Playing outside in the cold.

Liza · Jan 30, 2009

Ditto what Kevin said!

As long as he's not currently sick. You have to let him be a kid. Any normal mom would let them play and then have them come in after a while to warm up get on some dry things and then go out again. So the part about having him come in for some hot chocolate, maybe some marshmallows in the fireplace (if you have one) is all part of being a "normal" kid.

Get him some gloves that won't soak up easily so he can throw some snowballs or build a snowman. Instruct him that if his gloves start feeling wet he needs to come change them. If his fingers start to feel cold,he needs to come in and have you check that they aren't wet. Same for his feet. With all the running around, I doubt he'll actually be/get cold.

Lastly, get out there with him and have yourselves a good ole fashioned snowball fight! Enjoy the snow.

Liza · Jan 30, 2009

Ditto what Kevin said!

As long as he's not currently sick. You have to let him be a kid. Any normal mom would let them play and then have them come in after a while to warm up get on some dry things and then go out again. So the part about having him come in for some hot chocolate, maybe some marshmallows in the fireplace (if you have one) is all part of being a "normal" kid.

Get him some gloves that won't soak up easily so he can throw some snowballs or build a snowman. Instruct him that if his gloves start feeling wet he needs to come change them. If his fingers start to feel cold,he needs to come in and have you check that they aren't wet. Same for his feet. With all the running around, I doubt he'll actually be/get cold.

Lastly, get out there with him and have yourselves a good ole fashioned snowball fight! Enjoy the snow.

Liza · Jan 30, 2009

Ditto what Kevin said!

As long as he's not currently sick. You have to let him be a kid. Any normal mom would let them play and then have them come in after a while to warm up get on some dry things and then go out again. So the part about having him come in for some hot chocolate, maybe some marshmallows in the fireplace (if you have one) is all part of being a "normal" kid.

Get him some gloves that won't soak up easily so he can throw some snowballs or build a snowman. Instruct him that if his gloves start feeling wet he needs to come change them. If his fingers start to feel cold,he needs to come in and have you check that they aren't wet. Same for his feet. With all the running around, I doubt he'll actually be/get cold.

Lastly, get out there with him and have yourselves a good ole fashioned snowball fight! Enjoy the snow.

Liza · Jan 30, 2009

Ditto what Kevin said!

As long as he's not currently sick. You have to let him be a kid. Any normal mom would let them play and then have them come in after a while to warm up get on some dry things and then go out again. So the part about having him come in for some hot chocolate, maybe some marshmallows in the fireplace (if you have one) is all part of being a "normal" kid.

Get him some gloves that won't soak up easily so he can throw some snowballs or build a snowman. Instruct him that if his gloves start feeling wet he needs to come change them. If his fingers start to feel cold,he needs to come in and have you check that they aren't wet. Same for his feet. With all the running around, I doubt he'll actually be/get cold.

Lastly, get out there with him and have yourselves a good ole fashioned snowball fight! Enjoy the snow.

Liza · Jan 30, 2009

Ditto what Kevin said!
 
 As long as he's not currently sick. You have to let him be a kid. Any normal mom would let them play and then have them come in after a while to warm up get on some dry things and then go out again. So the part about having him come in for some hot chocolate, maybe some marshmallows in the fireplace (if you have one) is all part of being a "normal" kid.
 
 Get him some gloves that won't soak up easily so he can throw some snowballs or build a snowman. Instruct him that if his gloves start feeling wet he needs to come change them. If his fingers start to feel cold,he needs to come in and have you check that they aren't wet. Same for his feet. With all the running around, I doubt he'll actually be/get cold.
 
 Lastly, get out there with him and have yourselves a good ole fashioned snowball fight! Enjoy the snow.

Nightwriter · Jan 30, 2009

Hi Paula,

Oh, I know you know what I am going to say. And I know that by asking this question, your insticts and common sense are telling you one thing and your hope for Austin to have fun is telling you another.

CF certainly has it's severity differences: from not noticeable (I had NO symptoms before age 21) to babies that are horribly sick within the first year. Because it is progressive, someone like me went from mild to severe once the lung issue manifested itself. I was able to reverse some of the loss of lung function, stop exacerbations, constant and sometimes severe hymoptysis, and drug resistance once I realized that it was the things that I was doing were in the TOTAL picture cumulative. And all the actual lung damage itself cannot be reversed. But I am careful because I do not want to sustain any more damage and I haven't in the past 12 years. So I know it is possible to slow CF's progression.

