Cold All. The. Time

[pageta]

I grew up in Florida, and when I was in the 9th grade, I got fat. I was overweight (but not obese) for many years. I would lose 10 pounds here or there, but my weight never fell into the "normal" category. Last summer (2010) I lost 50 pounds and am now well within the "normal" range. Over the past year I have kept most of it off, and I am still within the "normal" range. I have been living in Nebraska since 2000.

 

Last winter, for the first time in my life, I was cold all winter and could not get warm. I had Raynaud's syndrome (white fingers when cold) and spent hundreds of dollars visiting various doctors to confirm the diagnosis and make sure that it wasn't a symptom of anything else.

 

So now it is fall again, and I am cold. My thermostat says it is 72 degrees in my house. I am wearing jeans, socks and shoes, a long sleeve shirt, and a fleece cardigan (buttoned up all the way). I am huddled on the couch, afraid to get up because I will get more cold (getting up and moving around always makes me cold again). This was the story of my life last winter.

 

We normally run our heat on 68 in the winter, so this is only going to get worse. I can only drink so many cups of hot tea. We have an electric blanket on our bed which I run all night, but that doesn't help during the day. I don't want to wear so many clothes that I can hardly move. It's currently 49 and we're supposed to have a high of 59 today, but I know that if I go out to get the mail - with my heavy winter coat and wool liner zipped into it - I will be freezing cold for at least an hour.

 

With Reynauds, my fingers are almost always tingling. Sometimes they are white for over an hour (if I change clothes, or go get the mail, or get up from the couch for that matter). I don't want to do anything with my hands because they just don't feel right (so I don't want to work which involves typing, knit, or do anything that requires use of my hands). I have this problem only occasionally in the summer when I go somewhere where the AC is too cold. Otherwise, if my body temperature is okay, my hands are okay too.

 

For those of you whose weight is in the normal range (because I never had this problem at all when I was overweight all those years), how on earth do you stay warm during the winter? What do you set your thermostat at without breaking the bank? What do you wear? Enlighten me please, as I do not want to freeze to death through another winter.

[Truscifi]

I tend to get cold easily, though I don't have an actual medical issues. Last year we set our heat on 70 for the winter, and this year dh wants to try 69. I use a small electric throw in the family room (which is the coldest room in our house in the winter). I also sometimes wear gloves or mittens in the house - especially if I am reading or watching a movie. They don't work so well when I'm on the computer.

[regentrude]

For those of you whose weight is in the normal range (because I never had this problem at all when I was overweight all those years), how on earth do you stay warm during the winter? What do you set your thermostat at without breaking the bank? What do you wear? Enlighten me please, as I do not want to freeze to death through another winter.

 

Thermostat at 72 when we are home. I get cold easily and anything below is not comfortable (and the upstairs does not get warm, so if we lower thermostat settings, the kids have 40 in their bedrooms - not good). At 72 in winter in the house, I wear long pants, a T-shirt and a fleece sweater, and thick socks if I sit around (feet get cold first).

I found that regular exercise helps me a lot with temperature regulation (not sure whether that is possible for you). If I have hiked and come home, I won't get cold.

At night, we sleep with the window open if it is above 10F. I have a real down comforter for winter.

[brightside]

I use the full fingered gloves that they recommend for arthritis. It reflects the heat back to the joints, which helps a lot. I always wear at least socks, my favorite are the wool lined slippers (but I need a new pair). I use these all year round. My son and my husband are both hot blooded so it is freezing in here even in the summertime (thermostat set at 70).

[desiree77]

Our thermostat is at 72 AND we use the gas fireplace. I'd been a popsicle at 68! We keep a small space heater in our bathroom as well. If I do a hot shower/sauna in there with the space heater going and blow dry my hair, then dress while steamy hot, I find I stay warmer, longer.

[Oakblossoms]

My husband has that. You need to move:tongue_smilie:

 

It has nothing to do with being thin. Can you get a sauna? They make infared ones now. You can put them anywhere.

