Re: Cold weather and PLS

[Guest guest]

Cathy, cold weather does effect some of us. Your description of your legs

freezing up is something I have gone through on a trip up in No Carolina. We

had gone out to dinner and the temperature dropped so much in an hour that I

could hardly walk or bend my legs to get in the car. No cramping thank

goodness but it took the ride back up the mountain in the heated car for me to

be

able to get them back to normal. Some people say that heat effects them but

I really like the sunshine on these old bones.......Flora/Florida

[Guest guest]

Hi Group and Cathy,

Been awhile, don't know if I am remembered.

Many changes to adapt to in the journey. Cold is my enemy as well. Everything

you desribe happens to me. And I live in Yuma, AZ. LOL

Just another thing to plan and learn tricks for. If it wasn't for this group

and the Living-with-ALS group, I would definately be lost, crazed, depressed.

People in these grooups, understand and in their sharing help more then what

their words say. It is the attitude, the fellowship and concern that keeps us

looking forward to tomorrow and if, by chance progression has made it's self

apparent, having that postive attitude and the tips from you all, it makes it a

good day, regardless.

What I go through is addressed daily, and though I don't reply much, I read,

and read, and read....I was once told I read to much, and of course being a

strong willed young lady, expressed, one can't never read to much.

Thank you all for all you write and only wish I joined in more on topics.

Long replies are hard and as most you know, in explaining what is happening, can

take some typing. NO new fangled gadgets just little old me.

Again, thanks

[Guest guest]

Hi ! I am so glad you posted. I KNOW what you mean. Without

the group I think i would got nuts. I can type...but some days it is

too tiring. Think I should get a laptop...because I love to read the

posts too. I look at this group as my lifeline.

Great to hear from you.

Love Di.........PLS...........Canada

>

> Hi Group and Cathy,

>

> Been awhile, don't know if I am remembered.

>

> Many changes to adapt to in the journey. Cold is my enemy as well.

Everything

> you desribe happens to me. And I live in Yuma, AZ. LOL

>

> Just another thing to plan and learn tricks for. If it wasn't for

this group

> and the Living-with-ALS group, I would definately be lost, crazed,

depressed.

> People in these grooups, understand and in their sharing help more

then what

> their words say. It is the attitude, the fellowship and concern

that keeps us

> looking forward to tomorrow and if, by chance progression has made

it's self

> apparent, having that postive attitude and the tips from you all,

it makes it a

> good day, regardless.

>

> What I go through is addressed daily, and though I don't reply

much, I read,

> and read, and read....I was once told I read to much, and of

course being a

> strong willed young lady, expressed, one can't never read to much.

>

> Thank you all for all you write and only wish I joined in more on

topics.

> Long replies are hard and as most you know, in explaining what is

happening, can

> take some typing. NO new fangled gadgets just little old me.

>

> Again, thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, Of course we remember you. Glad you were able to drop in and

reading is Ok. we can feel you out there.............I always thought oh ya

that's the water lady H20. LOL

Flora

[Guest guest]

, Of course we remember you. Glad you were able to drop in and

reading is Ok. we can feel you out there.............I always thought oh ya

that's the water lady H20. LOL

Flora

[Guest guest]

, Of course we remember you. Glad you were able to drop in and

reading is Ok. we can feel you out there.............I always thought oh ya

that's the water lady H20. LOL

Flora

[Guest guest]

My feelings and thoughts? Hmmm...

There is no cure, and PLS isn't the only disease there is no cure for. So

many people have to deal with illnesses these days that the medical field deems

non-curable, but they can treat the symptoms. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

In treating the symptoms, at least in my case, it caused other problems. One

then had to decide for oneself, what is best, not what the doctors think is

best. Since I won't follow protocol, I had the fortune of a doctor sending me

a certified letter that I was no longer a patient. Mainly to cover his own

butt because he had been of no help what so ever. Plus was one who suggested I

not read so much or learn so much. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be here today.

