Hi Raymond, While I may not have a degree to tell me hypothermia & quadriplegia go hand in hand, I do have 30 years of being a quad as my experience. And, yes, it has gotten worse over the years. My ears and neck are the areas that get coldest. Unfortunately, I can't just call it cold b/c I get down right miserable. So, I have resolved to have warmth over fashion!! I wear a turtleneck from around Sept. to around April. I wore ear muffs for years. But, I wear hooded sweatshirts most days. I have let my hair grow so it covers my ears. As we all know, we're supposed to drink lots of water, right? Well, the last thing I want in the dead of winter is a glass of water or anything else that will make me cold!! So, call me crazy, I drink HOT water. Yes, it takes some getting used to. It works, though. While preparing to go somewhere, I'll get as much hot water in me as I can. It's like warming from the inside out! Most restaurants don't mind, I'll ask for them to fill my cup (I carry a 32 oz. cup w/me at all times) w/the hot water they use to make hot tea. I choose to drink the water over coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. b/c of the caffiene & calories.......really don't need any extra! At night, I use a heated blanket. But, found that wasn't even enough. So, I discovered those 'herbal packs' that can be heated in the microwave, put them behind my neck, & use them faithfully. Last & probably the most important for me, my attendant will put a big towel in the dryer while getting me in bed. After heating the pack, he gets the towel & wraps it around my ears & face. I can't say it's attractive but it's warm! Those 3 things...electric blanket, herbal pack, & hot towel, feel soooo good after being cold all day!! I also turn the blanket on high in the morning for awhile before getting up. This may be more info than you were looking for. But, if you're like me, I absolutely HATE being cold/miserable. Hope this helps. ~Lori
--- On Fri, 3/13/09, Raymond Kelly <[email protected]> wrote: From: Raymond Kelly <[email protected]> Subject: [QUAD-L] Hypothermia To: "Quad-list" <[email protected]> Date: Friday, March 13, 2009, 3:59 PM I doubt anybody has an answer to this being it is part of being a quadriplegic. Anyway I have been a quadriplegic for almost 16 years now. It seems that every year it is harder to keep warm. I remember the first year I was hurt I wore shorts and tank tops all summer just to stay cool. Now after being a quad this long this long I end up wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt most of the summer just to stay warm. During the winter I wear sweatpants, two thermal shirts, a sweatshirt, a knit hat and have a blanket on me just to stay in the house. that doesn't even keep me warm. Even with all that and the house being about 73° I still have trouble keeping my temperature above 95°. It would be great if somebody on here had a miracle way to help this. I guess I am wondering if this is a typical quadriplegic problem for it to get worse every year. If it is it would be interesting to hear how other people cope with this.
