Cold

[Chalky2]

Does anyone suffer with poor circulation and is there anything to help as my arms and legs go cold almost all the time it’s making me get so down I have also got heart failure do hope I can get some help thank you pauline

[CDPO16]

Hi Chalky, I have had cold feet all my life and now my legs feel cold most of the time too. I just wear knee socks which help a bit. My arms often feel cold too and that has been with me all my life. When that happens I just wear a cardigan, either a lightweight one or a heavier knit depending on how cold I feel. Before my COPD worsened I would often wear a long sleeve t-shirt under two sweaters but I find cardigans easier to get on and off now. Maybe you can try different items of clothing to see what helps you to feel warmer but I haven't got any other suggestions.

[KJS15]

Yes, I have trapped gases so oxygen doesn't reach my extremities very well. I have a little throw nearby during summer months and in the winter I use heated electric throws. Means I can stay warm without the rest of the household cooking.

[Alberta56]

Are you able to do gentle exercises to help the circulation a bit? Might be worth talking to your respiratory nurse, if you have one.

[whit]

My arms and legs are always cold ,even in bed and in this hot weather, i always wear trousers and long sleeved shirts.

[MoyB]

I was suffering with extremely cold and restless legs, especially in bed. I had a 10.5 tog quilt and a further 8 layers of blanket over my legs at night plus bedsocks and a hot water bottle. I googled and came up with diabetes as a possibility so asked to have my pre-diabetes review brought forward.

In preparation for the review I had a blood test. This showed that there was no diabetes but instead I was anaemic. I had no idea!

I have been on iron tablets now for quite a few months and I no longer have cold restless legs. In fact the improvement was really fast.

Maybe it would be worth you asking for a blood test to see if anything else is going on.

Otherwise, my only advice is the same as everyone elses - cover up with layers when you're feeling cold. Definitely, keep your feet and lower legs covered.

Hope you soon get some relief as being cold is miserable! xx Moy

[Ergendl]

I've had primary Raynaud's Phenomenon all my life, which means I get cold hands and feet very easily, even in warm weather if there is a cooler breeze on my hands. It can also affect my ears and nose. I dress in lots of layers of clothes made from natural fabrics, including hats and berets, setting my own fashion . I often wear fingerless gloves for doing tasks needing hand dexterity in colder times. I used to get chilblains a lot but those stopped with better room heating and using an electric blanket on my bed instead of hot water bottles.

Primary Raynaud's is a form of poor circulation with no underlying cause. I inherited mine from my Mum. Secondary Raynaud's has an underlying cause like another medical condition. It's important that your GP or a specialist checks it out, as it can be an early warning sign of another condition which needs treatment.