How Do You Prepare For Winter Months ?

[SeaBreeze]

I'm sorry... It's still really beautiful out, but I'm a 'planner'...
I was diagnosed with MTCD this summer and have 'hallmark' SjS symptoms..
I really suffered last winter, I was so dry and miserable.. I'm actually grateful that I now know why...
OK... so .......
Should I invest in an expensive humidifyer ? I would love to know what brands you use.
Do you have favorite lotions, creams or potions ? (I can use only unscented)
What kind of eye drops do you use ?
I am buying new bed stuff.. Recently separated so going back to 'girly' stuff  ; down comforter versus cotton ?
I live in the Northeast.. burrr, usually hibernation time for me..

I would love to hear what you do to prepare, what brands, what works, what doesn't..
What do you do to stay comfy through the winter months ? I would LOVE to hear any and all...
I do tend to get obnoxious with my 'planning' but it keeps me busy..
Thanks you so much

[Scottietottie]

Hi SeaBreeze 

A lot of people use personal humidifiers so they can have them close and I don't think they're all that expensive. I like the things that are meant to be good for people with allergies. I don't have allergies but things that aren't as likely to be dusty aren't as drying either.

I use eye drops that my opthamologist prescribes. One lot is just called 'artificial tears' and the others are celluvisc. Both contain no preservatives.

Take care - Scottie 

[lynnmarie219]

Hi SeaBeeze!

It's always good to plan ahead!

Yes many of here use the personal humidifiers and Scottie is right...they don't have to be the extremely expensive types!

As far as lotions etc...I like the Cetaphil products...they are unscented products and are available in face cream, lotion, bar and liquid soap, as well as body cream. It was recommended by my dermatologist since I have rosacea and have never had a problem with these products in connection with my skin which is very sensitive.

In addition to the prescription restasis for my eyes I also use refresh liquidgel (and refresh pm if my eyes are really bad at night)!

I also like to use saline nasal mist and Ayr gel for my nose when it gets really dry and uncomfortable from the heat in the house!

These are just a few things off the top of my head....I'm sure others will be by with more ideas!

[Pooh]

I use two humidifiers during the summer and winter.  I have a large one that takes care of most of the house and a small personal one by my bed.

I have to be warm to sleep, so I tend to go overboard with the quilts and down comforter.  I tend to drive my hubby out into the open air at night. 

I use Eucerin lotion that my dermatologist suggested and find it really works well with my skin.  I also use the Dove moisture body wash with bath oil in it.  It's really lovely.  It comes scented and unscented. 

For my eyes I use the GenTeal drops and GenTeal gel along with the Restasis twice a day. 

As long as I have my humidifiers I haven't had problems with my nose, just my throat and mouth.  But once I'm asleep, that doesn't bother me much.  When it does I use the Oasis mouth spray by Sensodyne. 

Take care and I hope you cope with the winter months and stay warm.

Hugs, Pooh

[Rania]

Hi SeaBreeze!

Well I migt not be able to gove you brand names of different things since I'm in Europe, but I see you have gotten good advice already and you also have a lot of good thoughts yourself. But I'll try to share my experiences with you.

Now, I live in a country that might get very cold. I lie on an electical heating blanket in my bed. I soo ned to be warm to be able to sleep at all. And in fall, I tend to be very cold on the outside of my body. If someone touch me when I sleep, they usuallu jump up high because I'm very cold. I've been almost throwed out of a coach several times because someone thought I was gone. So, making it possible to heat up my bed is important to me.

I also have flannel pyamas and a down comforter. I also have blankets og wool, in case I need them too. Then I have a thermos with some hot tea with honey by my bedside. Sometimes a cup or a sip of tea helt me if I'm very cold.

When it comes to personal hygiene, I love the Eucerine products that Pooh told about. After I have showered, I use baby oil on my skin. That kind of lock the moistue from the water into my skin, and my skin has improved a lot since I started doing that. When it comes to lotions, I use Eucerine and another one that is quite the same. Both fragrance free and ok to use when the skin is sensitive.