I have been in your position telling my doctor that I was sure that something didn't bother me. But if Austin has CF, gets exacerbations, and/or declining lung function, then there are things that DO affect him like they affect everyone. Cold weather, and I can't even imagie being out in 19 degree, close the airways at least enough to trap mucus with it's CF bacteria. And that will cause exacerbations, maybe not tomorrow, but it will cause inflammation. Inflammation makes the asthma component worse, causes scarring in the lungs, and can lead to all kinds of lung issues including things like bleeding. I also developed bronchiectasis which is no picnic.

So I see it as a tradeoff. Sure, he can go out and have fun and be "normal". But at what price? More exacerbations and permanent damage? Then he will really be different when he is sick all the time.

I don't have to tell you his lungs are not "normal." But I also know how great it is to play in the snow. If it were me, I would get one of the hats that have the face masks in it. Or there are black masks, that motorcyclists were for face protection (hey, those guys are cool right?)

It isn't how long he is outside, it is that he is breathing in frigid air. I wish he and all of us didn't have this stupid disease that robs us of all the simple pleasures or have to pay the price which to me is just not worth it. And worse in the end.

Nightwriter · Jan 30, 2009

Hi Paula,

Oh, I know you know what I am going to say. And I know that by asking this question, your insticts and common sense are telling you one thing and your hope for Austin to have fun is telling you another.

CF certainly has it's severity differences: from not noticeable (I had NO symptoms before age 21) to babies that are horribly sick within the first year. Because it is progressive, someone like me went from mild to severe once the lung issue manifested itself. I was able to reverse some of the loss of lung function, stop exacerbations, constant and sometimes severe hymoptysis, and drug resistance once I realized that it was the things that I was doing were in the TOTAL picture cumulative. And all the actual lung damage itself cannot be reversed. But I am careful because I do not want to sustain any more damage and I haven't in the past 12 years. So I know it is possible to slow CF's progression.

I have been in your position telling my doctor that I was sure that something didn't bother me. But if Austin has CF, gets exacerbations, and/or declining lung function, then there are things that DO affect him like they affect everyone. Cold weather, and I can't even imagie being out in 19 degree, close the airways at least enough to trap mucus with it's CF bacteria. And that will cause exacerbations, maybe not tomorrow, but it will cause inflammation. Inflammation makes the asthma component worse, causes scarring in the lungs, and can lead to all kinds of lung issues including things like bleeding. I also developed bronchiectasis which is no picnic.

So I see it as a tradeoff. Sure, he can go out and have fun and be "normal". But at what price? More exacerbations and permanent damage? Then he will really be different when he is sick all the time.

I don't have to tell you his lungs are not "normal." But I also know how great it is to play in the snow. If it were me, I would get one of the hats that have the face masks in it. Or there are black masks, that motorcyclists were for face protection (hey, those guys are cool right?)

It isn't how long he is outside, it is that he is breathing in frigid air. I wish he and all of us didn't have this stupid disease that robs us of all the simple pleasures or have to pay the price which to me is just not worth it. And worse in the end.

Nightwriter · Jan 30, 2009

Hi Paula,

Oh, I know you know what I am going to say. And I know that by asking this question, your insticts and common sense are telling you one thing and your hope for Austin to have fun is telling you another.

CF certainly has it's severity differences: from not noticeable (I had NO symptoms before age 21) to babies that are horribly sick within the first year. Because it is progressive, someone like me went from mild to severe once the lung issue manifested itself. I was able to reverse some of the loss of lung function, stop exacerbations, constant and sometimes severe hymoptysis, and drug resistance once I realized that it was the things that I was doing were in the TOTAL picture cumulative. And all the actual lung damage itself cannot be reversed. But I am careful because I do not want to sustain any more damage and I haven't in the past 12 years. So I know it is possible to slow CF's progression.

I have been in your position telling my doctor that I was sure that something didn't bother me. But if Austin has CF, gets exacerbations, and/or declining lung function, then there are things that DO affect him like they affect everyone. Cold weather, and I can't even imagie being out in 19 degree, close the airways at least enough to trap mucus with it's CF bacteria. And that will cause exacerbations, maybe not tomorrow, but it will cause inflammation. Inflammation makes the asthma component worse, causes scarring in the lungs, and can lead to all kinds of lung issues including things like bleeding. I also developed bronchiectasis which is no picnic.

