[NStewart]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by NStewart on Mon Jul 20, 2015 8:21 pm

Since starting treatment for myeloma, I have had problems with overheating easily. I chalk it up to the dex. The night that I take dex, I sweat profusely during the night. The next day I get hot with minimal exertion. Now that it's quite hot and humid outside, any physical activity, small or large, sets me sweating so badly that I can't see because of the sweat pouring into my eyes. It takes me a long time to cool off. I'm taking showers that are just a little warmer than cold, otherwise I'm over­heated from taking a shower. I even stopped using my hair dryer because I get overheated with it.

The other thing that started once beginning treatment is that I am warmer in general almost all of the time. I rarely use even a sheet to cover me in the summer and only a sheet in the winter with my bedroom window open about an inch and no heat turned on in the bedroom. I need air flowing over me most of the time. So, fans have become my best friends. They are placed strategically throughout the house.

But, when I get cold, I am colder than I ever was in the past. I don't tolerate the cold of the winter when I'm outside nearly as well as I used to. It takes me as long, or longer, to warm up, as it now does to cool down when I get hot. The worst time for me getting cold is when I go to water aerobics in the winter. If the water is at all cool, which it tends to be (82 F / 28 F), I get chilled to the bone and often don't warm up again before morning.

Oh, the changes that we live with because of the drugs that we take.

Nancy in Phila

[Pam in Austin]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Pam in Austin on Mon Jul 20, 2015 8:56 pm

I had bad heat exhaustion type moment last summer after being transplanted in September 2013. I've never had heat issues aging lived in Texas my entire life. I got violently ill and it seemed that my tolerance was severely impacted. Who knows what caused what but it scared me and I've been very respectful of the heat since

[Gary S]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Gary S on Mon Jul 20, 2015 11:31 pm

I would also suggest you get a "cooling towel" either from a sports store or from Amazon. They are made in a variety of styles and colors and really cool me down.

[ripper69]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by ripper69 on Mon Jul 20, 2015 11:32 pm

I have wondered about this a lot. I have a terrible time with heat and it has been since I have had multiple myeloma. I get overheated way too easily (living in South Texas, it is easy to do) and I start getting sick to my stomach and finally vomiting and I am told by others that I look like I need to sit down (I sure feel like I need to sit down). I also perspire so badly from my face and head that it drips down my hair and gets embarrassing. But it happens when I have barely been outside or inside in a stuffy, warm room.

I can't garden or enjoy my plants now. I have given up and just stay inside during the summer. It is terrible and I wish someone could help.

[shaznics]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by shaznics on Tue Jul 21, 2015 5:16 am

Wow - so good to hear from all and the "go golf Vegas" support. The course is very much in the dessert - an hour out of Vegas! We are going to be very prepared - lots of water, electrolytes, ice and cooling towels - and he has promised that he will head back to the club house the minute he feels a bit dodgy! So excited for him now - his first time in Vegas!

Thanks, Jmiller, for raising this question! Hope your hubby is feeling better.

[Squirrel]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Squirrel on Tue Jul 21, 2015 10:40 am

So glad to see discussion on this subject. My first incident with heat/humidity exhaustion on the golf course was BEFORE diagnosis in July 2013. So it's not just the drugs.

I was anemic at the time, though, which I thought was the explanation. I had a bracket installed on my golf pull cart that holds a golf umbrella when needed. No problem last summer that I recall. Maybe I just happened to not be playing on the worst days. I live in Maine.

But this summer I had to be 'rescued' one day on the course. Called pro shop and had nice kid come pick me up with golf cart. On those hot humid days I feel that I just can't breathe.

Now I will drive a cart and hang the expense!

[Jmiller]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Jmiller on Tue Jul 21, 2015 10:25 pm

Sharon, thank you for asking about my husband. He is doing much better today. Had rough day at work yesterday.

My husband and I both agree to keep Gatorade or Powerade in the boat. We both have cooling towels we picked up at the Sturgis Rally a few years ago. Never thought to bring them. I will now. Thanks everyone for your great responses.

I hope you all can find some relief and enjoy your summer.

Janis

[coop223]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by coop223 on Wed Jul 22, 2015 5:17 pm

I also overheat easily now. I live in the desert, where it's hot and find myself having to sit down often because of the heat and also the dizziness that it causes. Just not like I used to be the past few years, but this summer is taking a toll on me. I try to just stay inside and, if I have any chores, I get up early and do them.

As for the golfing, do like people suggested: wear a hat, go slow, stay in the shade as much as possible, and drink plenty of water / Gatorade. I'm fortunate, as I have a golf course an hour away that is in the mountains at a higher elevation and much cooler than down here in the desert.

This cancer sucks ...

[Carol Dancey]

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Carol Dancey on Fri Jul 31, 2015 2:09 pm

I too experience more sensitivity too heat. I drink a lot of water through the day. My face turns
red If I take a hot shower. I do not feel this is all related to age, 67yrs. I noticed this sensitivity just before confirmation of multiple myeloma.