I live in Massachusetts and the coldest months for me are during the change of season from summer to fall. After October, as long as I dress in layers (t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, and wool sweater, preferably, or fleece jacket), I am comfortable with indoor temperatures as low as 68. I also keep a radiant (electric) heater near me when sitting at my desk. Its not always on, but its especially comforting in the morning. Starting about this time of year (late winter), I lo-o-o-ove to sit near windows in the sun and feel its warmth. Its especially nice when I'm wearing dark clothes. Sleeping during the winter months, I love using an electric blanket (set to level '2' of '10').
My first year (9 years ago, I'm 54 now) I was cold even on warm summer days and *freezing* cold the rest of the year (when I lusted for a roaring fire in the fireplace to sit close to). My third summer I can remember the feeling of elation when one warm spring day I actually enjoyed the feeling of the wind on my bare arms while driving with a short-sleeved shirt on. For the first time it didn't make me cold. Since then I've been as I am now. Its definitely true too that the more I go out in the cold (dressed well in ski parka, hat, scarf and mittens), the more tolerant I am of cool temps inside when I come back in. Conversely, I need to be careful not to let myself get over-heated, especially in the Spring. I always know when I'm over-heated cuz I feel nauseous. It can take hours sitting in front of a fan or A/C to cool down again. ________________________________ From: Raymond Kelly <[email protected]> To: Quad-list <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 4:59:59 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] Hypothermia 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.
