MS Heat-Related Maladies

I was mortified! After preaching to anyone who'd listen about the dangers of excessive heat on anyone with multiple sclerosis, I find I have ignored my advice. Last week, I spent the week in our typical one or two weeks in summer here in the Pacific Northwest. Now, the heat here is mild compared to anyone in most of the rest of the US, but it's all about what you and your body can tolerate. I remember the 20 years spent on the east coast in 100-degree days with 90+% humidity. We managed. Of course, we had air-conditioning in our home and in our automobile! We have no air-conditioning here in Washington State and these days of 90-degree weather provide not even the relief of a breeze. Long story short--heat plus migraines plus a long siege of vomiting and diarrhea equals dehydration! Suddenly, I found myself in the emergency room. An IV quickly placed in my wrist with a liter of sodium chloride dripped into my withered veins. Within two hours, I was hydrated, feeling like a water-deprived flower. Again, I was boring my medical experts with my usual humor, eager to get home to watch my favorite baseball team. The medical professionals aren't impressed with my humor. They have seen far too many folks rushed into the emergency room with dehydration and heat-related maladies and not all cases end favorably. Folks with MS or other chronic diseases need to be consciensious, when surviving the heat and its dangers. I learned quickly that water is a MUST. I am too cheap to buy bottled water, however, I have a one-liter bottle, and formerly holding pricey bottled water that I keep filling from the tap. I drink two of these a day and I make sure I stay as calm and restrict my activity during the heating periods. Blessed with the climate we have--even mild weather has its dangers. If you don't want to find yourself in an emergency room (if you are lucky enough to have someone recognize such a need for your care), DRINK WATER... Avoid beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. Avoid caffeine products. Isn't it amazing that something as simple as water can be your best friend in fighting the effects of heat? Take care so you won't be mortified. Perhaps those who teach inform others are their own worst enemies! Live and Learn!

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