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1456870 tn?1304129806

Cold weather and 5 level fusion, Need some ideas to keep pain from increasing...

Hey everyone...  Hope all is well with you.  My question is...  I have had many surgeries on my back.  And am not looking forward to winter.  As some of us know the cold does bad things.  Aside from heating pads, and the heat patches that don't work for very long, how can I beat the cold.  I've came to the conclusion that I'm fine with taking my pain med's.  Im no longer gonna do the dance of not wanting to take them.  You helped alot with that issue.  I'm not going to increase the does because of pain.  I feel im at a high dose as is.  Taking 1 60mg Oxycontin am 2x 40mg oxy lunch and 1 60 mg oxy at bed time.  It works well and dont need any break through med's.  Plus I dont do the short acting stuff because I take more than I would like.  So if you have found a decent way to beat the cold fill me in.  Aside from moving to a warmer state. Im in Minnesota so it get's cold cold from time to time.  I hit below 50 deg. and I start my issues.  Thanks all.......  Steven ........Oh ya, Im a college student so Im usually out a lot .
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535089 tn?1400673519
.....Turn the heat up in your home and get comfy in your Big fat oversized chair :)

No, honestly, I can't think of anything except what you're doing. I too have had multiple surgeries....6 back surgeries to be exact. Winter is the hardest time for me and to just get through it is a miracle every winter. I know exactly where you're coming from.

Others will post as the day goes into evening. You should get more advise then.

My best,
Mollyrae

Helpful - 0
1301089 tn?1290666571
Cold makes me worse as well.  I like Texas.  Other than what you're doing I don't know what to tell you.  Has anyone tried those snugglie things that are basically blankets with sleeves?  They sound interesting.
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82861 tn?1333453911
Soaking in a hot bathtub is about the only thing that does it for me.  Before you attempt physical activity in the cold weather, even if it's just taking a walk or shopping, give yourself 15 or 20 minutes with the heating pad.  That serves the same function as a warmup before a gym workout.  Don't wait until it starts hurting to hit the heat - by then it's too late.  Think of it as more of a preventive technique than a restorative technique.  I don't envy you being stuck in the frozen wastelands of the Great White North.  The wet cold here in Texas is bad enough; no way could I live up north again!  :-)
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1456870 tn?1304129806
We just relocated here after my surgery from Corpus Cristi, TX so I know Texas.  The humidity by the coast is killer with 100 deg  weather.  Thanks all....
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Avatar universal
Hey there, It gets cold where I live to, and my Pelvic pain, and Osteo Artritis goes into to overdrive when the temp gets below 55 degrees-F*. I'm kinda the type of person that gets hot,  and cold all the time for some reason, but as the temperature starts to drop I go to my closet, and start swtching my spring, summer, and early fall cloths to late fall winter stuff. With that said I really like my ("light weight FLEECE PULL OVER with a zipper)'. Its probably my favorite for every day casual. They also make pull over fleece shirts ,or button shirts that you can wear with the light weight jacket. I like to dress in layers so I can easily take the jacket off if need be, but when it gets real COLD out I have to break out the light weight "Long Johns" I keep like 3 pairs because by the time it gets that cold the store shelves are bare!  Also when it gets really cold it is Long Johns,+ fleece shirt, + fleece pullover, + my warm winter coat with goose down. This dress method is the only one that works for me.  Oh I don't want to forget they also make socks for winter that when your feet sweat the inside nearest to you skin stays dry. You can get them at any sport outlet or hunting store, but the Fleeces sometimes are harder to come by , so if you want to give that a try I would look for them before it gets cold. Hope this helps. Take care,  Paingotago
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1456870 tn?1304129806
Thanks all for the advice.  I will look into everything.  With out a doubt.
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Avatar universal
I make sure I have heating pads at work,home and in the truck for  just in case.
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Avatar universal
Hey Steven~  I'm always freezing at and below 50 degrees. I dress in layers,also,which helps and natural fabrics are the best. I take Niacin in the morning;extra during the winter. It warms me,it's natural and maybe you could try that. Start at the lowest dose and go up according to your reaction.
Good luck~
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sounds like we're all dreading the cold!  I know I am.  I even gave up going to watch my boys play hockey (unless they're at a heated rink.)  The cold sets in my bones and I just am in agony.  I take lots of hot showers, don't go out much (but I'm 48), I use the ThermaCare heating pads EVERYWHERE.  I wear thick socks and layer.  But sometimes no matter what I just feel the cold deep in my bones and my pain just escalates.

My kids all got Snuggies for Christmas last year.  They all wanted them.  One uses his all the time.  I don't have one.

I have found that now that I'm probably heading into menopause and I get occasional hot flashes that the hot flashes don't bug me.  Sometimes it even feels good :)
Helpful - 0
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