Question

Like most people with ME/CFS I‘m very sensitive to changes in temperature and find the cold winter weather is very difficult to deal with. So do you have any tips on keeping warm when it gets really cold?

Answer

Problems with thermoregulation (= temperature control) are very common in ME/CFS. It’s important to make sure that you don’t have another medical problem – hypothyroidism in particular – that could be causing problems with temperature control when you are really feeling the cold. So do talk to your doctor before concluding that this is ‘just another ME/CFS problem’. Your GP can do a simple blood test to check your thyroid function and examine your pulses and circulation. Here are some self-help tips on dealing with cold weather:

• Avoid touching cold surfaces and objects and wear insulated gloves for the fridge or freezer.
• After a bath leave the water in while you dress it will still give off heat to help keep you warm.
• Use a hairdryer for warming clothes and shoes.
• Stop smoking – smoking can reduce the temperature by one degree over a 20 minute period.
• Use warm air hand dryers when in public places.
• Keep clothes and shoes for the next day in the airing cupboard.
• Alcohol in moderation can help to stimulate the circulation but do not mix alcohol with medication (yes – most people with ME/CFS are alcohol intolerant)
• Keep doors closed, an open front door can drastically reduce the temperature in your house.
• Use shoulder bags – not bags with handles as these can restrict blood flow to the fingers.

More Information

• The ME Association has free detailed information available to download from the Free Literature:
  • Cold Hands and Feet (including Raynaud's Phenomenon).
• Additional information can also be found via Scleroderma and Raynaud's UK.