Heat related problems...

[michelleric]

I tried to look through the health pages, but cant seem to find the info.

Just got back from a family vacation for 3 days. It was HOT and I did WAY too much, tried to be the good mom,and enjoy the final days of summer before school starts.

I have hit a wall. Cant really be on the computer too long, having lots of vision issues right now, and cant see well.

How long does it take to get back to "normal" body/vision after cooling down?

Cant find this? Anyone? Thanks in advance...

Michelle

[michelleric]

Heather,

Thanks, good info. I did take my cooling neck/spine pack, and stayed in the shade most of the time, except for when I was in the pool.  Again, I am so sorry your daughter now is going through these tough trials with a new dx of MS. Must be so hard to see as a mom, always wanting your children to be healthy and happy. My thoughts are with you...

Deb,

Yes I try to "ignore" MS as much as I can, then get hit over the head with symptoms, and I get angry. Hopefully I will get less angry as the years go on, and I "get used" to this disease?

PD,

As always, good advice. I will look for a big hat, although have no clue where u get these kind of things. I am not a hat person, except for the Red Sox cap my kids make me wear @ ball games :)

I hope you will get someone to listen to you Dan, your struggles have been continuous  and long.  I will be thinking of you and hope someone can help you and soon.

Michelle

[PastorDan]

Shell's right, Michelle; you're a good Mom.  Remember, though, that if you wear yourself down beyond what you can handle, you'll have nothing left in reserve to give to the kids, the hubby, or to anyone else.  Mom needs to pace herself.  The broad-brimmed hat is a must, too.

How hot is too hot when we're talking about water?  I love a good hot shower, but is there a point at which "warm" or "very warm" becomes "too hot for someone suspected of having MS"?  Farenheit or Celsius, technical or slang, I don't care, just give me your thoughts, those with an answer.

No sun here today to worry about. :>(

[Deb61]

I notice that when I get overheated, it's almost next to impossible to get cooled down again.  It takes forever--several days when I get that overheated, to recover.  The same as when I'm cold.  I have a hard time getting warmed up and have really bad spasticity.

I get angry at this, too.  I want to forget about MS, but am reminded when this happens.  This is one of the things that can spoil nice trips.  

Deb

[Heather3418]

Sometimes when we over-do AND are out in the heat for long periods, it literally wears our bodies down.  It can sometimes take me days to recover completely, if I do that.  I wouldn't call it a flair up, just a short exacerbation of sorts.  You're just plain worn out and you need to give your body time to recover.

I recently noticed after a 200 mile round trip to my daughter's for three days, that it took me several days if not a full week, to start feeling "normal" again.  I had to take extra naps and had to slow down and stay out of the heat when I got home.  I was exhausted.  It all comes from pushing myself too hard and trying to carry too much emotion of the trip itself.  (I went to see her because she has just been diagnosed with MS)

You really need to stay out of the hot sun.  Take an ice chest with you, with some wet rags, to put on the back of your neck, when you are out in the heat.  I got a complete cooling vest, cooling head band- etc., from the MS Society and it was free.  It's made for those of us that shouldn't be out in the heat.  Keeping cool is very important.  Wearing a broad rim ladies straw hat, out in the heat, really helps to keep the sun off your face and head too.

As you say, take care of yourself and stay OUT OF THE SUN.  This is one time, that you should head for any shade trees and just sit and enjoy the action.

Best Wishes,
Heather

[michelleric]

Thanks for your comments. Yes, I guess I am trying to be "normal" again, that did bring a smile Shell, thanks

My vision is better, and I do feel better, so what am I doing?? Going to the pool today, because the kids want to. It is hot, and again I know I am being stupid...I am my own worst enemy for sure.

At the middle school registration yesterday, there was no where to park and it was hot, I was tired. I parked in the handicapped, and I got many looks from people (perhaps my own paranoia), with my 4 boys jumping out of the car, and me then getting out. I felt embarrassed and then angry I felt that way. I get so frustrated at my body sometimes. Just a quick vent here I guess.

So, I am "trying" to take care of myself, and no I am not doing myself any favors. I keep thinking 7 more days, and the buses will come...that is my mantra.

Thanks again for your responses,

Michelle

[Erin0313]

Hi Michelle! Sorry that you are hurting after vacation. Every year when I get back from the beach I have some health issue from blisters to fatigue and blurry eyes from the chlorine and ocean.

My family ( the ones that don't some with :) say that I should stop going on vacation. Sure I'll just give up vacations for life, right?

Take it easy for a few days. If you aren't feeling better or if anything gets worse at all, call the doctor.

If you are a good girl, you should see improvement every day so if you don't then call the doc to be safe.

Feel better soon
Hugs,
Erin :)

[jensequitur]

If I spend three days out in the heat, it usually takes about three days to recover.  An afternoon out in the yard will take a four-hour nap to recover from it.  It all depends on how much I do!

[sllowe]

Hi Michelle,

You trying to be normal again? You know we can't do that - ha/ha - just wanting to make you smile.

I'll not type a lot because I know it's so hard to strain through the vision stuff, but hope the setback is temporary.  It was probably the doing too much that wore you down a bit.  Even those w/out MS need a vaca from vaca, so don't you try to rush it.  

You are a good Mom Sweety, remember that - even if you are indoors playing cards and not out and about.

Enjoy the time you have left of the summer w/inside stuff.  

(((hugs)))
shell

[Lulu54]

M- your symptoms should be better in short order when your body cools down.  Its quite possible that you are experiencing a flare and not just a simple aggravation of your symptoms.  

Were you around when Sarahsmom did her thing in the hot tub last spring and put herself over the edge?  

If you just pushed through the heat and kept going you may have done more serious damage than just heat fatigue.  

Rest - get lots of cool, airconditioned time, and call your doctor if it doesn't get better in a day, ok?

as always,
L