jack
Trying to stay cool...
- I made some neck coolers (found instructions by googling "neck coolers") and keep a couple in the refrig. which I alternate when one stops being effective. I also have a spray bottle with a fan. It's made so ice cubes can be added to the water section, although it's great even without the cubes. I spray my face, neck, upper arms, legs when I start to heat up. I live Arizona, so I try to stay in AC whenever possible. I also get my exercise at the gym doing water aerobics at an indoor pool. This is the best way I've found to stay refreshed, remain active and not overheat.
- —Guest Wendy
MS/Core Cool
- My name is Stephen Johnson. I am 37 years old and live and work in Houston, Texas. I am a husband and the father of a beautiful daughter. My journey with MS began when I was diagnosed on August 5th, 2003. I tried to keep doing the same things I had always done, but I began to struggle a bit with the heat (this is no joke during Houston summers). As I learned more and began to feel worse, I realized that my symptoms were aggravated as my temperature went up. My doctor told me about cooling vests and how they work. I tried a few, but could never find one that would work for my lifestyle. I am in outside sales in the Houston heat and needed a vest that does not get my clothes all wet. I finally came up with a solution and started a company called MS/CoreCool. I found I could not return any of the vests that did not work for me. I figured I would offer a 110% money back guarantee if they did not like the vests we have. We also offer free shipping. Our link to the website is
- —Guest Stephen Johnson
Heat intolerance in MS
- To quickly ease the symptoms of Uhthoffs Phenomena run cold water over your wrists, works a treat.
- —Guest George
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