[SeamsLikeStitches]

I know that cold effects my feet, but I had no idea to what extent until the other day.
I took my granddaughter to the public pool, and was really surprised at how much my feet and legs had detioriated! I couldn't swim a lap across the pool. (It was a regulation swimming pool)... and my feet cramped up afer treading water for a while.
Then when it was time to get out, of course I went up the ladder, and when I got to the top, I sat on the edge of the pool and actually had to lift my feet out of the pool with my hands. My feet from the middle of my chins down were numb. I couldn't even lift them! I just sat there on the edge of the pool in the sun, warming up for about 15 minutes. Finally I got enough feeling back to walk back over to the towels/chairs.
That was REALLY SCARY! What is going to happen to me this winter? I plan to spend the winter in Missouri. Where it SNOWS! Will I lose feeling again? How do those of you who live in colder climates manage this?
I am really afraid of this happening again. This is a really scary feeling, not being able to walk, or stand, or use my feet!

[aussiemom]

Wow! That would be scary. I'd be giving my doc a call on that. As for winter, I'm not much help, I'm in Fl. But it can get into the 30s here. Last winter was the first I really had problems. I don't like shoes, so wearing them with socks was different. At bed time was the worst for me, I'd alternate between a heating pad, or electric blanket. I bought a heated throw at Target, that was great.

[zorro1]

second that, trip to the doctor would be a very high priority

[Leesa]

Hi ~ I have peripheral neuropathy in my legs, and I know what you're talking about!!! When i had pool therapy when I went to physical therapy, I got much worse by getting in the pool. They said usually it's good for you, but it sure didn't do me any good!

I live in Michigan so I know all about the winters. All winter, I wear insulated underwear!! I don't care if it makes me look "pudgy" or not - if my legs get cold, the pain is unbearable!!! I don't stop wearing the long-johns until the weather is consistently 60 degrees or better!!! My circulation is fine since I had extensive tests for that, so I know it's not from that.

If I'm going to be outside for any length of time, I also wear ski pants -- that keeps the wind from penetrating & adds a little more warmth.

Best of luck this winter --- I hope you do well. God bless. Hugs, Lee

[nide44]

I'm with Leesa.
Go to a discount sportswear store and buy ski pants or bib-fronts.
Get last year's styles or unwanted colors, cheaper.
They will be windbreakers and keep you dry in the snow, too.
Also silk long johns (LL Bean & others) and thermal long johns, too.
Ski-boot socks are a blend of fine wool that are tall and keep you warm in winter boots.
Fur lined (faux fur or sheepswool) boots and booties and slippers are good too.
Just depends on where you are, as to how cold.
I'm familiar with MO weather. My wife was born & raised in Sedalia.
My mother in law lives in Columbia MO.
It gets pretty cold there too.

[Sheltiemom18]

Did this happen in a heated or unheated pool?

Sheltiemom

[SeamsLikeStitches]

I guess my PN has progressed enough that I didn't feel the cold in my feet. However, I can still feel it in the rest of my body, so I would know if it is extremely cold. We are in California for goodness sake! (Well, Northern CA, so it's only about 75 to 80 degrees, but still).
I am going in on Aug. 23rd for a Nerve Conduction study (my 3rd one) so I will bring this up with my Neurologist then.
I really appreciate all this feedback.
I forgot how nice it is to be here on this site! It feels good to be back!
Oh, and thanks for the advice on the clothing! I'm going shopping as soon as I get back to MO.!!! I'll be there in September! I'm not taking any chances on not being ready for the cold!

[mrsD]

Our feet go numb in the lake ...always have. Cold will do that.

But I wouldn't think a pool would be 60 degrees like our lake gets.

There is a condition called cryoglobulinemia where proteins from the bone marrow are made in too high amounts, and they will stop circulation (clog up in the small blood vessels) in cold. This reverses in warmer temps. You can get blood tests for this.

Look it up on Google. People with this condition are warned away from cold and activities in the cold, and often move to places like Arizona etc.