Nerve Pain and Hot Water

I am not sure about the damage but for me a hot bath, hot tub etc is like being boiled in lava. Whatever feels good to you is what matters, just remember some areas may not feel heat/cold properly so be careful.

Jerimy

With everyone’s nerve damage being so different, a hot shower or bath might be so painful to some.

My husband liked a hot bath because he said it made his feet feel better. I had to test the water to make sure he wasn’t going to burn his skin off because he couldn’t feel exactly how hot the water was. Cold caused him severe pain. Couldn’t have any ice in any beverage,would cause extreme pain and gagging. So you see even though the name of the illness is the same, the effects to the body are so different for each and everyone.

Some people have pain, some don’t, some have drop foot, some don’t. That’s why this forum is so great, you can tell how you were affected and it might help someone else.

I remember the first time my husband was able to help me into a bathtub to take a hot bath (first time in 2 1/2 years.) Afterwards, the pain was excrutiating everywhere on my body. But two years ago (I am 5 years out), I started going to water aerobics & going into the hot tub. I wouldn’t say that it helps me, but it sure feels good at the time. I do know that hot weather & hot water do drain me though, but to me it’s worth it. Everyone is so different, that do whatever you feel works for you…

I thought it was a long time before I could crawl into the tub….4 months….but you win with 2.5 years. It’s funny that the side of the tub do not seem that high until you have GBS!!

I found that when my feet get warm at night from being under the covers, they get red and swollen – edema. Anyone else get this? My big toes on my right foot is affected more than the other toes….we certainly are a fine bunch of coconuts!

Joel,

I use one of those bean/rice bag ‘thingy’s’ that you heat up in the microwave and put around my neck or shoulders. I found that since the onset of GBS I cannot have my bath or shower too hot because it feels as if I am going to pass out. Before that, I would take loong v.hot baths and feel fine. Same happens in a hot tub of sauna.

Joel,
I found that warm water helps, but hot water is very painful. As others have said, it look like it varies with the individual.

True a warm bath seems to help me relax.. but I cannot feel the heat in my feet and legs below the knees so have to be careful to test the water with another part before going in. (i wqas drainind spagehti and it was HOT spilled some on floor and burned my feet and did not feel it at all):eek:

Our 2 year old had to stop water therapy, he was so weak after each 1 hour session. I guess it depends on the person. We also don’t let him soak in a tub, we put him in with us, give him a quick bath and get him out quick. He has cidp.
Lori