Extreme sensitivity to cold air blowing on me

[ramsvcu]

Hello, my name is Pam and I have been suffering with severe neck and shoulder pain for the past 5-6 yrs. I was diagnosed by a pain specialist with cervical facet arthritis which was treated with physical therapy, several combinations of meds, all of which have provided minimal relief. I work in a hospital and have constant cold air blowing on me all day which causes my shoulder muscles to spasm very bad. I decided to see a rheumatologist recently who diagnosed my condition as fibromyalgia (pain specialist never even checked me for tender trigger points). I was wondering if anyone else has cold sensitivity and what they do to combat it. I wear a windproof jacket under my scrubs which helps, but most evenings I suffer with muscle spasms until I go to sleep (only after taking Ambien).

 

[Brismom]

I am very sensitive to hot and cold in any fashion. If my bed is cold in the winter, I put an electric blanket on the bottom that I lay on when I get in and then I have to turn it off at just the right time so I don't have a hot flash.....wear layers...

 

[1sweed]

I am very sensitive to cold and always wear an extra tee shirt under my top shirt for warmth. In bed I keep a extra blanket handy for putting it over my feet should the weather turn chilly. In the winter I always have an extra blanket laying over my feet and up to my knees, in bed, as it wards off leg and foot cramps.

Where it is possible I avoid air-conditioning and fans from blowing air on me as I sit freezing or get bad headaches. My feet always feel cold so I wear socks. These and other ideas for dealing with cold issues have been talked about in the forum.

Hope your feeling less cold knowing we all share this problem.

 

[links56]

I used to be fine and be outside in the hot or cold. Now when everyone is freezing, I'm sweating and when I'm sweating everyone is freezing. I really don't like it. I burn wood in the winter for heat, My house doesn't have a furnace at all. It's about all I can do anymore and it is alot harder getting wood.

 

[Trellum]

Hi Pam, welcome to the forums!

I'm sensitive to cold as well, most of the times I feel cold and get cold feet. My pain gets worse during winter, and I really can't stand cold air blowing on me, specially my head, since I get a headache when that happens. I blame my sinus for that! Sooooooooooooo sorry to hear about your neck pain, I swear neck and head pain are the worse pains someone could ever deal ever... specially the neck! It can keep you from sleeping at night, I know it so well!

 

[saucyappel]

i have problems with cold on my neck and shoulders as well. if i need to be where there is a cold draft - air conditioning, breezy outside etc. i make sure i have a scarf that i can wrap around my neck. even on very hot days i wear it outside and may even have an extra shirt on if there is a cool breeze blowing. in winter i have an 'arctic' parka even though our temperature seldom drop too low. at home, i will keep a folded cotton sheet over my neck and shoulders to block the cool air but also to provide a natural heating pad. if i get too stiff, i will use an electric heating pad that is specifically designed for neck/shoulders

 

[ramsvcu]

I have trouble pretty much year round with what I call the "arctic blast" air vents at work. Also, had a rough time on vacation to the beach last year just from the different temps. going from ocean and pool to condo room. I get muscle spasms just stepping out of my shower. Have to try to hurry up and dry off before they get too bad. Really , really tired of it. My co-workers don't get it. Just think I'm complaining about being cold. But for me, cold = pain.

 

[Allison]

I have a thyroid condition. I am menopausal and still my toes and fingers are sensitive to the cold. My fingers used to turn slightly purplish and tingle. The doctor said it was some kind of never damage. It was suppose to be similar to the diabetic nerve damage. That was five years ago.

I left a stressful teaching position. About 6 months later I felt a great deal better.

 

[Tbird1977]

Yes, cold air can be detrimental to many. I know it gets my joints to aching something fierce. My body goes stiff, no lie. I am one who would much rather the cold than the heat. The heat makes me sick. I get all flustered, clammy, dizzy, and miserable through and through. So imagine me thanking God for the hot blast when I am in a cold building for a long time. It just does not work for me and neither does rainy, stormy days.

 

[Nanaof8]

Definitely relate, hard to find warmth when everyone else is putting the air conditioning down. I keep lots of sweaters handy. Some days I feel like I need ear muffs, my ears get cold and pain sets in.

 

[kerin49]

I am with all of you! I have had the extreme cold sensitivity for the past 4 years or so since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Before then, I never had a problem with sensitivity to cold at all. I wear lots of layers and I find that if I always have my sweater with me wherever I go, I will be much happier. I feel that cold sensitivity every time the air conditioner goes on in my house, and even the slightest breeze makes me feel like it's 30 degrees in there, I can actually feel it hit my skin! My son is great about it and ends up turning the thermostat up or down depending on how I am feeling at that moment. I have asked many doctors about the sensitivity, but all they have all told me that some people just run colder. I find that answer very interesting because I had never had the problem before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I also find for me that lack of sleep can make the sensitivity even more pronounced. I do wear my socks all the time because I learned from somewhere a long time ago that if you cover your feet and your head, you will retain more heat in your body. So far that seems to work pretty well.

 

[Trellum]

I have a thyroid condition. I am menopausal and still my toes and fingers are sensitive to the cold. My fingers used to turn slightly purplish and tingle. The doctor said it was some kind of never damage. It was suppose to be similar to the diabetic nerve damage. That was five years ago.

I left a stressful teaching position. About 6 months later I felt a great deal better.

I have heard about thyroid issues causing cold sensibility! I guess I need to get that checked as well.

 

[junebugrobts]

I have had problems with cold, having Reunauds phenoninum for many years,
In the winder it is the cold weather, in the summer it is as bad, merchants keeping the arid
conditioning going full bore with Reunauds phemonenum for many years. Only recently found
out it is a symptom of fibro. There are many facets of fibro that one would never know to
associate it, the symptoms you have are definitely some of them.
some of the
good luck

 

[Tharper]

I am sensative to the heat. It brings out all the bad in me. I never had the pain and aches I have now since moving to Florida, I am ready to head back to Indiana! Best of luck to you.

 

[Genie2012-uk]

Hi I'm Genie, I'm going to focus on one symptom at a time as I have several! I'm very sensitive to changes in temperatures especially cold. I use an electric blanket, thermal socks & clothing underneath my summer blouses! My feet and hands become very stiff & numb when I am cold therefore constantly have fan heater at my side during the summer! My neck is so sensitive to any temperature changes therefore I always carry silk or cotton scarfs in my hand bag and also trendy shawls. Regarding Air Conditioning - I usually try to avoid contact if possible as my skin becomes hypersensitive after direct contact. I also use heated patches on my body to help manage my pain & spasm in my back during the day. PAM have you considered wearing thermals, there are some great clothing available from socks to long sleeve vests and quite trendy to!