For years, I have had hot flashes. They started when I was 29 - a massive ovarian cyst played havoc with my thermostat. At that time, they were only occasional - but the desire to hang out in an industrial size walk-in freezer always accompanied them. Then, 8 1/2 years ago, I had a total hysterectomy, and plunged head first into full menopause. Hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats - I had them all. My husband used to say that anything that lasted as long as what I was going through should not be called a hot FLASH...and I quit even asking, "Is it hot in here, or is it just me?" It was ALWAYS just me...
Imagine my surprise, then, when all of I sudden I'm freezing. Not just a little cool - I have been chilled all the way to the bone. Some days my hands were so cold that they ached, and typing on my computer at work was agony. It has been 90+ degrees outside for most of the summer, with humidity at 95% and a heat index well over a 100 degrees. And I have been huddled at my desk with my fleece-lined jacket wrapped tightly around me. I've started sleeping in flannel pj's and socks, because I'm so cold when I go to bed. I take a jacket with me EVERYWHERE, because I just never know when the cold is going to hit.
On the weight loss surgery website I frequently use as a resource - I published a forum asking if anyone else out there was cold. The responses were overwhelming. One lady said if she had known about the bone-chilling cold, she might not have opted for the surgery. I felt better knowing that it was not just me - but if you see me snuggled in my jacket - I'm not sick. Just losing the insulation I have had for years and years. Of the two choices (hot or cold - there doesn't seem to be any middle ground for me - lol!) I think I would rather be cold. You can always add layers and eventually warm up. When you're hot, there are times you could strip down to nothing (as tempting as it might have been, I promise I never did that, at least in public!) and still be hot.
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