SICKLE CELL AND THE COLD
Today, I want to talk about Sickle Cell and the cold weather or being in an enclosed environment where it is cold.
As you know as a Sickle Cell sufferer, the cold is not good for us. Because when it gets cold, the red blood cells, then clot together quicker and what happens next is a crisis. If you don’t look after yourself when it is cold, the likelihood is that you might fall ill more regularly. When it is cold out there or inside, try and keep as warm as possible, by wearing layers, and if it becomes too warm for you, you can take a layer or two off.
I used to think the best way to keep warm is wear some heavy cardigan but the cold would penetrate through it quickly and before I knew what was going on, I would fall ill. I have noticed that if I inadvertently expose myself to the cold weather, I would have a crisis, almost immediately. The same goes if I get caught in the rain, the consequences could be dire for me, with Sickle Cell.
If I unwittingly expose myself to the cold, by the time I get home, I will feel the signs of something not right in my body. Nowadays, what I try to do right away, is to have a very hot shower, more like a sauna and after, I will eat and take my tablets. So far so good, this personal regime has worked for me.
Of course the thing about exposure to the heat, is that you should have water with you, as you can easily get dehydrated in the heat.
Do:
- Dress warmly but in layers and carry an extra pair of dry socks.
- Stay hydrated (hot cocoa or herbal teas can be great).
- Carry and use a hand sanitiser frequently.
- Minimise continuous exposure to cold and windy weather or wet snow.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep, minimise stress, know your body and your limits.
- Make sure you have pain medications handy to start early in the event of a pain crisis.
Don’t:
- Forget your hat, gloves and scarf when you step out.
- Visit with people who have a cold or febrile illness, if possible.
- Drink too much coffee or caffeinated tea, since it can contribute to dehydration.
- Get carried away with the ice skating, sledding or building a snowman.
Remember, being practical about guarding against the combination of cold and wet weather can go a long way in preventing a sickle cell crisis during the winter months.
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