At one point I was told that an experience of an extreme extended cold or hot situation may have been what eniateted the disorder. I live in Canada and when I was 8 I was put in a very difficult situation. From then on I have struggled with any amount of cold or hot for any length of time.

Hello @pcfromfm, Welcome on the Mayo Connect. Its always good to hear someone has found the Mayo Connect helpful and informative. That's something we all like to hear because helping each other is what it's all about.

I have been to northwestern Canada, Vancouver area and Victoria Island. It's very beautiful there. Which part are you from?
I believe you mentioned that you had Mesenteric Panniculitis for quite a while. How are you doing with it currently?

@vdouglas

Interesting...I will get reactions from heat too.For the longest time I thought oh this is just winter skin.but it happens in the summer too. I can feel the pain from deep under my skin,then I welt.It is pretty miserable.

Hi @popy73 -I have had so many strange skin reactions. I went for years not being able to have even shower water hit my skin without welts. But as I age hot and cold generally bothers my skin and my whole being -feeling ill inside and out. Keep moving, keep smiling!

Morning @vdouglas -we are blessed-Canada being a beautiful country! I live far north in Alberta on a river that flows north. Diagnosed about 2003 at a University hospital (happened to get very ill in a southern city where my daughter is a nurse) with a CT. But think I've had these symptoms since I was about 8. I "manage" most of the time -strongly watching diet, getting much rest, as little negative stress as possible-quite well. But the pain only hides behind a thin smile. Retirement has helped! I live in a community where there is no informed doctor, no other diagnosed person that I know of and only emergency services to resort to when symptoms bloom. It's an oil city where people including Doctors come and go so medical help is inconsistent. I have no specialist to rely on. Many Doctors scoff at my mention of such a "made up" diagnoses! (Keep moving, keep smiling!"

Hello @pcfromfm, Morning to you as well. I was expecting you to respond to my comment about Vancouver being northwest Canada. It is northwest from Las Vegas where I live. You live on a river that flows north, I don't believe I have seen a river that flows north, that sounds rare. It's good to hear that you are managing even if it is behind a thin smile. At least it is a smile and others need to hear that. Your story is that of a survivor and how you are able to deal with this illness all while living in the Canadian wilderness.

You say that you strongly watch your diet. Anything that sets things on fire?

Best wishes for your continued smile,
@vdouglas

@pcfromfm
love that photo!! How's the fishing?

Trial, elimination and error have proven successful over a long period! No corn or onions in any form, (which means no processed foods) nothing spicy, no seafood or fish, mustard, pumpkin or milk. No additives or preservatives or chemical flavourings/sweeteners. Other foods periodically bother me but those are the big ones. Pretty basic eating. I don't eat out often!! But I still manage to upset this system daily! Life in moderation is the rule! I eat gravol a great deal-never leave home without it! Lol
Fishing is great, hunting as well! Summer is short. This year we have Fall-some years there's a day between summer and winter! All good-LOVE living here!! And you @vdouglas what about what diet works for you?

Eating small portions as it seems to take much longer for my food to digest and could cause an uncomfortable evening of bloating and intestinal distress the following day. I try to stay away from spicy as well and no onions especially raw. Raw onions will cause distress almost for certain. Although I am asymptomatic I can have pain and other issues just like anyone else. It's just not going to send me to the doctor or ER. Eating food that keeps me regular is most important.
I also agree with your earlier comment regarding reducing stress. I find stress causes me to tighten up especially in the belly. This causes a change in breathing and digestion. I usually feel the best in the mornings when I'm more relaxed then have more difficulty in the evenings when I'm tired and stressed. Fishing is great for reducing stress. I love to fish a creek
I have never tried Gravol which is Dramamine in the US? Do you use it for nausea/upset stomach?
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Morning @vdouglas! Gravol is Dimenhydrinate in 100mg tablets. I need to take it with just a hint of not feeling well-just over the counter here in Canada. Also use migraine meds Montelukast and Sumatriptan because headaches turn into full blown problems very quickly. I agree with you-best in the am and as the day moves on I slow down. I was a Teacher working with the most difficult and -even though I loved it all-it was extremely taxing. I have much less stress now retired! But like most teachers I still fill my day quickly with volunteer work and fun stuff! I try to juggle the balance between challenges and quietness! I try not to extend commitments into evenings. Keep enjoying your fishing!! That pic is from my front deck-I use Nsture as a crutch most days!☺️Travelling when it's very cold helps still. (And it can be -50 here in Dec/Jan!) Do others in your family have auto immune issues?