Transition time is looming . . .

[Bucky]

Hi . . . it's getting to be that time of year again (at least for us here in the U.S.A.) - where we transition from the heat of summer, to the cooler temperatures of fall, followed by cold temperatures of winter.

For those of you newbies who have just been diagnosed, I thought it would be helpful to you if we give you some tips to help with the seasonal transition.

Quite a few members have been "gifted" with Raynaud's along with our Sjogren's.  The winter months is when it really kicks in (at least for me, it does).

Some helpful items that Sjogren's members use (with or without Raynaud's) are:

• Gloves
• Scarves
• Hats
• Socks
• Boots
• Electric Blanket
• Heating Pad / mattress pad
• Ear Muffs
• Sweater
• Long Underwear
• Hand/Food Warmers
• Throw/Blanket
• Cool mist or warm humidifier
• Hand Lotions
• Body Lotions
• Lip Balm

These are just some of the things you will add to your Sjogren's supplies along with your eye drops, mouth products, and medicines.   

Bucky

[Joe S.]

Bucky, The transition started a few weeks ago in MN. The trees are already showing signs of the change in season. Take care of your self and enjoy the seasons.

[cmclien]

Has anyone tried those battery operated sock warmers?  My husband mentioned to me maybe we should buy them for me.  When I see my rheumy in October i'm going to ask him about testing me for raynaud's.
Once they're cold (my feet) I can't seem to warm them up at all and sometimes I can't fall asleep because they're so cold.  Then I wake up in the middle of the night sweating.

[Gerty]

As some of you might know I was DXed with Raynaud's a week ago this was my first winter with it as bad as it was even tho I think I had it much milder for around 5 or 6 years now. Now were going into spring and the days are warming up so are my hands fingers and toes. but now I'm finding that I get a burning feeling and pain one ex stream to the other is this what happens summer burning and winter OH SO COLD '

[navydad]

As some of you might know I was DXed with Raynaud's a week ago this was my first winter with it as bad as it was even tho I think I had it much milder for around 5 or 6 years now. Now were going into spring and the days are warming up so are my hands fingers and toes. but now I'm finding that I get a burning feeling and pain one ex stream to the other is this what happens summer burning and winter OH SO COLD '

Winter os summer,, it makes no difference to my body,,, well actually when we had the 90 degree days I felt like I could actually do things,, but now,, its only in the 60;s,, and I feel like i;m sitting in a deep freeze,, everything burns or hurts,,, I dont know,, I really dont,,

[LizPetillo]

I love fall.  This will be my first fall with full-tilt Sjorens .. neuropathy and all.
SHould be interesting (to say the least).
I put up the fall decorations already.

[navydad]

Good luck,, with any luck I;ll survive wointer and be back in the spring,, as long as its above 70

[Epson]

So, from the list I don't see anything different from summer, except the ear muffs, which in my opinion are useless, better off to get a good coat with a hood.  I also wear sky goggles and on real cold days a face mask, I look like a Sjogren's ninja during the cold months.

[Bucky]

Joe - the weather has started turning here in IL too.  The mornings are real cool, then we heat up to the mid to high 70's, low 80's, then cool off again when the sun sets.

The farmers are out in the fields harvesting their corn and soybeans.  With all the hot weather we had this summer they are harvesting a lot earlier than last year.  Last year they harvested in the snow!!   

I like fall and all the color changes in the trees.  It's what follows after fall that I could skip!   

Enjoy the changing seasons too.

cmclien - I've never tried those battery operated foot warmers, but I know some people who use the gel type foot warmers and they really like them.

Bucky

[Patze]

Same here, love the changing of the seasons, and the leaves are starting to turn as well (in the higher altitudes that is ).

I have both hand and foot warmers at my place and at the office as I tend to have my hands and feet turn purple/red/white at the drop of a dime as well.  Also have extra socks and gloves me pretty much all the time in the cooler seasons.  Are there any nose warmers available?

Take care of yourself -

Patze

[SLEEPY101]

We don't really have a fall or spring.

We are still having 100 degree weather. It will be in the 80s and 90s till the end of OCT. Them Bamm its winter!!! That drastic change in weather always knocks me to my knees. And my the end of April sometimes we have 106 weather. I need to move:)

Last Christmas we went on a road trip to Kansas. The rest of my party was comfortable with the tempature in the car while I was freezing!!!  I got by with a seat warmer and whenever we made a pit shop I grabbed a Hot drink. Sometimes I was so cold I had to pull my stocking cap over my face:) That did phase my family they claimed to be hot.

This winter I am buying a Ski mask!!

Also everyone should buy a snuggie they would great.

Also invest in a pair of warming, vibrating slippers

[LizM]

I live in Georgia and it has been cooler in the mornings and evenings.  And by cooler I mean in the 70s.  I have already been having to have a blanket wrapped around me in the living room and my hands and feet have been freezing.  My Rheumy just diagnosed Raynaud's, so I am hoping I will be able to cope this winter. 

The unfortunate thing, however, is hubby likes it cooler in the house and I prefer it warmer.  It is much easier for me to add socks, gloves, sweater to keep warm than it is for him to walk around the house in his boxers.   

Liz

[cmclien]

Liz  my hubby is the same way.  I'd prefer it about 75 in here summer and winter.  My husband would like it about 70 in summer and 68 in winter.  We kind of compromise as its not quite fair for him to go around sweating all the time either.  So in the summer we keep it 74 75 most days and at night 73 as I can wrap up with blankets.
In the winter only 70 and he finds that too hot and I walk around drinking hot drinks and complaining of being freezing cold.  Sometimes I sneak it up....but then he gets really annoyed at me!

Anyone know where you can buy the slipper warmers or gel ones mentioned?  Is it an on-line thing?
Cindi

[SLEEPY101]

Walmart carries the Dr Scholls brand of warming slippers and target also carries some

[Bucky]

Cindi - you can also check in any of the stores in the hunting department for warm items for your feet and hands.  You could try Gander Mtn., Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops and places like those.

Bucky