I buy eyedrops and mothspray and every other brand I need to keep my eyes and mouth as ok as possible. I have an airhumidifier, but I also put a small bowl of water on top of the fireplace in the living room, making that go wasm and give moist to the air in the room. I only do that when I can put it in a place where it is safe and don't fall down and burn someone, because both the water and the metallic bowl both get quite hot.

Sometimes I put hot water in a bigger bowl, I put a towel over it and stick my head under it to breathe in the hot and humid air that is under there. It might be a bit uncomfortable because it is so moist, so I don't do it everyday. If I get a cold it is exellent.

I have bought a long jacket, reaching down to my knees. If i'm out, the cold air don't reach to me that easy and cool me down. I have found that if I my thies get cold, i have a problem to gain heat again, so I continue to stay cold, even if I sit by the fireplace. So to prevent cooling down when ourside, I use that long jacket. It is a down jacket and very comfortable.

Just some of my experiences.

I'll write more if I have forgotten something.

Rania 

[Dolly Dimples]

 You are in good company on this Seabreeze,  I dread winter, I'm in UK
and already the air is so cool tonight, ( to me anyway) I too drive my hubby out of the room as he is always hot whilst I freeze everywhere I go, I wish I was a squirrel !
    I have read all the tips form the others, and am sure glad they hang around to take care of us here...
                   My bestest wishes for a snug winter, Dolly

[irish]

Buy or make yourself one of those rice packs (some are made of some kind of grain etc) that can be heated in the microwave. I use mine constantly in the winter. Everytime I sit down I have it some place ono my body. Usually I havae an episode of very cold painful hands(never diagnosed with Reynauds and they don't turn colors) and have to place hands on the warm pack. It is just great to place even in your lap to help you warm up. Just such a comforting therapy for aches and pains also. Irish

[Billydude]

I'm in California and can't stand the heat.  I await the winter like a child awaits Christmas!
Steve

[SeaBreeze]

I thought I'd dig this thread up as its getting colder and 'drier' ... Break out the hot chocolate !!

[ProudAuntieNWash]

And marshmellows LOL

Denise

[pudmott]

Anyone want to adopt me for 6 months. We are already having 30 plus degree days and its still only spring. I long for winter......

March seems so far away....


Pud

[wen.uk]

Pud you're welcome any time !!!

I'm now living in my gorgeous fleecy dressing gown to keep me warm at night time, the heating is on, and I'm cooking hearty stews and casseroles for our meals. 

Couldn't manage without my Palmers cocoa butter body lotion, Liposic gel and Lacrilube gel for my eyes,

[Katybarstool]

Pud

Can we house swap for 6 months? I'm like Wen. It's really cold here - 7 degrees today and windy. I love sunshine and hot weather - I think I'm solar poweered!

Kathys

[pudmott]

Kathy your are on. We will swap and i will go visit wen.

Although someone must have heard my prayers cause today i woke up it is really cold and pooring with rain. I am snuggled in bed under my doona posting msgs all over the forum. Now if only the rest of summer could be like this. My hands are even almost normal today.

Hey wen do you do steak and kidney casserole?

Pud

[salsen]

This week will probably be our only week of fall but it is beautiful!  Mid seventies in the day and very low fifties at night with a nice balmy breeze.  South Louisiana seldom gets such wonderful weather. 

As far as lotions I use Aveno moisturizing lotion with spf for the face as recommended by the dermo doctor.  I have discovered Kiehl's Creme de Corps lotion for my feet and love it.  It is a little expensive but a small amount goes a very long way.  It really helps the skin from staying extra dry and has cleared up the cracked heels.  I love it. 

For those who are worried about locating a product do like me -  I shop on line.  The shipping is no worse than gas prices now of days and sure saves my personal energy  LOL.   

Praying for two weeks of great weather !!!!