So I see it as a tradeoff. Sure, he can go out and have fun and be "normal". But at what price? More exacerbations and permanent damage? Then he will really be different when he is sick all the time.

I don't have to tell you his lungs are not "normal." But I also know how great it is to play in the snow. If it were me, I would get one of the hats that have the face masks in it. Or there are black masks, that motorcyclists were for face protection (hey, those guys are cool right?)

It isn't how long he is outside, it is that he is breathing in frigid air. I wish he and all of us didn't have this stupid disease that robs us of all the simple pleasures or have to pay the price which to me is just not worth it. And worse in the end.

Nightwriter · Jan 30, 2009

Hi Paula,

Oh, I know you know what I am going to say. And I know that by asking this question, your insticts and common sense are telling you one thing and your hope for Austin to have fun is telling you another.

CF certainly has it's severity differences: from not noticeable (I had NO symptoms before age 21) to babies that are horribly sick within the first year. Because it is progressive, someone like me went from mild to severe once the lung issue manifested itself. I was able to reverse some of the loss of lung function, stop exacerbations, constant and sometimes severe hymoptysis, and drug resistance once I realized that it was the things that I was doing were in the TOTAL picture cumulative. And all the actual lung damage itself cannot be reversed. But I am careful because I do not want to sustain any more damage and I haven't in the past 12 years. So I know it is possible to slow CF's progression.

I have been in your position telling my doctor that I was sure that something didn't bother me. But if Austin has CF, gets exacerbations, and/or declining lung function, then there are things that DO affect him like they affect everyone. Cold weather, and I can't even imagie being out in 19 degree, close the airways at least enough to trap mucus with it's CF bacteria. And that will cause exacerbations, maybe not tomorrow, but it will cause inflammation. Inflammation makes the asthma component worse, causes scarring in the lungs, and can lead to all kinds of lung issues including things like bleeding. I also developed bronchiectasis which is no picnic.

So I see it as a tradeoff. Sure, he can go out and have fun and be "normal". But at what price? More exacerbations and permanent damage? Then he will really be different when he is sick all the time.

I don't have to tell you his lungs are not "normal." But I also know how great it is to play in the snow. If it were me, I would get one of the hats that have the face masks in it. Or there are black masks, that motorcyclists were for face protection (hey, those guys are cool right?)

It isn't how long he is outside, it is that he is breathing in frigid air. I wish he and all of us didn't have this stupid disease that robs us of all the simple pleasures or have to pay the price which to me is just not worth it. And worse in the end.

Nightwriter · Jan 30, 2009

Hi Paula,
 
 Oh, I know you know what I am going to say. And I know that by asking this question, your insticts and common sense are telling you one thing and your hope for Austin to have fun is telling you another.
 
 CF certainly has it's severity differences: from not noticeable (I had NO symptoms before age 21) to babies that are horribly sick within the first year. Because it is progressive, someone like me went from mild to severe once the lung issue manifested itself. I was able to reverse some of the loss of lung function, stop exacerbations, constant and sometimes severe hymoptysis, and drug resistance once I realized that it was the things that I was doing were in the TOTAL picture cumulative. And all the actual lung damage itself cannot be reversed. But I am careful because I do not want to sustain any more damage and I haven't in the past 12 years. So I know it is possible to slow CF's progression.
 
 I have been in your position telling my doctor that I was sure that something didn't bother me. But if Austin has CF, gets exacerbations, and/or declining lung function, then there are things that DO affect him like they affect everyone. Cold weather, and I can't even imagie being out in 19 degree, close the airways at least enough to trap mucus with it's CF bacteria. And that will cause exacerbations, maybe not tomorrow, but it will cause inflammation. Inflammation makes the asthma component worse, causes scarring in the lungs, and can lead to all kinds of lung issues including things like bleeding. I also developed bronchiectasis which is no picnic.
 
 So I see it as a tradeoff. Sure, he can go out and have fun and be "normal". But at what price? More exacerbations and permanent damage? Then he will really be different when he is sick all the time.
 