 

I don't like the cold. I notice it is better in a house with wood heat.

 

Silk underwear would help. It is lightweight, silky, and nice and warm.

[fairfarmhand]

My dh uses underarmour long jonhs. He can go out in extreme cold to do farm chores with his long johns, overalls and a jacket and still get hot underneath. They are very tight fitting, and not bulky.

 

However going to the bathroom is still quite chilly.

[Ewe Mama]

I, too, have Raynaud's. I went to a specialist about it in February. He said that Raynaud's improves with age (the older you get, the less you will be affected by it. That's the first good news I've ever had pertaining to aging :lol:). It also tends to run in women who are of small stature (at normal weight or under weight).

 

I live in my Cuddle Duds long underwear from September until the end of May. I've also heard good things about silk underwear or Merino blends. I frequently wear hoodies or a fleece hat indoors to help retain body heat. My UPS man thinks I'm nuts.

 

My hands are ALWAYS cold. Every time dh and I want to make teA, I have to take a hot bath to thaw out so I don't send him through the roof with my cold hands. ;)

 

I like to hand-wash the dishes when I'm cold (in very hot water). Layering clothes, wearing a hat indoors, rice sock for moist heat, exercising...that's about all I can think of right now.

 

You are not alone!

[Harriet Vane]

I have chronic anemia and am cold all the time. For the last 14 years I lived in a leaky, drafty fixer-upper that didn't help my situation. Here's what I do:

 

--Down slippers. The best ones can be found in camping stores.

 

--I wear a light blanket wrapped around my middle in the house. It's absolutely the only thing that truly keeps me warm. If you want to look prettier you can try wearing a fleece skirt over your jeans in the house.

 

--Silk long underwear. It's far less bulky and much more comfortable than cotton or flannel.

[Hen]

I have Raynauds and I am chronically anemic, I am always cold.

 

I am most happy at 73 degrees..tho I am often tempted to turn it higher, but I restrain myself.

 

In winter I wear silk underwear, woolen socks are heavenly, so is a woolen sweater. I wear fluffy socks to bed and have an electric lap blanket I take to the couch or put on my side of the bed. When having hand problems, I will warm them over the stove burner or in warm water. I wear gloves all the time.

 

I never do anything with the freezer or with frozen meat, dh does that duty.

 

have some bloodwork done to see if you are anemic, that will make you cold.

 

move to Hawaii?? I keep telling dh that Hawaii is are only retirement option, since he doesn't like dry heat...

[lailasmum]

I am always cold.

 

I am iron deficient and that doesn't help, I have been less cold since I started iron supplements a year ago buy its a marginal improvement.

 

My feet two winters ago were two giant chill blains and so painful. I always have freezing hands, feet and nose.

 

I have found keeping warm is down to layering. I will wear leggings or thermals under everything. Its important to find leggings that fit well. go right to the ankle and up to your waist not the fashion type that are short and low rise. Multilayer tops, so long vest top that is mid thigh length, same length long sleeved T shirt, A very thin sweater and then a thick one. I wear thick wool or walking socks and slippers indoors all year round

Plus I have an oversized wool cardigan that I will wear on top.

 

Make sure your tops are long enough so your middle is covered properly.

 

I'll layer even in summer. Sometimes I am colder in really hot weather than in spring or autumn. I have a memory of being a child and sitting out in the sun feeling freezing. I think I had been out of school because I was so cold and struggling to cope.

[Tammyla]

:grouphug: You poor thing.

 

I turn up the heat, but I pretty much stay cold throughout the winter. Things that help some are silk long-johns, lined slippers or boots, and lots of layers.

[kitten18]

When we lived in Kansas City, we kept the thermostat at 64 during the day, 68 at night.

I had one of these http://www.sierratradingpost.com/colorado-timberline-couch-pouch-robe-fleece-for-men-and-women~p~2863g/reviews/2/t

that I wore around the house. It allowed me to move around and do things but it kept all the heat inside. Much better than those Snuggli blankets imo.

