I don't think it's going to happen this year

[clevermanka]

"It" being me mentally steeling myself for winter. Every winter for the past five years, I've thought "Oh this gets worse every year." The endless cold, the constant chill in my nose, hands and feet--it feels like it gets a little worse. I realize it isn't really getting colder, it's me getting less able to bear it. The past couple mornings I've driven myself to work because I can't bear to be outside in the windy cold for the twenty minutes it takes to get to and from campus. As I drove adammaker down to his parking lot yesterday afternoon, I told him that not only was I not prepared for winter this year, I wasn't entirely sure it was going to happen at all for me.

I think a lot of people don't understand what it means for me to be Cold. But picture this: That time you went camping and forgot to pack the thermal sleeping bag--remember how it felt to be so uncomfortably cold that you couldn't sleep? Or the time a pre-season winter storm blew in and you discovered your furnace didn't work? The hours of feeling colder and colder until you lost most tactile sensation in your extremities. This is not the cold of coming in after a snowball fight, cheeks red and lungs burning from laughing in the cold. This is Bone Cold. And for me, it lasts until Spring. Months and months of being cold to the point of discomfort. Gallons of hot tea and blankets offer temporary relief, but the only time I'm truly warm is first thing in the morning when I wake up (my wacky metabolism causes me to run a slight fever when I'm sleeping but during waking hours my temperature is around 97.5 or so).

So please excuse me if decline invitations out. Don't feel I'm avoiding you. It's just so very difficult for me to force myself outside, even for a brief moment, once I've finally settled in with my hot drink and heating pad. But unless I can figure out a solution to make this winter cold bearable I'll be nesting in my home for most of the foreseeable future.

Comments

[iron-clad.livejournal.com]

It's ok, my son just told me that he'll drive to you to meet you if I let him borrow the car. :) That sounds crap darlin'. If there is anything I can do to make this winter any better for you please let me or breathofgold know.

[curieuse.livejournal.com]

Have you had luck with electric blankets? At my old house I had one under the fitted sheet I would turn on about 30 min. before I got in bed and one above the flat sheet, but under the comforter.

Can you put one of those oil-pushing-around radiator things at your desk? Sky has one that PUTS OUT seriously and I do mean that in a good way.

I'm really sorry though (And sorry for suggesting obvious cliche things)... I get cold in October and mostly stay cold until April, but if I layer up right (Today: yoga pants under pants, three layers of shirt under coat) it's usually almost tolerable.

Fat helps. And so does moving to Florida.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yes, electric blankets are fantastic, but I'm usually ok once I get under the covers. It's the getting around and about that kills me.

Alas, there's no way I can put in another electrical appliance here at my desk. Right now I can't even run my coffeepot when I'm printing or I blow a fuse. That's fun.

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

My dear, has this general sense of cold increased as you have lost weight over the last few years?

One of the things I remember most dramatically about the time stress pushed my weight down to 107 pounds (I'm currently at 143 if that gives you a frame of reference) is that I could never, ever get warm. All my insulation was gone (you could see ribs and my thighs didn't meet, even at the tops).

I would think that it has to do with the thyroid issues...although I wonder what, other than the steps you already take, could be done to combat the issue...


D.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

has this general sense of cold increased as you have lost weight over the last few years?

It's definitely worse than it was last year, and I'm back up to last year's weight right now (153). I'm sure my body temp is due to low metabolism, which, yes, is related to my thyroid. But since we've found the dosage that appropriately shrinks my goiter, I don't really want to mess with it. I'd rather be cold than have a goiter. =b

sincere sympathies...

[themadblonde]

I feel almost exactly the same about summer & people have a difficult time understanding why I dread it every year to the point of the thought literally making me sick to my stomach. I'm NEVER comfortable, can't function well, sometimes I can't even think. As for going outside, the entire world seems to take it for granted that summer SHOULD be spent outdoors, whereas all I want to do is be in a dark, SERIOUSLY air conditioned room somewhere. So I do understand the whole, physical "deeply dreading the season" thing, even if it IS a different season.

Forgive the unsolicited advice, but have you consulted an herbalist about a possible course of herbs to help boost your circulation? Did adammaker have any ideas on things that might help your body adjust to the cold?

Re: sincere sympathies...

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

You know, he started to suggest something, I believe, but then we got started on a tangent and must've forgotten... imagine! =D

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

Oh, honey! I'd give you my hot flashes if I could but I suspect you wouldn't want 'em.

Have you tried silk long-johns? Wintersilks.com has them on sale right now and they're like wearing warmth right next to your skin. Either that or the poly and microfiber ones that are so great. Fleece is also your friend; I keep a one piece around for coldest days.

And yes, definitely look into some herbal solutions. I have some ideas but I'm betting that Adam would know more than I do about it.

