MS and hottub

[MizBarbie]

In the first 12 years or so after first onset of symptoms, I could handle hottubs, hot showers, hot baths as long as they weren't really hot. It was very relaxing and nice for sore muscles.

I'm 22 years post-onset now, and excessive heat renders me al dente.

It depends on the individual. As with all things MS.

Thanks. I think we have a good summary:

You might be able to still enjoy a hot tub - not all people are heat sensitive.

However, if you are going to try it, you must be very careful and never do it alone and make sure there is someone who can pull you out (good in any case, there are people who don't have MS who die in hot tubs).

[lemstar]

I am very heat tolerant, so I was quite surprised when I took a nice hot bath, and got very numb and strange feeling. I still take baths now, but keep them relatively cool. Someone said they go into the hot tub, but they keep it at 80 or 85 degrees. That is so not hot!

Interesting and noteworthy though: I asked my MS doc about this, and he said that altho my sx increased, it's not that the heat does any damage. It just makes sx worse, and tends to be alleviated by alleviating the condition that caused it....

[ewizabeth]

I work full time and have no apparent disability but if I go in a hot tub my heat intolerance and fatigue will take me down fast. If you do not have heat sensitivity you might be ok but I would proceed with caution and be very aware of how you feel if you try it.

[4boysmom]

I agree with all that has been said! My funny situation is if the weather temp gets much over 80, I start feeling like crap!

But I go in my hot tub every night, sometimes the morning, sometimes at noon, but only for about 10-15 minutes, at about 105. I like it a bit hotter than most. But have never ever stayed in it for great lengths. Have too much other stuff to do!

Weather heat- yuck! Moist heat - Great!

[bops_mama]

i LOVE hot showers.....I would be sad if i couldnt go in a hot tub. yet again the only one i have gone in since DX was a "family hot tub" at the local pool.....its just like taking a warm bath though......

I never even realized that hot tubs could negatively affect MS.... :'(

I would say TRY it but make sure its only for a short amount of time so you can see how your body tolerates it

[wkikta]

The Hot Tub is great after Swimming, but only for a couple of minutes to warm up. 80-85 is not a Hot Tub, it is a Cool Tub.