 I don't have to tell you his lungs are not "normal." But I also know how great it is to play in the snow. If it were me, I would get one of the hats that have the face masks in it. Or there are black masks, that motorcyclists were for face protection (hey, those guys are cool right?)
 
 It isn't how long he is outside, it is that he is breathing in frigid air. I wish he and all of us didn't have this stupid disease that robs us of all the simple pleasures or have to pay the price which to me is just not worth it. And worse in the end.

pnhuffman · Jan 30, 2009

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I knew you would know what i am dealing with. He did frighten me a wee bit. I went to check on him after 10 mins and he was gone. I called my neighbor and he had gone to her house to play with her boys. They are inside playing. School has been cancelled all week and he needed some social time I guess.

I do bring him in and change the hat and gloves and he always wants hot cocoa when he comes in. He is so funny at times.

Again thank you to everyone for your responses.

pnhuffman · Jan 30, 2009

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I knew you would know what i am dealing with. He did frighten me a wee bit. I went to check on him after 10 mins and he was gone. I called my neighbor and he had gone to her house to play with her boys. They are inside playing. School has been cancelled all week and he needed some social time I guess.

I do bring him in and change the hat and gloves and he always wants hot cocoa when he comes in. He is so funny at times.

Again thank you to everyone for your responses.

pnhuffman · Jan 30, 2009

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I knew you would know what i am dealing with. He did frighten me a wee bit. I went to check on him after 10 mins and he was gone. I called my neighbor and he had gone to her house to play with her boys. They are inside playing. School has been cancelled all week and he needed some social time I guess.

I do bring him in and change the hat and gloves and he always wants hot cocoa when he comes in. He is so funny at times.

Again thank you to everyone for your responses.

pnhuffman · Jan 30, 2009

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I knew you would know what i am dealing with. He did frighten me a wee bit. I went to check on him after 10 mins and he was gone. I called my neighbor and he had gone to her house to play with her boys. They are inside playing. School has been cancelled all week and he needed some social time I guess.

I do bring him in and change the hat and gloves and he always wants hot cocoa when he comes in. He is so funny at times.

Again thank you to everyone for your responses.

pnhuffman · Jan 30, 2009

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I knew you would know what i am dealing with. He did frighten me a wee bit. I went to check on him after 10 mins and he was gone. I called my neighbor and he had gone to her house to play with her boys. They are inside playing. School has been cancelled all week and he needed some social time I guess.
 
 I do bring him in and change the hat and gloves and he always wants hot cocoa when he comes in. He is so funny at times.
 
 Again thank you to everyone for your responses.

lmattaway · Jan 30, 2009

Paula,

Just a quick note on Nightwriter's comment about the cold air. I live in Chicago and winter this year has been frigid! I notice that if I wear my scarf up around my mouth and nose I end up breathing in warm air, not the cold air that tightens up our lungs. So maybe making sure he's using a scarf would help things. Just a thought! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

lmattaway · Jan 30, 2009

Paula,

Just a quick note on Nightwriter's comment about the cold air. I live in Chicago and winter this year has been frigid! I notice that if I wear my scarf up around my mouth and nose I end up breathing in warm air, not the cold air that tightens up our lungs. So maybe making sure he's using a scarf would help things. Just a thought! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

lmattaway · Jan 30, 2009

Paula,

Just a quick note on Nightwriter's comment about the cold air. I live in Chicago and winter this year has been frigid! I notice that if I wear my scarf up around my mouth and nose I end up breathing in warm air, not the cold air that tightens up our lungs. So maybe making sure he's using a scarf would help things. Just a thought! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

lmattaway · Jan 30, 2009

Paula,

Just a quick note on Nightwriter's comment about the cold air. I live in Chicago and winter this year has been frigid! I notice that if I wear my scarf up around my mouth and nose I end up breathing in warm air, not the cold air that tightens up our lungs. So maybe making sure he's using a scarf would help things. Just a thought! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

lmattaway · Jan 30, 2009

Paula,
 
 Just a quick note on Nightwriter's comment about the cold air. I live in Chicago and winter this year has been frigid! I notice that if I wear my scarf up around my mouth and nose I end up breathing in warm air, not the cold air that tightens up our lungs. So maybe making sure he's using a scarf would help things. Just a thought! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Playing outside in the cold.

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