Now, maybe if God was to direct a better doctor, I might concider something,

but for now I put my faith in God and only he has the answers.

The other problem I had was and is with insurance or lack of. When someone

goes to the doctor with a disease like this and mines companion, well, in my

opinion, you become recurring revenue for the doctor. With insurance, it

doesn't matter. When it comes out of your pocket, it's a whole nother story. I

felt

like they wanted me to be sicker so I had to keep coming back. Even when I

told him the drugs weren't working, and my groups suggest...I got the, when

did I go to medical school, crap. I know it will be suggested to go to a

clinic. Been there, done that. I'm too combative, I guess. I don't understand

how

they can expect me to make a life changing discision without knowing the

facts. Because of my system, I must watch what drugs they give, I ask all the

side

effects. They conclude I'm looking for trouble, I see it as making sure it

doesn't happen. I have had to many drug reactions, only for the doc to go,

well, that didn't work. No dah! They are not the ones fighting for their lives,

seeing your loved ones go through hell because there is nothing they can do

but worry that this time is the time. I WANT TO LIVE! Regardless is I can't

walk or talk like the normal population.

As you can read, I have a strong pet peave from this process. After 5 years

with the last 2 being drug free, I am still here, learning to cope with each

days challenge and keep my faith that Gods plan is better then the doctors. I

meditate, reduced my stress, limit myself but push at the same time. I use

herbs and vitamins to control some of the symptoms. Is it working, is it right?

Don't know, but it works for us, were happy, fullfilled and have and

continue to adapt. Besides that is just life, with or without a disease.

Love to you all,

[Guest guest]

Hi . You like what we all have to offer so now its your

turn .We all need to here your feelings and thaughts .Dont be shy

now LOL LOL . This Group is good because we all care about finding a

cure and the only way is to share our thaughts ,who knows that one

persons Idea could be the answer we are looking for .I look at it

like we're all working on a Big Puzzle and you may have found the

piece that makes them all fit. Life is about change and those who

adapt to change ,do well, and those who dont have a hard time coping

GEO

>

> Hi Group and Cathy,

>

> Been awhile, don't know if I am remembered.

>

> Many changes to adapt to in the journey. Cold is my enemy as well.

Everything

> you desribe happens to me. And I live in Yuma, AZ. LOL

>

> Just another thing to plan and learn tricks for. If it wasn't for

this group

> and the Living-with-ALS group, I would definately be lost, crazed,

depressed.

> People in these grooups, understand and in their sharing help more

then what

> their words say. It is the attitude, the fellowship and concern

that keeps us

> looking forward to tomorrow and if, by chance progression has made

it's self

> apparent, having that postive attitude and the tips from you all,

it makes it a

> good day, regardless.

>

> What I go through is addressed daily, and though I don't reply

much, I read,

> and read, and read....I was once told I read to much, and of

course being a

> strong willed young lady, expressed, one can't never read to much.

>

> Thank you all for all you write and only wish I joined in more on

topics.

> Long replies are hard and as most you know, in explaining what is

happening, can

> take some typing. NO new fangled gadgets just little old me.

>

> Again, thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi . You like what we all have to offer so now its your

turn .We all need to here your feelings and thaughts .Dont be shy

now LOL LOL . This Group is good because we all care about finding a

cure and the only way is to share our thaughts ,who knows that one

persons Idea could be the answer we are looking for .I look at it

like we're all working on a Big Puzzle and you may have found the

piece that makes them all fit. Life is about change and those who

adapt to change ,do well, and those who dont have a hard time coping

GEO

>

> Hi Group and Cathy,

>

> Been awhile, don't know if I am remembered.

>

> Many changes to adapt to in the journey. Cold is my enemy as well.

Everything

> you desribe happens to me. And I live in Yuma, AZ. LOL

>

> Just another thing to plan and learn tricks for. If it wasn't for

this group

> and the Living-with-ALS group, I would definately be lost, crazed,

depressed.

