How I Try to Avoid a Cold Weather Pain Crisis

Winter has finally arrived here in the U.K. 

I really dislike the winter, in case you didn’t know. One of my biggest sickle cell disease crisis triggers is cold weather. Although sickle cell patients have different pain crisis triggers, almost all sickle cell patients are triggered by cold weather. When it gets cold, the process of thermoregulation kicks in, which results in blood vessels constricting to preserve body heat. But when blood vessels constrict in sickle cell patients, it makes it even harder for blood to flow properly through the body, which increases the chance of having a pain crisis. 

Consequently, it should come as no surprise to anyone that I spend most of my time in the winter trying to avoid a crisis where possible. I would liken it to an assault course, with the range of obstacles on the course representing a severe crisis and hospitalization, and me doing all I can to successfully get around them. 

Of course, every year is different, and as my body changes I have to adapt my approach accordingly. But there remain a few things that I do without fail each year to try and mitigate the risk of a crisis. 

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First, I try to limit going outside. Sounds drastic, I know, but it’s the truth. I’m extremely social in the summer months, but once winter hits I pretty much stay at home. I used to go outside in winter to do things such as go to work and go shopping, but my shielding experience from the COVID-19 pandemic has shown me I can live a relatively normal life, still accessing my essentials, without being forced to leave my house. And when I am at home, I utilize hot water bottles and electric blankets to help keep myself warm.

My friends know that, though I am not particularly open to going out during the winter months, I am happy to have them come around to visit me. The winter makes for a good time for people to adjust their social plans if they have a friend with sickle cell disease who they don’t want to feel left out.

I recently wrote about the issues I am having with my health that seem to be triggered by my menstrual cycle. These issues have given me even more incentive to limit my outdoor interactions.

On the rare occasions that I do go out, I make sure I am wrapped up warm. I am compelled to go into the office at least once a week at the moment. As such, I have invested in thermal clothing to make sure I keep warm when I go outside. I also drive to and from work, though this comes at a significantly higher cost for me. It is a bit irritating, but I would much rather spend the extra money to remain in a warm environment instead of having to wait in the cold for public transport. And whenever I go anywhere in my car, I always take a hot drink in a thermal travel mug.

I’d like to know what other people with sickle cell disease do during the cold weather to avoid a pain crisis. Please share in the comments below.

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