10 replies to this topic

[Simon]

JULIE
it is a problem, I'm a c4 tetra and its even worse, I and others like me get cold below their shoulders. Many wear wooley hats to stopp feeling cold. I moved to a warmer climate it wss so bad but even here at the moment its a hat job in the Algarve for me.
You could try leg warmers - sexy
Simon

[keps]

I am paraplegic too, and ever since my injury I feel the cold like never before.
Below my level can feel like ice (although I can't feel cold there), and where I can feel I shake with cold.

No suggestions, really. I tend to stay indoors a lot when it's cold, which frustrates me - I hate being held back cos of a bit of frost.

One thing I find will warm me up quickly - although it doesn't last for long - is a hot cup of tea - I drink it as quickly as I can, and I feel much better for a while.

[Joed]

Hi Julie...

My right foot has always been 'cadaver-like', but since my main paralysis, it alternates between being feverish to ice-cold. I thought that position/elevation had something to do with the variations in temp, but I've found there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it.

I would suggest wrapping in a heating pad (on low heat...be very careful when applying heat to an insensate part) before going to bed. That might help the extremity get a 'head start' on building up its own body heat before getting under the blankets. A warm water bottle would work too, but it wouldn't cover much surface area...but it may serve to keep the surrounding bed sheets warm. An electric mattress pad would do the same thing on a larger scale.

They do make a heat boot...I've seen it advertised on TV...but it's been awhile since I've seen it.

It's surprising that a foot can get so incredibly cold...you'd think that it would at least remain at room temperature, but it's like it's filled with freon or something. Not pleasant to suddenly have up against you at night in a warm bed. I can't even stand to have my foot touching myself!

[AHolland]

You can do a few things.

Neoprene socks are very bulky, but are great for holding heat in. You can also go to most ski shops and find items like battery heated socks. They usually run off of small battery packs.

Where do you live, geographically. I might be able to point you to a provider in your area if you are living in north america.

[hillarymcarter]

When my husband comes in from the cold, I throw some towels and blankets in the dryer and then when they are nice and warm, I wrap him up like a burrito. Since it got cold, he is wearing thermal underwear under his clothes.

[Julie Gerard]

Thanks sooo much to all whom responded to my post, I now am armed with plenty of ideas to keep my special friend toasty.
Cheers to all

[wheelie182]

Everyone seems to just be suggesting socks, but you say his legs are cold as well, you want to try purchasing socks that go higher up the leg, and trousers which have 2 lays of insulation, i think that two layerss work better than one thick one,

but other than that all i can suggest is that keep is legs moving, ie i always like to lift my legs up, and give them a stretch,

[AHolland]

You are right Wheelie in suggesting warmer pants as well. I usually use these double layer cargo pant I buy from a local Costco store. They have normal outers, complete with zip off lowers (makes them into shorts). They have a second fleece interior that makes them warmer in winter.

[mish62]

I take a warm fleecy blanket to cover my legs up when in the wheelchair..plus i wear long sock under my trews..put layers of clothing instead of one warm jumper.. If my feet and legs get freezing i get my partner to bring the hot water bottle out which is covered in a fleece as well. although a pillow case can be put over the bottle just incase you burn yourself.. outdoor clothing can be a tad expensive but worth the spend if you can afford it.

Michelle