> People in these grooups, understand and in their sharing help more

then what

> their words say. It is the attitude, the fellowship and concern

that keeps us

> looking forward to tomorrow and if, by chance progression has made

it's self

> apparent, having that postive attitude and the tips from you all,

it makes it a

> good day, regardless.

>

> What I go through is addressed daily, and though I don't reply

much, I read,

> and read, and read....I was once told I read to much, and of

course being a

> strong willed young lady, expressed, one can't never read to much.

>

> Thank you all for all you write and only wish I joined in more on

topics.

> Long replies are hard and as most you know, in explaining what is

happening, can

> take some typing. NO new fangled gadgets just little old me.

>

> Again, thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi . You like what we all have to offer so now its your

turn .We all need to here your feelings and thaughts .Dont be shy

now LOL LOL . This Group is good because we all care about finding a

cure and the only way is to share our thaughts ,who knows that one

persons Idea could be the answer we are looking for .I look at it

like we're all working on a Big Puzzle and you may have found the

piece that makes them all fit. Life is about change and those who

adapt to change ,do well, and those who dont have a hard time coping

GEO

>

> Hi Group and Cathy,

>

> Been awhile, don't know if I am remembered.

>

> Many changes to adapt to in the journey. Cold is my enemy as well.

Everything

> you desribe happens to me. And I live in Yuma, AZ. LOL

>

> Just another thing to plan and learn tricks for. If it wasn't for

this group

> and the Living-with-ALS group, I would definately be lost, crazed,

depressed.

> People in these grooups, understand and in their sharing help more

then what

> their words say. It is the attitude, the fellowship and concern

that keeps us

> looking forward to tomorrow and if, by chance progression has made

it's self

> apparent, having that postive attitude and the tips from you all,

it makes it a

> good day, regardless.

>

> What I go through is addressed daily, and though I don't reply

much, I read,

> and read, and read....I was once told I read to much, and of

course being a

> strong willed young lady, expressed, one can't never read to much.

>

> Thank you all for all you write and only wish I joined in more on

topics.

> Long replies are hard and as most you know, in explaining what is

happening, can

> take some typing. NO new fangled gadgets just little old me.

>

> Again, thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I get the same stiffness when I get cold and if Im nervous and cold every step

feels like Im gonna fall.If Im cold I head for someplace warm quick because if I

dont I know Im gonna fall.The same thing happens when I get nervous but not as

bad thats why I take walker when we go somewhere.

Your Friend

Cathy cathykwest@...> wrote:

Di was mentioning the cold weather not being good for her....Does it have this

affect on you guys...that it makes you stiffen up horribly? The colder it is,

the stiffer I get. Infact, I was standing outside a while with my dad a few

weeks ago in the cold at the UPS pick up place and I was getting colder and

colder. Finally, when I went to get back into the car, I couldn't lift my leg

just to put it into the car at first because it was so stiff and then when I

tried really hard it went into the worst cramp I had ever had. Finally, I worked

it out and got in.

This also happens when I am nervous. I used to try and go on dates, but I

would be so nervous and I would walk worse than normal because I would get so

stiff, which I am sure didn't make a good first impression.

Cathy

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

I get the same stiffness when I get cold and if Im nervous and cold every step

feels like Im gonna fall.If Im cold I head for someplace warm quick because if I

dont I know Im gonna fall.The same thing happens when I get nervous but not as

bad thats why I take walker when we go somewhere.

Your Friend

Cathy cathykwest@...> wrote:

Di was mentioning the cold weather not being good for her....Does it have this

affect on you guys...that it makes you stiffen up horribly? The colder it is,

the stiffer I get. Infact, I was standing outside a while with my dad a few

weeks ago in the cold at the UPS pick up place and I was getting colder and

colder. Finally, when I went to get back into the car, I couldn't lift my leg

just to put it into the car at first because it was so stiff and then when I

tried really hard it went into the worst cramp I had ever had. Finally, I worked

it out and got in.

