Chill attacks

[HeronNS]

Tiptoeing into 6.5 mg territory. So far, so good. The main thing I'm noticing - people here often post about having sweats. What about the opposite? Sometimes I feel so cold and can't warm up, and then other times I'm nice and warm (although not so warm as to get the sweats). Is this caused by wonky thyroid or something?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Don't know - I had about 3 months when I felt cold all the time - or more to the point it started by not feeling the heat in China and when we came back and it was still mid-30s centigrade, then I started to feel cold as soon as the temps fell in October. I put on weight, my hair and skin were as dry as a bone. But when I finally decided it was time to ask the doc - the thyroid test was perfect. Now I have the sweats again - not sure which is more disconcerting to be honest!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Heron,

Not sure about thyroid, but I think because the Pred curtails your normal adrenal functions somewhat your body doesn't adapt to lots of things it used to automatically. Whether that be hot, or cold, or whatever.

I find that if I eat in the middle of the day, even just a snack, and try to do anything much, like walking round the shops staight afterwards I feel tired. and I'm sure that's because the adrenaline doesn't kick in when I'm eating as it should. If I sit for half an hour after eating, and then do the same activity I'm fine!

Just a theory!

[polkadotcom]

I don't know what causes it, but I have had the same problem on and off all through, and since the worst of the chills were pre-Pred have just associated it with PMR.

I well remember one very cold Easter - I had been out shopping and came home feeling very ill and within 5 minutes was in bed fully dressed - including my coat - with 2 hot water bottles keeping me company.

I just bundle up until the worst is over and I am warmer again. It's a horrible feeling because it is not a 'normal' cold. I tried to explain that to my husband last summer when he found me wearing two dressing-gowns and a hoodie - he was in fits of laughter.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Aah , the sympathy of loved ones! Gets you every time doesn't it?

[HeronNS]

I saw recently that heated gloves are available. I'll try to pay attention to when these episodes happen. They might be associated with eating, and there just not being enough tinder in the old fuel box.

[HeronNS]

Not related to eating. I woke up in the night and was so cold that I put on a thick dressing gown (over flannelette nightie AND pajamas, and under flannelette sheets and two blankets). And still shivered. And, yes, our heating system is functioning!

[Nap1]

I do both sweats (mostly) but now I am also getting cold. So your guess Is as good as mine