ET and cold showers!

[SimSalaBim75]

Hi. 50 years ET patient writting here. Have been diagnosed for around 3 years now and carrying my anchor patiently Kind of stumbled on Wim Hof around the internet. I know this stuff is old and kind of marketing overhyped but I decided to try breathing and daily cold showers. Also doing saunas on weekends. Got to say my cold feet completely went away. It is said that breathing and cold showers also have anti inflammatory effects. I know the disease can't be cured but I am expecting some kind of benefits. Anyone tried cold showers? Is this dangerous for patients with blood disease. Thx

[saltmarsh]

First off - well done for trying some new approaches. I'm 78 - 5 years with pv and taking Hu. Also lots of osteoarthritis. I do practice deep breathing as a way of dealing with anxiety. Also, I live along the US northeast coast and shower outside (with warm water but the experience is still chilly) nearly year round stopping only when the temp is well below freezing. Also walk around all the time barefoot. I take nothing for the arthritis other than smoking a little weed every night. And also do a lot of stretches in the morning. Also take no anti-inflammatory meds.

The end result is my body is pretty happy. I only wear socks when riding my bike in the winter - otherwise toes get painfully cold during the ride. Otherwise feet are happy. Looking forward to my first swim in the bay in a month or so.

So, give it a shot. Ease your way into it but I think you'll find it to be a positive experience.

[kamiilos]

Hi, I believe breathing exercise and cold showers are highly beneficial for us whether we are impacted by MPN or not. Thank you for reminding me with Wim HOF, I used to do it on regular basis years ago before PV diagnosis and I just downloaded the app again.Wishing you well and success in your journey.

[SimSalaBim75 in reply to kamiilos]

Same to you

[Pachena]

hi there, I’m a 62yr old female with ET JAK2+

I have cold showers at night as advised by my heamatologist as it helps control or minimise the itching after my shower.

I live in a warm country so it’s not a huge sacrifice tho it does take my breath away in winter at times. I take it slow when necessary.

Breathing also is very handy and I try to remember to do it if I begin to feel anxious.

Best wishes 🌸

[SimSalaBim75 in reply to Pachena]

Try breathing exercise before showers Pachena. Thats the purpose of it. Deep breathing is crucial during cold showers. It calms down the system and its much more bearable.

[Renekins11]

Hi SimSalaBim75

Glad to hear about the breathing and that you feel it is helpful. I have very recently started some breathing exercises. The ones I use are yogic breathing and can be found on The School of Breath which is on Youtube. There are many different kinds and the teacher is excellent. All free except a few for which you need to subscribe, but there is more than enough for free.

As for cold showers, I used to do them before I got diagnosed with P.V. also very recently. I will start again now that you have reminded me. Anything in the complementary fields of health is worth doing alongside the very toxic medications we have to be on. It cannot harm and with luck it helps somewhat. Best wishes to you.

[AnitaJ in reply to Renekins11]

I've started Wim Hof breathing and cold showers relatively recently. I don't stay with it cold at about 14C degrees too long but sing to ensure I'm not doing it as an endurance. My singing isn't great, rather operatic la la la ing but it helps. ☺️. My understanding is that cold showers promote good blood circulation so, whilst there may not be a lot of research on the efficacy, I think it's worth doing.

[BloodZero]

The only negative i can think of is that cold causes veins to constrict. Doesnt seem like a good idea if ones platelets are high. But im no doctor. Thats just my logic.If you google 'cold effects of veins' you can find some info.