This also happens when I am nervous. I used to try and go on dates, but I

would be so nervous and I would walk worse than normal because I would get so

stiff, which I am sure didn't make a good first impression.

Cathy

---------------------------------

Do you Yahoo!?

With a free 1 GB, there's more in store with Yahoo! Mail.

[Guest guest]

I get the same stiffness when I get cold and if Im nervous and cold every step

feels like Im gonna fall.If Im cold I head for someplace warm quick because if I

dont I know Im gonna fall.The same thing happens when I get nervous but not as

bad thats why I take walker when we go somewhere.

Your Friend

Cathy cathykwest@...> wrote:

Di was mentioning the cold weather not being good for her....Does it have this

affect on you guys...that it makes you stiffen up horribly? The colder it is,

the stiffer I get. Infact, I was standing outside a while with my dad a few

weeks ago in the cold at the UPS pick up place and I was getting colder and

colder. Finally, when I went to get back into the car, I couldn't lift my leg

just to put it into the car at first because it was so stiff and then when I

tried really hard it went into the worst cramp I had ever had. Finally, I worked

it out and got in.

This also happens when I am nervous. I used to try and go on dates, but I

would be so nervous and I would walk worse than normal because I would get so

stiff, which I am sure didn't make a good first impression.

Cathy

---------------------------------

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With a free 1 GB, there's more in store with Yahoo! Mail.

[Guest guest]

Yes . The same thing with me. Most of my falls, (than the ones

caused by rapid turns to the right)DO seem to happen if I have

gotten really cold or am under alot of stress.

Oh oh.....my new Lab. Puppy arrives this evening! 7 months old with

5 foot long legs and size 14 feet! OK....grip the walker extra

tight!! *grin*. Take care !

Di.........Canada (where it is cold!)

In PLS-FRIENDS , wrote:

>

> I get the same stiffness when I get cold and if Im nervous and

cold every step feels like Im gonna fall.If Im cold I head for

someplace warm quick because if I dont I know Im gonna fall.The same

thing happens when I get nervous but not as bad thats why I take

walker when we go somewhere.

> Your Friend

>

> Cathy wrote:

>

> Di was mentioning the cold weather not being good for her....Does

it have this affect on you guys...that it makes you stiffen up

horribly? The colder it is, the stiffer I get. Infact, I was

standing outside a while with my dad a few weeks ago in the cold at

the UPS pick up place and I was getting colder and colder. Finally,

when I went to get back into the car, I couldn't lift my leg just to

put it into the car at first because it was so stiff and then when I

tried really hard it went into the worst cramp I had ever had.

Finally, I worked it out and got in.

>

> This also happens when I am nervous. I used to try and go on

dates, but I would be so nervous and I would walk worse than normal

because I would get so stiff, which I am sure didn't make a good

first impression.

>

> Cathy

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Do you Yahoo!?

> With a free 1 GB, there's more in store with Yahoo! Mail.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Di,

Have you thought of a name for " Nupup "

Jagan

Re: COLD weather and PLS

> Yes . The same thing with me. Most of my falls, (than the ones

> caused by rapid turns to the right)DO seem to happen if I have

> gotten really cold or am under alot of stress.

>

> Oh oh.....my new Lab. Puppy arrives this evening! 7 months old with

> 5 foot long legs and size 14 feet! OK....grip the walker extra

> tight!! *grin*. Take care !

>

> Di.........Canada (where it is cold!)

>

>

>

> In PLS-FRIENDS , wrote:

>>

>> I get the same stiffness when I get cold and if Im nervous and

> cold every step feels like Im gonna fall.If Im cold I head for

> someplace warm quick because if I dont I know Im gonna fall.The same

> thing happens when I get nervous but not as bad thats why I take

> walker when we go somewhere.

