Spinal Cord Injury

Im new to the who SCI thing, and determining exactly what that means and what comes with it. my injury as been classified as SCIWORA (SCI w/o radiographic abnormalities) we know the injury is cervical, incomplete but without the paralysis. instead I have problems with the left side of my body. I also have crushed joints in my lower back and neck and we recently did Radio Frequency nerve block on my neck , last week. since then ive been noticing I feel like a theromometer, and its been really hot outside and all the buildings are air conditioned. and its like everytime I enter a diffrent temperature its like I go into shock. today I kept flushing on and off and feeling really hot, and then for about 3 minutes I started flushing completely red and feeling like I was going to pass out. It just really freaks me out because I feel like I never know whats happening to me. I asked my doctor about this before and he relly wasnt sure. is this a normal thing that goes with SCI? thanks for your help!

 Normal for SCI or not, the messed up thermostat happens to many of us... including me.  When I asked about it everyone told me that it is a common problem that usually goes away and so far it has mostly for me.  My left leg still thinks it is hotter than it really is though, it will be covered in sweat if I cover while sleeping.  Another thing to think about is your health though, are you feeling sick or have you got checked for a UTI?  A unanary tract infection messes with me like that also and I am tired when I get a UTI.  Might be something to think about.  Good Luck 

 The answer is yes many people with a SCI of what ever form complete or incomplete have trouble regulating body temperature. Not much you can really do for it other then watch out about getting overheated or too cold. That is usually hands feet and head that feel the effects first if you’re aware of them to begin with inter times I’ve found fingers or toes white and I was not aware they were cold and recently not knowing just how hot I was in a recent heat wave for where I live. Just try to keep a temp comfortable for you and move as best you can in that range it might not be easy if you’re out working and such but I have found that if I drink something either hot or cold depending upon weather helps allot.

 I started having trouble with this 6 years after the fact, does this mean I am getting worse? If so I do not want to know right now. Especially bad since last cervical surgery. Have not told my Dr or surgeon, do not want another pill to take and assumed it was par for the course. I go from noticably flushed and sweating to chills and freezing. Hopefully it will get better on its own.  

The mysterious Spinal Cord.......who knows?    I was told with my T5-6 Complete injury I had to be careful when it was below 60 or above 80 degrees.  I feel like a hothouse flower!

 

A friend was visiting and we were playing Scrabble and my legs started getting jumpy and I felt HOT...she said she felt cold being in line with the AC...so we switched places....and my legs stopped jumping~!!!   Do they like it cold?   Do they like it hot?   I have not figured it out yet.   Two years post injury and there are so many variables......

 

I have noticed that hot peppers will make my legs get jumpy.  Dang...I love salsa!

 

I call my legs my barometers...they sure do know when it is going to rain!   They get all jumpy and then when the rain comes down my feet begin to buzz.....  I could hire them out as weather forecasters.   They are also emotional barometers...if I get upset....so do they~!!! 

 

So...to answer your question....it seems that they do not like sudden extreme changes of temperature....or weather...or emotion......