Re: Hypothermia

Thanks to all who have had suggestions on the hypothermia issue. Thought
I'd better offer up a little more explanation. While it is still not clear
if you can get it quicker the second time. (Some believe no, but no one
seems to know for sure) Many factors have been brought up that "feed" into
your suseptibility.

Exhaustion, and food/hydration being the biggest factors.

Both times, I went through more than 3 hours of uncontrollable
shivering, along with much weakness, and dehydration. The muscle aches and
head pain were after effects with this second time, so flu bug could've
jointly been a possibility this time.

I had heard that exhaustion can help lead into hypothermia. I was overly
tired, hadn't slept well the two nights previous to the second attack.
Both times I spent more than 3 hours under 7 blankets and a sheet, fully
clothed and shivering. Miserable night.

Pastey white skin, cool to the touch. Lips almost the color of my face.
Still fighting lingering head pain which is what leads me to think it's a
virus this time, or possible combination of both.

I lost energy quickly and didn't have the strength to eat until
the next afternoon.

Bob Amick wrote to the list:

> hypothermia (in mild cases described in the post) typically does not
> predispose the person to greater susceptibility in the future.

Have not seen anything written to this effect by a medical person. I have
seen things such as exhaustion, and not eating enough of certain foods
like carbs can make you more suseptible to getting hypothermia.

> There are many factors which contribute to chilling, some of which
> include dehydration, inadequate nutrition, and the rate of heat loss
> occurring. From the description given in the post, the "cold" meeting
> room would not have had a "wind chill" factor, but merely cold, still air.

Bob, I believe it is still possible to get hypothermia from cold still air.
From what I understand it is not the true temperature that matters, but how
your body processes/maintains its own temperature. If your body is
weakened it can be affected by temperatures much higher than would effect
the next person.

> Effective preventive measures include refraining from wearing any
> clothing which contains cotton, including socks, underwear, shirts, etc.,
> due to the moisture retention and "chilling" effect of that fabric.

This being very true, I was not dressed expecting to spend time in chilling
temperatures while going to a scout meeting, I did have my hiking boots
on and a flannel shirt. (Gee, I probably would've really been in a bad
way had I been in my leader uniform.)

> Those who are interested in more in-depth knowledge about medical
> treatment protocols for frostbite and hypothermia may
> wish to see the State of Alaska protocols on hypothermia available at:
> http://www.sarbc.org/sarbc/hypo2.html.

Thanks, had already been there, and while it has great info it does not
address whether you can get it easier the second time.

> Prevention of hypothermia is well covered in a variety of Scouting
> Publications such as the BSA Field Book and other outdoor related
> organizations such as the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

I'm a GS. That's why I asked for help. Don't have access to those pubs.
Thanks again to all those who have shared their thoughts and knowledge.

For those that were concerned, while I battled the rock of headache all
day yesterday, I woke headache free this morning. I'm not sure what it
was, but I'm glad it is over! (I normally don't shake off viruses this
quick. Strange.)

YiS,

Lisa Varner << lvarner@freenet.columbus.oh.us >>
Haven't been there. Don't want to go. Don't need another t-shirt!

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