>> Your Friend

>>

>> Cathy wrote:

>>

>> Di was mentioning the cold weather not being good for her....Does

> it have this affect on you guys...that it makes you stiffen up

> horribly? The colder it is, the stiffer I get. Infact, I was

> standing outside a while with my dad a few weeks ago in the cold at

> the UPS pick up place and I was getting colder and colder. Finally,

> when I went to get back into the car, I couldn't lift my leg just to

> put it into the car at first because it was so stiff and then when I

> tried really hard it went into the worst cramp I had ever had.

> Finally, I worked it out and got in.

>>

>> This also happens when I am nervous. I used to try and go on

> dates, but I would be so nervous and I would walk worse than normal

> because I would get so stiff, which I am sure didn't make a good

> first impression.

>>

>> Cathy

>>

>>

>> ---------------------------------

>> Do you Yahoo!?

>> With a free 1 GB, there's more in store with Yahoo! Mail.

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

Ya, that happens to me to. I fall if I am trying to rush, too and am not

thinking about what I am doing. God, I hate falling!!!!! Cathy

ellerbert@...> wrote: I get the same stiffness when I get cold

and if Im nervous and cold every step feels like Im gonna fall.If Im cold I head

for someplace warm quick because if I dont I know Im gonna fall.The same thing

happens when I get nervous but not as bad thats why I take walker when we go

somewhere.

Your Friend

Cathy cathykwest@...> wrote:

Di was mentioning the cold weather not being good for her....Does it have this

affect on you guys...that it makes you stiffen up horribly? The colder it is,

the stiffer I get. Infact, I was standing outside a while with my dad a few

weeks ago in the cold at the UPS pick up place and I was getting colder and

colder. Finally, when I went to get back into the car, I couldn't lift my leg

just to put it into the car at first because it was so stiff and then when I

tried really hard it went into the worst cramp I had ever had. Finally, I worked

it out and got in.

This also happens when I am nervous. I used to try and go on dates, but I

would be so nervous and I would walk worse than normal because I would get so

stiff, which I am sure didn't make a good first impression.

Cathy

---------------------------------

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With a free 1 GB, there's more in store with Yahoo! Mail.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

This is a question about an old email you wrote in Jan. You wrote you

take 48mg Zanaflex a day. Was that a misprint?

Zoweeee....I was taking 4 mg 3 times a day and was bombed all day.

Strangely at nite when I really needed sleep I would take the 4 mg at 10

pm and wake at 2 and stay wideawake rest of night. Wouldn't a time

release pill on some of these drugs be great!

Cold weather affects me also. First sympton was walking outside a warm

building into the cold and barely shuffling. Next was the

" enstein " walk inside a warm building.

Symptoms have been so funny. Have had some of nearly all but most

didn't last long (only the bad ones, walking, talking, etc)

Have a good day and hope it's warm where you live.

Arlene in Texas

[Guest guest]

Hi Arlene,

No, no misprint. I take 48mg. of zanaflex per day. I also

take 4mg. of klonopin per day for the Clonus.

We had 3-1/2 " of snow Sunday night & monday and cold.

Ohio

>

> Hi ,

> This is a question about an old email you wrote in Jan. You wrote

you

> take 48mg Zanaflex a day. Was that a misprint?

> Zoweeee....I was taking 4 mg 3 times a day and was bombed all day.

> Strangely at nite when I really needed sleep I would take the 4 mg

at 10

> pm and wake at 2 and stay wideawake rest of night. Wouldn't a time

> release pill on some of these drugs be great!

> Cold weather affects me also. First sympton was walking outside a

warm

> building into the cold and barely shuffling. Next was the

> " enstein " walk inside a warm building.

> Symptoms have been so funny. Have had some of nearly all but most

> didn't last long (only the bad ones, walking, talking, etc)

> Have a good day and hope it's warm where you live.

> Arlene in Texas

>

[Guest guest]

Tawny, Dr. Riddle here.LOL Are you taking any benzo? The NORD panphlet

suggests baclofen and a benzo. I take klonopin.

