Cold showers - good or bad?

[Research123]

Before I was diagnosed I'd have a hot shower then turn the shower to cold for 2 mins. The theory was it might boost my immune system. With CLL tho I figure the immune system is in overdrive anyway so I don't do it. Does anyone know if this makes sense or otherwise? Thanks

[cajunjeff]

There is actually some evidence that contrast water therapy can help rehab injured muscles, much as some people put ice on an injury followed up by a heating pad.

I think its fine to take hot and cold showers if one likes hot and cold showers, but I cannot imagine it impacting our cll one way or the other.

[Hidden]

This may provide a little insight, but there is nothing I know of related to CLL specifically.

foundmyfitness.com/episodes...

You might also find some associated info related to Wim Hof.

[DRM18]

I f-f-f-f-find them r-r-r-r-r-refreshing, for r-r-real!

[Ghounds in reply to DRM18]

😂

[ladyneat]

Actually it can boost the number of disease fighting immune cells. I think all of us with CLL could use some of that.

[morepork in reply to ladyneat]

But does that include boosting the B Cells because I'm trying to suppress some of mine.

[Hidden in reply to morepork]

Always a question for me, and a bit maddening. There seems precious little conclusive data on this.

CLL cells are clonal. They replicate themselves.

Healthy immune cells are produced in the bone marrow.

These are seemingly two different processes.

However, if stem cells in bone marrow also produce mutated CLL cells, you are screwed by anything that boosts bone marrow function.

So here is the question: If Immune boosting increases hematopoesis (bone marrow production of healthy cells) while not stimulating B-cells self cloning, you have a good situation. However if immune boosting supports rogue mutant CLL replication, it's a problem.

Which is it?

[BluMts in reply to Hidden]

So well put. THANKS Hawkeagle. But no one has answered your question. Guess no one knows. I'm going to pose this question to my CLL consultant when I see him in about 7 weeks. He's been able to answer the many weird and off beat questions I've asked.

I am on Ibrutinib. I'm interested in Research123's post as IB has worked well for me, but I have to manage fatigue. Though it's different than prior to treatment in that rest refreshes me and the fatigue is far far less severe than before I started on IB. I find turning on cold after a warm shower invigorating, now I'm wondering.....

[Research123 in reply to ladyneat]

Thanks thats helpful

[caven]

If hot/cold showers feel invigorating then go ahead as often as the spirit moves you ... but, the likelihood that it will curtail the development of CLL is probably nonexistent. Don't let that spoil the fun. Grrr.

Caven