Always feeling cold!

[kwilkyn]

Neuro-toxic brain injury continues to short-circuit me in many ways, and in particular I don't seem to be able to 'feel warm'. Since the poisoning a year ago, I feel perpetually cold & wrap up in many layers even on a sunny day. I'd like to think this will start to improve and wondered if others have had this issue - thanks.

[Shreds]

Others will no doubt be able to give more explanations, but regulating body temperature does seem to be connected, (like everything else to the brain obviously).

I have found similar to you, certainly first thing, but once active or going out and doing some vigorous exercise...running, cycling, or other gym exercises, the body warms up and no longer feel cold.

But it is the effect of at least half an hour to an hour of getting ‘the blood pumping’ that makes the difference and I will no longer feel cold.

Try it and see? 😀

[kwilkyn in reply to Shreds]

Thanks Shreds - good to hear your ideas. Have tried exercising but it doesn't really change how warm I feel, but I will build up to some more vigorous activities & see what happens.

[Shreds in reply to kwilkyn]

Yes, I find it takes half an hour or so to get into a good cycling rhythm that will warm me up and get the blood pumping round. After that its fine. (I dont get warmed up by simple weightlifting even for fifty or so reps). I do think body heat and TBI etc have such a close correlation. Sorry I dont know anything about neuro toxin effects though. Be interesting to find out more, so will keep my eyes peeled for any good reference sources on the subject.

[RogerCMerriman]

While it’s certainly true that temperature regulation can be altered, is also true that generally feeling wiped out, after all been though quite a bit!

Took me few years until my temperature felt normal, i was always cold. I can still if I’m very tired, start to feel cold and such.

[kwilkyn in reply to RogerCMerriman]

Certainly felt wiped out initially & can see progress in some areas. However, still find it strange wearing thermal vests, fleeces & gilets now, when a year ago I was in shorts & a t-shirt. Maybe I should fight cold with cold & take up wild swimming?

[RogerCMerriman in reply to kwilkyn]

I didn’t fight that, essentially my temperature slowly recovered to my normal after a year or so, at which point I was feeling a lot better.

I can still dip, and get cold if I’m tired ie I’ve overdid it.

[cat3]

Hi kwilkyn. I agree with Shreds re the exercise, and it doesn't need to involve gym fees or any home equipment. Simple, brisk walking for a minimum of 30 mins (or cycling) is all that's needed to increase blood flow to muscles and to boost endorphins & other feelgood hormones, hopefully creating a desire to make it a regular routine ?

I have the opposite problem to you ; my issue is overheating and I seriously struggle during summer months, relying on large pedestal fans at home and a hand held one when out & about. When walking for more than 15 minutes the heat starts building and, even in mid winter when everyone's muffled with heavy coats and scarves, I'm usually wearing jeans and thin short sleeved tops.

I wish I could walk much more as I love exploring new green spaces, and it's something I never had a problem with pre-brain injury. But I have an issue with my feet (Plantar Fasciitis) so I find myself hobbling home all too often ! But I can vouch for the extra circulation it produces and the feeling of wellbeing. Walking regularly could have a lasting positive effect on your overall fitness and circulation. No amount of clothing layers will warm you as efficiently.

Try it for a couple of weeks and let us know how it goes ! Good luck.... Cat x

[kwilkyn in reply to cat3]

Thanks cat3, the idea of being warm for just some of the time is very tempting. How you cope with it for much longer periods baffles me. In fact the whole body temperature control bit baffles me since my brain injury. Dogs get me out walking but they're old & slow so I just amble along. Thanks also for inspiring me to get the bike out - not easy initially due to athritis but getting there! Take care!

[Marleyboo]

Hello Im the same as Cat3 im always hot now. Ive always been a bit on the hot side i think, but since SAH im exceptionally hot. Im in middle of menopause too but my hotness dosnt just come like waves up my body like other women say. Im hot all the time all over my body. Im literally sweating all over. Been doctors cant explain it, i am somewhat overweight now so im thinking maybe that has something to do with it. I sweat even when its not warm and im not moving. I have resorted to take spare clothes to work with me now to change during break. Does anyone know if a brain injury can actually mess with your thermostat, im intrigued to know.Hope you all take care x

[kwilkyn in reply to Marleyboo]

Thanks Marleyboo ...... seems to me that a brain injury can affect body temperature but not sure if it's affecting the temperature regulation or just the 'feel' or both. You may take clothes to change into, I now take extra clothes to wrap up in which leave me looking like the original 'Michelin man'! Take care.