When diagnosed with Stiffman I was given diazapam only as that is the

med of choice. Also later baclofen and ativan. They also do the

baclofen pump. Some have good luck with it but I am chicken and scared

of it as a rattlesnake. Last visit with neuro he said he could put me

in touch with one, I played deaf.

With Stiffman you experience severe spasms which I did not have. The

neuro said Stiffman because of my tin man gait and spasms of the

paraspinal muscles. Tested neg twice on the GAD blood test and normal

on EMGs that will show constant muscle activity when not moving any

limb. The neuro even got his book, laid it in my lap and had me move my

leg with the needle it in. Loud noise. Did needle with leg still and

perfectly quiet. You can still have Stiffman without the above being

positive but certainly will have spasms. Also the Babinski and Hoffman

signs are positive, as is startle effect. Stiffman is better to have

than a lot of others when finally treated correctly.

After Stiffman the neuro at Baylor in Houston was thinking Multiple

System Atrophy. Neuro using now thinks PLS. Was concerned about MSA

because BP is higher lying and drops when sitting or standing. With MSA

if you have any thing wrong it is listed as a symptom somewhere within

the 3 types. Grief and Agony. Nuero here says it's a dumping ground

when they don't know what's wrong.

Zanaflex also had my ankles looking like grapefruit. Were swollen all

day. I told the neuro to " look at my feet " . He didn't comment so I

stuck them out and said again, " look " . He said " I see, I see. Why did

you keep taking the pills if they were not helping? " I told him because

he told me to. Learned a bad lesson there. I experiment with the meds

some.

The baclofen I still have a love-hate relationship with it. Still

maintain that the brand was more affective than the ones I take

now.

Wow, talkative this morning.

(I also have a dog, named Minnie Pearl, a Jack Terrier that is

spoiled rotten. Wants to play " shoe ball " all day. You throw the ball,

she gets a tennis shoe, carries it to the ball,puts the ball in it and

brings it back for another throw. Have to hide the ball some for a

little peace. She can bark and I nearly throw the walker. Even when I

know it's coming, I still jump.

Have a good day and wish we lived closer and would bring you some

chicken enchiladas we are making.

Arlene

[Guest guest]

Thanks, ,

Next question if you don't mind.

How is your mobility?

Arlene

[Guest guest]

I have no balance, i lost all balance control about three years ago. I

can walk with two canes, or should i say drag my feet. Take the canes

away i can not take one step with out help i'll fall. When ever i go

outside, i'm in the elec. wheelchair or the scooter. At that time i

can do things that a healthy man can't. Ask anything, i don't mind.

>

> Thanks, ,

> Next question if you don't mind.

> How is your mobility?

> Arlene

>

[Guest guest]

I have no balance, i lost all balance control about three years ago. I

can walk with two canes, or should i say drag my feet. Take the canes

away i can not take one step with out help i'll fall. When ever i go

outside, i'm in the elec. wheelchair or the scooter. At that time i

can do things that a healthy man can't. Ask anything, i don't mind.

>

> Thanks, ,

> Next question if you don't mind.

> How is your mobility?

> Arlene

>

[Guest guest]

Let me tell you about cold weather. Many people think of Canada as a

frozen wasteland all year round. Well....I guest maybe way up in

Inuvik it is. But winter in Central Alberta is moderately cold for

about 4 months cold. Summer is VERY hot.

But lets talk about COLD. Last month the thermometer hit minus 35

degrees....that is about the same in Fahrenheit or Celcius (which we

use because we once had a french Prime Minister who couldn't

convert). You don't have to have PLS to go outside and feel your

legs go stiff. In fact, the little hairs in your nostrils stand

straight out....which is embarrassing if you have alot of nose hair!

I hobble down to get the newspaper and my hand sticks to the metal

box....so now I have frozen spastic legs, stiff nosehair and a hand

stuck to piece of metal.

