Feeling "small" anyone?! - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

PetiteTattoo · 02-22-2009, 01:25 PM

(Also posted on the Lupus board since I'm still undiagnosed, trying to figure it all out while I "wait")

Well, this is certainly a "new" one for me. I don't post often (because I can find most commonalities already posted, and I can usually find answers when I look around), but I'm curious to see if anyone else has this disturbing, although transient, feeling. I haven't seen this discussed yet, so I apologize if it has been and I just missed it...

I was taking a shower last night & had the feeling that I might pass out. My legs were wobbly & then it hit me - I felt "small" (which then made me WANT to pass out). It was a perception thing, not an actual visual thing, I'm sure and it passed in a matter of several minutes. When I say I felt "small", I had the physical sensation that I was condensed/stunted... I had to grab the walls of the shower and pray because I couldn't "find" my legs to sit down!

I don't recall ever having this sensation in adulthood - although a light in my childhood bedroom brought it on/triggered it several times. Remembering this reminded me that it will pass & that seemed to ease the increasing panic.

I generally get an "overheated" feeling after a shower, almost certainly never during one. I just dress lightly until the feeling passes, and chalk it up to those demyelinating legions I have.

I'd appreciate any feedback you might have... Peace & bliss to all!

MSJayhawk · 02-22-2009, 01:34 PM

Never a "small feeling" but the legs- I can relate. As to overheating due to the shower, you might want to turn your shower temp down. My neuro told me to avoid the hot shower especially from the neck and up. The wobbly legs could be from the water temp. I have a built -in shower seat. You can also purchase a shower seat. This might alleviate some of your concerns.

PetiteTattoo · 02-22-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSJayhawk

Never a "small feeling" but the legs- I can relate. As to overheating due to the shower, you might want to turn your shower temp down. My neuro told me to avoid the hot shower especially from the neck and up. The wobbly legs could be from the water temp. I have a built -in shower seat. You can also purchase a shower seat. This might alleviate some of your concerns.

Thank you. I'm about to say a tearful goodbye to hot showers, aren't I? One of my last "feel great" measures... sigh. It was my only relief from that oh so frequent "freezing" feeling I get (besides sleeping). I hadn't thought about the shower seat as we have a partial built-in one - if turning down the temp doesn't help, I'll remember to just shower seated! Thanks a bunch...

MSJayhawk · 02-22-2009, 04:35 PM

Try your shower hot like you want. But run it that way below your neck. If this works, then enjoy, if not, then start the downward temp. You might try just slight downturns each time until you find what works for you. I use to enjoy a HOT shower too, but it is a sacrifice necessary to maintain health. Not fun- I do empathize!!

april1848 · 02-23-2009, 05:26 PM

I never had the "small" feeling either, but I feel really lousy after a hot shower. Very weak legs and arms, and vertigo are my hot shower feelings. I used to love sitting in a hot bath for long periods of time, but I cut that out. I still use my shower hotter than I should, but I'm having trouble cutting them out. I usually don't turn the temp down until my arms get so weak I have problems washing my hair, and by then it's too late. Now that it's freezing here, I've found that I can tolerate warmer showers better. It's very different for me in the summer though. Sometimes, all I can do is just sit down!