[Paige]

I am always cold too. What really, really helps is exercise. Have you tried that? It will help me stay warm for a good part of the day even if I do it in the morning. I used to work out almost every day and then things came up, I had to quit the gym, and I'm not disciplined enough to do it at home, and I noticed immediately that I stayed colder. I do not have Reynaud's so I'm not sure if that will make a difference but I am thin. I do think having less insulation keeps me cooler than I would otherwise feel.

[abbeyej]

Among the other testing, did you have your vitamin D levels checked? My Raynaud's is *radically* better since I was diagnosed with a severe deficiency and began supplementing (heavily). Mentioning your move to a more northern latitude makes me think that that could be part of the issue (as well as the cold). Some of us just don't appear to manufacture/absorb vitamin d as well as we should, even with sun exposure, and a move up north could just make it that much harder...

[SkateLeft]

I have Raynaud's also, but my doc just puts me on a low dose of nifedipine during the winter and that helps a TON.

 

I'm a runner and a cyclist, but living in Minnesota means I'm snowed under for months. I ride my bike indoors on the trainer during the winter, but I still want to run as much as possible. Raynaud's is hard on my toes and fingers though. The med makes a huge difference in my ability to stay active. Last winter, I was actually able to go cross-country skiing quite a bit, which I always enjoy but had a hard time doing prior to taking the med.

[ondreeuh]

I'm sorry - that sounds so uncomfortable!

 

A couple quick suggestions - try silk long underwear or Cuddl Duds. They are very thin but provide a nice insulating layer under your clothes. They also keep the drafts out when you move around.

 

Check your house for drafts. Make sure the windows and doors have good weatherstripping! If you have single-pane windows, look at what you can do to not lose much heat. I've seen people cover their windows with all sorts of stuff.

 

Keeping your head and feet warm will go a long way towards keeping your whole body warm. Smartwool socks are great ... I got similar wool socks at Costco for a good price. Look for a soft wool hat to keep your head warm.

 

Have you tried fingerless gloves? If you can cover up all but your fingertips, you may be able to retain enough heat that you can still write.

 

I hope you find something that works. :grouphug:

[Barb_]

We moved to Phoenix. I spent all my growing up years until 28 in South Florida too and I think maybe I'm part lizard. I really love the sunshine and freeze once the temps begin to fall below 70.

[Julie Smith]

When I get cold a hot bath warms me up. If the house is cold I close the bathroom door. I then fill up the tub by turning the temperature as hot as it goes and turning on the shower. This makes the whole bathroom a steamy hot room, and the bath water is still hot. Once the tub is full I get undressed and get in.

 

And heaven help the person who opens the door lets in a draft.

 

As for your problem I can't help. :p My problem is I'm not good at keeping track of the house hold temperature. In the winter I will start to fill cold and it wouldn't hit me that I'm really cold till I have to do something. Then I look at the thermestate and realize it is 17 Celsius (62.6 Fahrenheit) in the house. Same think happens in the summer. I think, "Why do I feel so hot. What's wrong with me? I then look at realize it is 32 Celsius (89.6 Fahrenheit) It annoys my hubby to come home to a freezing cold, or boiling hot house. Does great for saving on air conditioning and heating.

[elfgivas]

things to try:

 

a) i wear fake uggs in the house all the time october-may. the ones that are full height. they are comfy, they keep the drafts away from my ankles, etc.

 

b) dd wears fingerless gloves

c) the silk long underwear/expedition long underwear is a good thing. they come in different weights and aren't too expensive. you could start with a medium weight one and then go up as needed, tops and bottoms

and lastly,

d) a cute hate or headband that keeps your ears warm.

 

good luck!

ann

[leeannpal]

Why do you have to be a "normal" weight to be cold a lot?

[Retired]

my son is 17 and has Raynaud we live in the south. We had a few days of colder weather and he had an episode. Its wasn't as bad only a few days.

