I'm new to the community. My name is Cindy. I'm 48y.o. and was diagnosed with RRMS in 2015. The symptoms began in 2006 with double vision, R hand weakness, and tripping over my R foot a lot. I began Copaxone injections one year ago even though I'm scared silly of needles! My husband gives them to me. I have a first cousin who also has RRMS. We have the same symptoms except hers are on the L. I feel like I'm doing pretty well most days, but I do struggle with taking my shots and heat sensitivity. I live in rural South Carolina where the heat and humidity are major obstacles for me. Does anyone have any tips for handling the symptoms that come with the heat? My neurologist told me to think about a cooling vest. Has anyone tried one? Are they helpful?
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Yes the cooling vest are the best thing for this heat. I just got mine about 3 weeks ago and it has helped me so much. Before receiving the vest I would used cold washcloths with ice packs but that didn't help much. I would definitely recommend you getting the vest. Hope you are having a good day.
Hi Cindy! I can relate to many things you said. I was diagnosed in 2014. Definitely was having symptoms by 2010 maybe as early as 2007. I'm 53 and on my 3rd med. Started on Copaxone. Next Tecfidera. Now Tysabri. I live in PA. It's been a nasty summer here. I just ordered and received some cooling pads to place in my bra. Haven't tried them yet. I'm not sure I'd use the vest. It seems bulky to me. I was at a support meeting last eve. A Copaxone nurse was the speaker. She had cooling strips that go around your neck after you place them in ice water. She said they work well in the bra and around the waist too. Have a good day and stay cool😊.
Hello Cindy, cooling vest is fantastic. The only thing is it adds s little weight and you have to be aware of the type of clothes you wear. Try the neck bands, wrist bands and the hat/cap cooling cap. You just place them in water and that activates the crystals in the band. They stay cool for about 2-3hours. Good luck Cindy and try to stay cool.
Hi I am 48 and was dx'd in 2015 as well. Hate we to join the club. My symptoms actually started with optic neuritis in 2007 & again in 2008 both times in the Fall. The eye doctor at that time never said anything about it being MS related symptom, so I had no idea. Gave me steroid eye drops both times & it helped so no worries. Then one morning in (back up...lol) I woke up one morning with my right side numb & tingling. It was as if someone drew a line down the middle of my both (even my tongue) right side numb. I could move it though so got ready went on to work. I worked at a doctor's office at the time, thank goodness, and after lunch the doc checked me out & I was straight to neurologist (next door) and from there sent for MRI. No significant issues showed so ?? I was put on steroids for the next 10 days & told to call them if anything worsened. It didn't so ..lol There's more to the story but eventually I ended back at the neurologist & he found issues with my strength & reflexes, etc and I was sent more another MRI & that showed lesions so on the the spinal tap which was positive for O-bands. I struggle more with the cold than I do in the heat, not sure why that is.
I hear you about Ms& the heat. In my mind I equate my Experience to that of " frosty the snowman,when the evil magician locks him in the green house and he slowly melts"😉
Things that I found help me deal with the heat is to remember if I expose myself to heat,such as getting into my hot car on an 80 degree day,to pick up one of my kids from school,or errands.It will set me up for a bucket of misery.Once I expose myself to that heat my core temp can't recover fast enough for me to function for hours.
1)If you don't have a garage for your car,consider getting an electric car starter , you can then pre-cool your car before you get in it.( not expensive).
2)Live in air conditioning-equate a.c. To everyone needing heat in the winter,it's a must. There are organizations that can help with cost of purchasing a.c. Units.I recently invested in solar panels to fight rising electric costs. Thus far,my solar panels have covered the cost of my electric bill& the electric company pays me for the excess electricity I generate from panels👍
3) cooling vests tended to give me frost bite& not cool my core well, but it works for some. I prefer the cooling fabric you "wet&snap"
4) exercise in a pool or lake.
5) plan your day Around the temperature. It's okay to say" sorry, I just don't function if it's hot".
6) misting spray bottles filled with ice water.
7) umbrella for constant shade, they make ones that can hang from your forearm so you don't have to hold it.Hats tend to make me feel hotter. When I do wear one. I put a wet washcloth in the freezer, then put the washcloth on my head under the hat,works well
I live in SC as well.... cooling wraps and vests do help. I just started with mine the last two weeks. I'm a country woman and being outside on farms is all I know. Look into a cooling wrap or vest... they can be expensive but you can also apply for one with the MS association. ☺️
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My husband gives them to me. I have a first cousin who also has RRMS. We have the same symptoms except hers are on the L. I feel like I'm doing pretty well most days, but I do struggle with taking my shots and heat sensitivity. I live in rural South Carolina where the heat and humidity are major obstacles for me. Does anyone have any tips for handling the symptoms that come with the heat? My neurologist told me to think about a cooling vest. Has anyone tried one? Are they helpful? 
I am 48 and was dx'd in 2015 as well. Hate we to join the club. My symptoms actually started with optic neuritis in 2007 & again in 2008 both times in the Fall. The eye doctor at that time never said anything about it being MS related symptom, so I had no idea. Gave me steroid eye drops both times & it helped so no worries. Then one morning in (back up...lol) I woke up one morning with my right side numb & tingling. It was as if someone drew a line down the middle of my both (even my tongue) right side numb. I could move it though so got ready went on to work. I worked at a doctor's office at the time, thank goodness, and after lunch the doc checked me out & I was straight to neurologist (next door) and from there sent for MRI. No significant issues showed so ?? I was put on steroids for the next 10 days & told to call them if anything worsened. It didn't so ..lol There's more to the story but eventually I ended back at the neurologist & he found issues with my strength & reflexes, etc and I was sent more another MRI & that showed lesions so on the the spinal tap which was positive for O-bands. I struggle more with the cold than I do in the heat, not sure why that is. 
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