OK...now what? The natural response is to use the other hand to pry

off the frozen hand. THAT is when logic has obviously abandoned me.

So I stand there with frozen spastic legs, stiff nose hair (now

gathering a layer of frost) and two hands stuck to a metal box. Left

hand goes into spasm. Oh S****. By this time, the lungs have decided

they are leaving for good, so chest wall starts to spasm, causing me

to gulp for air......wrong! You DON'T gulp in minus 35 degree air.

Now the right leg decides the only way to warm up is to

involuntarily dance. So there i am.....frozen spastic legs (doing

the hokey kokey), stiff and frosty nose hair now protruding about 3

feet out, 2 spastic hands stuck to a metal box, panting hot air onto

my fingers.

So....does cold weather affect PLS? Yup. But I am a tough and

experienced cold weather person...I am A Canadian man!....i know how

to deal with such situations. I held myself as upright as possible,

slowed my breathing down to increase the amount of air entering my

lungs, tilted my head back about 5 degrees to open my upper

espiratory passage....................and SCREAMED LIKE HELL until

the neighbors came out!!!!

So. In my estimation....cold weather DOES, in fact, make PLS worse.

OK....I'm going back to bed know. Hugs to all,,,spring is here!!!!!

Love Di......PLS..........Canada

[Guest guest]

Well I hooted and hollared on that one. I must share that story with

my kids to remind them why I moved. BTW I still have that guest room

and right now its the only clean room in the house. It was in the 70s

today.

Eva

PS I'm off to cut my nose hairs.

[Guest guest]

That is a real funny story Di! But I would like to ask how on earth

you " hobbled " out in such freezing conditions to the mail box?? Did

you actually go on foot??

You and Eva totally amaze me. I am in awe of both of you.

Love

Aussie Maureen

>

> Let me tell you about cold weather. Many people think of Canada as a

> frozen wasteland all year round. Well....I guest maybe way up in

> Inuvik it is. But winter in Central Alberta is moderately cold for

> about 4 months cold. Summer is VERY hot.

>

> But lets talk about COLD. Last month the thermometer hit minus 35

> degrees....that is about the same in Fahrenheit or Celcius (which we

> use because we once had a french Prime Minister who couldn't

> convert). You don't have to have PLS to go outside and feel your

> legs go stiff. In fact, the little hairs in your nostrils stand

> straight out....which is embarrassing if you have alot of nose hair!

> I hobble down to get the newspaper and my hand sticks to the metal

> box....so now I have frozen spastic legs, stiff nosehair and a hand

> stuck to piece of metal.

>

> OK...now what? The natural response is to use the other hand to pry

> off the frozen hand. THAT is when logic has obviously abandoned me.

> So I stand there with frozen spastic legs, stiff nose hair (now

> gathering a layer of frost) and two hands stuck to a metal box. Left

> hand goes into spasm. Oh S****. By this time, the lungs have decided

> they are leaving for good, so chest wall starts to spasm, causing me

> to gulp for air......wrong! You DON'T gulp in minus 35 degree air.

>

> Now the right leg decides the only way to warm up is to

> involuntarily dance. So there i am.....frozen spastic legs (doing

> the hokey kokey), stiff and frosty nose hair now protruding about 3

> feet out, 2 spastic hands stuck to a metal box, panting hot air onto

> my fingers.

>

> So....does cold weather affect PLS? Yup. But I am a tough and

> experienced cold weather person...I am A Canadian man!....i know how

> to deal with such situations. I held myself as upright as possible,

> slowed my breathing down to increase the amount of air entering my

> lungs, tilted my head back about 5 degrees to open my upper

> espiratory passage....................and SCREAMED LIKE HELL until

> the neighbors came out!!!!

>

> So. In my estimation....cold weather DOES, in fact, make PLS worse.

>

> OK....I'm going back to bed know. Hugs to all,,,spring is here!!!!!

>

> Love Di......PLS..........Canada

>