Hot Tubs

[bzbee007]

I was wondering, do any of you have a hot tub or access to one and do you find it helps your symptoms? I have been extremely lucky in that the last two houses I have owned came with one (we weren't actively searching, each time the tub was a bonus!). The current one I have is outdoors (sort of a drawback in some ways) but is pretty top of the line with the massage gears and stuff. I am wondering if I should be using it more often. I have been hesitant to do so because of my recent pericarditis....concern about stressing the heart.....but at the same time I don't keep my hot tub much over 100 degrees F.

[lazylegs]

Hot tubs are out for me. Even as little as 3 minutes in one and I am as limp as a rag. We each react differently though.

Take care,
Lazylegs

[KarolH]

Hot tubs are out for me. Even as little as 3 minutes in one and I am as limp as a rag. We each react differently though.

Wow, this is what happens to folks with MS. Interesting!!!

For me I love hot tubs and yes they work wonders. I use my friends from time to time. One day I will have my own for sure.

[Pink Pearl]

I don't have one here, but have used them at swim clubs and at a private camp that we belong to. I always feel so much better after using it. Perhaps the combo of health issues we face that determines the modalities which work best for each of us.
Sally

[Shellbelle29]

I cannot sit in a hot tub, they make me feel so ill. It just saps all my energy that I can barely drag my body out of the hot tub. My muscles go all weak and heavy, I get very dizzy and nauseas. So its definitely a no-no for me.

[Ocean1]

Hot tubs are also a big NO for me too sadly
Drain all my energy, making me feel weak and muscles go all limp, In fact even a hot bath or anytime i get to hot i feel awful!

Enjoy your hot tub though, i imagine its really good for easing painful joints

x x x x

[adsimcik]

As we all know, lupus effects every person differently, which is why you're getting both yes and no answers. For me personally, I love my whirlpool, but I also know that I have to be careful not to get the water too hot. Part of my lupus is chronic inflammation (the lowest my sed rate has been in the last two years was 35), and heat always increases inflammation. I suspect that this chronic, low-grade inflammation (that is below the rheumatologist's radar, as far as he's concerned) is the cause of my nausea, vertigo, fatigue, etc., which is why I actually feel better in the colder parts of the year, and why summer in Texas is pure **** for me. I would recommend that you try the hot tub out some evening, and see how you feel afterward. If you get out and feel faint or dizzy or just plain nasty, it's probably not for you.

[Lily]

Hmmm not sure if hot tub is the same as what we call spa here? Anyway mine is great as long as the water is not too hot, otherwise I almost pass out! Good for relaxing tired sore muscles and joints.

love
Lily

[Tom]

I'm not comfortable in a "Hot" tub either.

I keep my spa about 92f so I can enjoy it. It's more like a "Warm" tub and it's very soothing for me this way. The jets and air bubbles do the massaging and I'm not sweating the whole time I'm in there. I'm thinking that the hot temps aggravate or create inflammatory conditions in my body where the warm temps don't. Heat does stress the heart so be careful. If you start to feel really tired or weak, it's time to get out!

[EllieMae]

This is an interesting thread...
I have (and use) a Hot Tub on a regular basis.
The warmer the better. Seems to relax me and makes my muscles & joints stop "screaming".
I find that it makes me feel MUCH better, at the time.

But after reading this thread, I wonder if it is actually making me have MORE inflamation (after the fact).
Something to watch I guess.