**Warm hugs**

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

My mother (who shares my cold issues) said hot flashes were the best time she ever had. LOL! I'm looking forward to them. *g*

Adam did mention the silk underwear. I'll be looking into that.

Oooo! Warm hugs!

Also

[nottygypsy.livejournal.com]

There are those heat wraps for muscle pain that are like a moblie heating pad, they last for 8 hours. ThermaCare, just wen't and got my moms box, these aren't mediciney but have the little warming disks in them. Like those little bags of hand warmers, hey got any of those?

Re: Also

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I've tried ThermaCare, but unlike heating pads, I don't like that I can't move them around. They're great for cramps, but not so good when my body is cold.

heat toys...

[themadblonde]

things that might help to make your life more comfortable this winter. Keep in mind, these are only EXAMPLES. there may be better &/or cheaper versions out there:

Heated socks for the home (they have others for outdoor wear): http://www.thunderboltsocks.com/heatedsocks_chronicallycold.htm

Battery heated gloves: http://twomorrowssupply.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TMS&Product_Code=LG-20&Category_Code=ACC

a rechargeable battery powered "heated stadium seat cushion" that you could put on your chair @ work (or home) & turn on when things are really bad:
http://cozywinters.com/shop/bench-warmer.html

Just some ideas of things to help you build warmth into your world.

one more link

[themadblonde]

I know you can't use these @ work, but maybe in a fave spot or two @ home:
http://cozywinters.com/cozy/

Actually, that entire site is about "heating solutions," so do check out their other products.

Re: one more link

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Dude. So bookmarked. You rock.

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

I would also suggest one of these (http://www.plowhearth.com/product.asp?section_id=2006&search_type=featured&search_value=3041&cur_index=&pcode=7877) for winter home lounging. I have one that's made out of sweatsuit material from a now defunct company and it's quite toasty. The closed bottom traps all heat in.


D.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

And it's so sexy, too! =D

[tessagratton.livejournal.com]

Wow. Just looking at that makes me want to curl up and take a nap.

[green-tara76.livejournal.com]

Tights+silk underwear+long pants save my ass from freezing clean off in this old house we call an office. My sympathies.
Even though it's hell to make myself do it, I find I do better if I go to the gym a few times a week. And eat plenty of protein and vitamin B. Don't know if that would conflict with your thyroid issue, though. I, too, wish to hibernate through this. Hope you find a solution that makes it more tolerable.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'm going to hop on the Nordic Track as soon as I get home from work. Gonna try that for a week and see if it help. I already take a B-complex. I've thought about adding some Niacin, but that'd be a temporary fix.

[closer-to-fine.livejournal.com]

Another suggestion for warmth under you clothes is Under Armour. They have ColdGear ones designed for cold weather and I know several people who don't tolerate cold well and swear by them.

Land's End also sells the silk thermals. :)

[closer-to-fine.livejournal.com]

Oh- one more thing. Restoration Hardware sells these wonderful things called foot duvets that are designed to be worn in bed. thefox_rb and I both have them and they rock.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

OMG, those foot duvets are so cute!!!

[shrijani.livejournal.com]

I so hear you. It gets worse and worse for me every year. There is nothing about Winter that I like, even if it does have the potential to be pretty every great once in a while - as I like to say, a photograph will do. The past few years, I've been susceptible to cold eyeballs. After a while, it makes me either sad or angry. I truly do detest Winter.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I don't envy you the trials you're going through to get there, but at least you have a bright, warm light at the end of your tunnel, eh? =D

[scary-manilow.livejournal.com]

I feel like putting my head in a vice and squeezing my brain shut every time November rolls around. I'd do it, too, if I knew they could revive me in time for my birthday in March.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I feel like putting my head in a vice and squeezing my brain shut

As long as it's a warm vice.

[professormass.livejournal.com]

Check it. (http://www.nightsinwhiteflannel.com)

The Girlfriend and I both have jammies from these folks. Warmest stuff ever.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Now if I could just wear cozy flannel P.J.s to work, I'd be set!

[normalcyispasse.livejournal.com]

I'm younger than you, but I understand completely what you mean. Hell, ask Julie! I hate the cold, and this is one of the reasons I hated Kansas. This is also one reason I chose this contract: Yeosu is one of the warmest cities in South Korea. It is not expected to get below about 5C.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

It is not expected to get below about 5C

*envy*

[apocalypticbob.livejournal.com]

Completely off topic, but I slept sporadically last night, and when I dreamed, you were there. We were wenching, which was cool. Kind of the equivalent of am amateur golfer dreaming he was golfing with Tiger Woods, but still very cool nonetheless. Just thought you should know that you were traveling around in other people's dreams last night.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Cool! Perhaps that's why I slept so well! LOL! =D