 

But during our colder months he wears gloves and thermal sock all the time. He has house gloves and then trendy leather gloves with metal decorations he wears out so it looks more likes he is just being cool, hip, or making a statement. He usually wears longs sleeves and hoodies sweatshirts when other don't need them and some folks had questions him if he was a "drug user" cause it looks like he was covering up

 

Anyway hope you find a way to function with the syndrome it has been a little tricker with a teenager

[Laura Corin]

Long underwear and a few more layers. In winter I wear long underwear and lined jeans, smartwool socks and warm slippers, camisole, thermal top, turtleneck, fleece and (if necessary) down vest. We keep the heating at 15 degrees C (59 degrees F) but we have a wood stove that we run in the sitting room.

 

Exercise also makes a big difference. A brisk walk outside or jumping up and down inside helps.

 

Laura

[Maria from IN]

Among the other testing, did you have your vitamin D levels checked? My Raynaud's is *radically* better since I was diagnosed with a severe deficiency and began supplementing (heavily). Mentioning your move to a more northern latitude makes me think that that could be part of the issue (as well as the cold). Some of us just don't appear to manufacture/absorb vitamin d as well as we should, even with sun exposure, and a move up north could just make it that much harder...

 

I too have Reynaud's and chronic anemia. I went to the doctor several years ago and consulted with him about possible medical interventions. He said that he could give me blood pressure medication that would open up my blood vessels, but since my blood pressure is normal, I might pass out a lot.

 

He did say that I should try to get a little exercise each day, and getting on the treadmill for about 20-30 minutes (about enough time to watch a sitcom episode on Netflix :tongue_smilie:) keeps me warm for several hours. Definitely dress in layers. I purchased a Knifty Knitter and learned how to make legwarmers...PM me with your address and favorite color, and I'll make you a pair! They're wonderful for keeping feet warm around the house, and the kids will applaud you for having the "guts" to go old-school (sigh...the 80's are 'old school'). Also, like Abbeyej, I have started taking vitamin d--I heard some others with Reynaud's here talking about how their symptoms improved, and I've noticed that my flare-ups are fewer and less intense when I stay on it.

 

I've also been wondering whether staying hydrated also helps to stay warm.

[twoforjoy]

I'm fat and always miserable when it's cold out. Well, that's not entirely true. The two winters I've been significantly pregnant, I was quite warm. But, when I'm not pregnant, I'm miserable if it gets below 60 outside and I get cranky if it's below 68 in the house. Even then I'm chilly.

 

Today I was so cold I couldn't get warm enough to take a nap, even though I finally had both babies asleep at the same time. I am NOT looking forward to another Michigan winter.

 

Last winter, the only time I wasn't at least a little cold was when I was taking a hot bath or shower, or while I was doing a long workout. I do find that really warm socks, a wool cowl and mitts (I love to knit both, so that's easy), and loads of blankets help, as well.

 

We really don't like to keep the heat above 68 during the day and 65 at night. If DH had his way, we'd keep it at 64 all the time, but I really cannot function when it's that cold in the house.

[Medieval Mom]

In a word... WOOL. :001_wub: Wool socks (knee or thigh high), wool leggings, wool undershirt (merino), wool sweaters and sometimes a wool scarf or fingerless gloves.

 

AVOID cotton like the plague :D (I read somewhere that you're better off naked than wearing cotton when you're cold... Not sure that's ENTIRELY true ;) )

 

I usually have to warm up with a HOT bath, jump immediately into wool everything, and keep moving. If I sit still for too long, I need a cup of hot tea/coffee, but that only lasts a few minutes! Even housework :tongue_smilie: helps, like vacuuming, lugging laundry up and down the stairs, etc. If worse comes to worse, I turn up the Celtic music and dance. (In a pinch, Abba works, too. :lol:)

 

Good luck, and keep warm! (Keeping warm is FAR easier than GETTING warm, IMO!)