Do you feel the cold more than folk w... - Scleroderma & Ray...

Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK (SRUK)

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Do you feel the cold more than folk who don't have ssc?

Blue_feather profile image
12 Replies

I read somewhere that people with ssc feel the cold/complain about feeling cold more than those without this condition, and because of the ssc, rather than if you have raynaurd's alone. I am one of those who needs the room temperature to be 19 degrees or above. Embarrassingly, at work l put the heating to 25.

What temperature is most comfortable for you?

Secondly, can anyone explain the physiology behind the feeling cold issue?

Thanks for reading.

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Blue_feather profile image
Blue_feather
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12 Replies
Tiggywoos profile image
Tiggywoos

totally understand ! My lips and feet go blue if temp indoors under 19 degrees ! I don’t understand the theory behind it I’m afraid .. I’m guessing poor circulation but don’t know why ? X

Blue_feather profile image
Blue_feather in reply toTiggywoos

Hey, my lips turn blue too! So if it is the extremeties which are affected, how come it affects the lips as well? Your face isn't an extremity. 🤔

Tiggywoos profile image
Tiggywoos in reply toBlue_feather

good point blue feather !! I’m sure someone will chip in and explain . TMI but I never sweat either do you ?

Blue_feather profile image
Blue_feather in reply toTiggywoos

No, Tiggy, not really, unless you count night sweats. I got them for about 3 months every night before being diagnosed. I can sweat if l go into a sauna.

Midgebite21 profile image
Midgebite21 in reply toBlue_feather

blue lips are very common especially in people with circulation, heart and lung diseases of which SSc is definitely included, it’s called Cyanosis and due to reduced oxygen levels in the peripheral circulation. Your ears, lips and nose are actually extremities along with the fingers and toes.

Mylreaclairelee profile image
Mylreaclairelee

21 in my house and its still not really warm enough

Blue_feather profile image
Blue_feather in reply toMylreaclairelee

So what would your ideal temperature be?

ArthurFoot profile image
ArthurFoot

I have to keep my house at 23 degrees constant otherwise I suffer, I also have triple glazing so no drafts .... having kept a constant temperature for such a long time now has made a huge difference in controling my Raynauds and the frequency and severity of ulcers

OldTed60 profile image
OldTed60

yes I do but also have hypothyroidism - which significantly lowers my body temperature to normal of 35. I like the ambient room temperature to be at least 22 - which is impossible in an old house during a cost of living crisis so I have a heated furry throw and electric blanket on 1-2 all the time when I’m in my bed. We have recently installed secondary glazing which really helps but I still wake to Raynaud’s or the opposite extreme, Erythromelalgia, if warm and cozy. I’d rather suffer Erythromelalgia than Raynaud’s though personally.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed

I don't have Scleroderma but I do have Raynaud's and other conditions , including Chronic Dysautonomia (Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction) which effect my circulation and temperature control. I certainly react to the cold , and the heat , far quicker than a generally healthy person. My family could time the sunset on the beach by my instant reaction to the change in temperature by a few degrees. Fingers and toes going instantly numb and white as the sun sinks behind the horizon. In winter , my reactions can change from hour to hour. If the weather hits beyond 25 degrees I have terrible throbbing and burning. Worst is coping with a hot day and trying to get cool but then getting a Raynaud's reaction in my fingers and toes whilst still overheating everywhere else!

In my case , I'm sure the combination of Ehlers Danlos and its effect on the elasticity of my circulation system and the Dysautonomia effecting my temperature regulation and heart rate is the cause of my Raynaud's , or at least how severe it is.

tanya1981 profile image
tanya1981

definitely! Comfortable Temperature is 23+

Blue_feather profile image
Blue_feather

I find all of this really interesting, and will be sure to fire off 'it is a scleroderma thing' should l be asked to turn down the heating at work.I am also wondering why help isn't available for heating bills for those who can't get PIP. Could anyone enlighten me?

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