Effects Of Heat - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

cindys601 · 09-26-2007, 06:33 PM

The heat is back for us this week in eastern mass and I had a horrible day!!

I was so tired, I left work a half an hour early to pick up my daughter from school. I figured I was so fatigued, I'd use this 30 minutes to catch a nap before I went back to work. I needed a rest to finish out my day.

The thought was brilliant, but my ac in my van decided to die on me!! It was nearly 90 degrees and this was the worst 1/2 hour of the year!! I had stopped and picked up milk on my way and I grabbed the gallon hoping I could use this to cool myself down. (I remembered the boards advice as far as using ice packs and such. It did help!!)

By the time my daughter came out, I was feeling dizzy and thought I might pass out. I was afraid to start traveling home and then the cool air decided to work again. (my vans on its way to the mechanic tomorrow!!)

I was comepletly drained for the rest of the afternoon and my hands and arms started burning and my fingers became numb.

My question is this: I know many diseases mimic ms but does the heat affect people this way with other known problems? This has been a problem for me for many years but along with my other symptoms, I just dismissed them and thought this was normal. Any input??
Cindy

MSJayhawk · 09-26-2007, 08:00 PM

Any type of neurological impairment can affect your body's ability to endure temperature changes. I keep my cooling vest ready in case I need to use it. If you do not have a cooling vest, you might give it a go.

duttin · 09-26-2007, 08:38 PM

Cindy,

The heat and I do not mix.
If I get over heated ,I get half sick to my stomache,dizzy ,off balance,blurred vision,fatigued.

If my dish water is to hot my hands go numb.

When ever theres a neurological deficit this can occur.Usually once the body temperature returns to normal,symptoms resolve.It can be draining.

This year it has been awefully warm.

glamour girl · 09-26-2007, 11:37 PM

Yep the heat effect me badly. Then again i haven't met a person with MS that does not get effected with the heat. I don't have the vest, but i do use the necktie coolers and the cool hats. that helps even if I'm not in the car but just walking about at the shops. That lethargic feeling is the pits.

cindys601 · 09-27-2007, 04:07 AM

I thank you all for yor replies and advise!!

Whats so frustrating is when I explain my symptoms to the neuro, he says that it doesn't sound neurological to him. Can I be explaining my symptoms wrong, maybe?

I have always been a very strong woman who hides her problems and takes care of everyone else so I think maybe I might be not expressing myself correctly to him. What am I saying wrong? I wish he'd order an MRI and get it over with because I don't believe this all happens for no reason...