Keeping warm with CFS
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi everyone, I'm sure I'm not the only one who was freezing yesterday with the cold and wet day that we had. I reluctantly put the central heating on and sat in front of my halogen fire (which only warms my feet), plus I had a hot water bottle and sat with loads of layers of clothes on. Eventually I got so hot that I felt ill, like I had flu, and was only comfortable later in bed, feeling just right at last. It has made me really fear the winter as I can't seem to move around much when it's cold, and sitting around all day long makes me feel worse. I can understand Brits moving abroad for half the year to avoid our winter, but i can't do that! I am thinking of buying a freestanding electric fire that will warm up parts of the room that the radiator doesn't seem to, and also maybe a light box to brighten up the house when it's so dark outside, but I don't want anything too bright as that will hurt my eyes. Can anyone give me any tips on how you mange the cold and dull wintry days, and also any advice on how you get through our long winters? Mary
0 likes, 16 replies
wknight mary_24931
Posted
Do you have central heating, if so, don't turn it off as the house cools down and you waste so much energy and money heating it back up again. I just turn my down a few degrees during the day and then it heats up real quick.
I like the fan heaters as they blow heat at you, warm the room up quick and then you turn them off. I am not a fan of electric radiators. If you go the electric route watch how much they cost to run or you may have a huge bill awaiting you.
I wear a few layers to keep warm and if you get the right gear you will stay nice and cosy. A sleeping bag is another idea to keep you warm of pull the duvet over you whilst sat in the chair.
I can always tell when my CFS is bad because I get supper cold, best of luck
mary_24931
Posted
Hi, thanks for your reply. I got so cold yesterday and had a real CFS flare up as a result, Felt really achy and fluey, all from being cold! I had loads of layers on but couldn't get warm! I do have gas central heating and a very good boiler but one rad in the room isn't enough to keep me warm; it's controlled by a thermostat which is helpful. I'm thinking of an electric fire rather than an electric radiator. I thought fan heaters were expensive to run? I've ordered an electric heater throw so that might help!
elaine62759 mary_24931
Posted
In colder weather I have the heating set so the house is warmer when I get up then have something like porridge for breakfast followed by a warm shower or bath. This seems to warm me up a bit for a couple of hours. If I manage a walk after lunch that heats me up and if not I try to move about the house a bit. I have a nice warm blanket I wrap round me when I'm sitting a while and put an electric fire on keeping the door shut to keep the room I'm in warm. Also try having lots of hot drinks and meals. An electric blanket on the bed is lovely to get into too and you could even lie there during the day. I'm also dreading the winter as it makes my muscle pain much worse although I didn't like the summer either as the heat drains me! I tend to feel better spring and autumn. A lightbox might be a good idea. I'm thinking of trying one as I feel the lack of daylight in winter definitely affects your mood. Hope you find something that helps!
Beverley_01 mary_24931
Posted
Hi Mary,
I find it hard to move when I'm cold which makes it worse but, I go get a shower and then put on the layers which stops me getting cold. A friend of mine, without cfs/me, wears thermal longjohns and t shirt in winter which helps them. Check out camping/hiking shops for ultra warm layers for cold weather.
Also, candles take the edge off a room. My house is quite cold in general and i can't use the fire untill someone ok's it (the gasboard said I can't) so the heating, a shower, thermals and candles here.
Beverley
mary_24931 Beverley_01
Posted
Thanks Beverley, I've ordered some thermal underwear and have today bought some furry lined boots and thermal socks. Candles are a great idea 👍
Beverley_01 mary_24931
Posted
Hope it all helps.
Beverley
derek76 mary_24931
Posted
Did you check your temperature while you felt like that ?
derek76 mary_24931
Posted
Did you check your temperature while you felt like that ?
mary_24931 derek76
Posted
Sorry for late reply. I always check my temperature if I am feeling shivery or flushed and it is always normal!
derek76 mary_24931
Posted
Mine has been way under normal for the last 8 or 10 weeks. I previous did not feel the cold. Now I feel cold when out and it has not been a bad winter in East Sussex. My temperature has varied from 34.5 to 35.7. In a hot room I feel to hot but my temp hardly budges at all. As soon as I'm in bed with just two light cellular blankets I again too warm. My insomnia usually gets me up two or three times but only after the last time do I feel the need to put the quilt on.
My problem is do I have CSF as well as fluoroquinolone toxicity syndrome.
mary_24931 derek76
Posted
Sorry for all the issues you have Derek. I too get temperatures around the 34 to 36 category. I can feel so cold sometime, it's like cold water is being poured into my body and at other times very flushed, and burning up, I am convinced I have a temperature, but when I take it to see, it's never much past 36.
I live in East Sussex also and it hasn't been a cold winter, but it has been a damp and miserable one, which I don't think helps people with illnesses.
Take care,
Mary
derek76 mary_24931
Posted
The big problem for us has been the strong winds on the coast. Its odd how they vary from town to town because of the South Downs.
At least today it says a gentle breeze of 6mph. We might even be able sit when we go out. The pier and the public toilets are now closed. In the next street the only place now open is the newsagent who also sells some groceries. He now closes at 3pm due to lack of trade.
mary_24931 derek76
Posted
Yes, it's very hard at the moment. I live near Bexhill on Sea and I love to sit on Galley Hill but because of my health, I can't walk far, so usually go and sit there in my car gazing out to sea and reading books, but due to lockdown I can't do that now as we aren't allowed to make unnecessary journeys in cars. I am fortunate to have a lovely garden though and a summerhouse to sit in, so I am thankful for that. The weather is due to warm up soon so that will make life more manageable, though when it gets too hot, I get overheated, as you probably do. Can't win, can we!
derek76 mary_24931
Posted
We need our thermostats fixed. I woke up at 3.45 this morning feeling hot and sweating. I took my temperature and it was 35.5 in one ear and 34.7 in the other. I always seem to have a difference like that. The thermometer is an Omron Gentle Temp 520.
mary_24931 derek76
Posted
It's crazy isn't it!