Steel or Titanium... Cold??

[skoshi314]

This past winter was my first experience with cold weather since my fusion. It's very likely the hardware itself wasn't getting cold. I was having issues maintaining my normal body temp anyway, going from burning hot to freezing instantly, so it was probably that. When you add the shivering factor making my back hurt it's probably just the sensation the hardware is cold. Either way, I don't like shivering!

[loris]

I have 14 titanium screws and 2 rods. This last winter was my first experience with the hardware in the cold. It may have been my imagination but it seemed that I was cold allllll winter and once I would get cold it took forever to warm up. Shivering was rather painful so I did everything I could to not get extremely cold. Like I said, it could have been my imagination but that was my experience.

Good luck!

OMG I had not even thought about the hardware making you cold. I am having my surgery on November 11. Just before we start getting cold around here.

[mgs]

I live in Wisconsin. . .there are weeks in the winter where the "high" is a little above zero. I thought I was cold before. . .I guess I'm going to find out what "cold" REALLY means!!

[loves to skate]

If you go to the Caribbean or Hawaii you have to take all of us along!

Mary Lou

Lets go, we'll have a big party! Sally

[loves to skate]

Sally,

that's why I love my remote car starter and seat warmers!! Even before surgery, I always said if my butt is warm, all of me is warm.

If I can't go to the Caribbean or Hawaii, I want one of those remote car starters. We have the seat warmers which are great if the seat is warmed up first. Sally

[emwonderfull]

The rods are right under the skin between the skin and bone. It does get colder than your core body temp, just like your fingers and toes. I did have trouble during the winter, but this summer I have had a really weird sensation. Where I work they keep it really cold, I keep a blanket for really cold days. The outside temp has been over 100 the last week or so; when I first walk out side it takes a minute or so for the metal to adjust so it is like a brief thawing. Not painful, just a kindof creepy feeling.

[LindaRacine]

The rods are right under the skin between the skin and bone. It does get colder than your core body temp, just like your fingers and toes. I did have trouble during the winter, but this summer I have had a really weird sensation. Where I work they keep it really cold, I keep a blanket for really cold days. The outside temp has been over 100 the last week or so; when I first walk out side it takes a minute or so for the metal to adjust so it is like a brief thawing. Not painful, just a kindof creepy feeling.

Actually, there are layers of muscle and fat.

I have stainless steel rods, and as far as I can tell, they've never gotten cold.

[Susie*Bee]

I have steel too... and perhaps it is just my imagination, but it does seem like I get a little colder than I did before... it's more of a tightness/discomfort feeling when it's really cold, through my back. Linda-- are you basing your opinion on bay area temps? Here in Indiana I have recess duty every school day and during the winter, unless the temps are below 15º, we go out... even bundled up pretty well most of us adults wouldn't opt for 30 minutes outside. I feel it the most through my back/spine area and it takes a good hour or so to "thaw" after coming back inside. It's not terrible-- just a little uncomfortable.

[debbei]

I have steel too... and perhaps it is just my imagination, but it does seem like I get a little colder than I did before... it's more of a tightness/discomfort feeling when it's really cold, through my back. Linda-- are you basing your opinion on bay area temps? Here in Indiana I have recess duty every school day and during the winter, unless the temps are below 15º, we go out... even bundled up pretty well most of us adults wouldn't opt for 30 minutes outside. I feel it the most through my back/spine area and it takes a good hour or so to "thaw" after coming back inside. It's not terrible-- just a little uncomfortable.

Wow Susie, I really feel for you. No way would I want to stand outside for 30 minutes at 16 degrees, even prior to surgery, YIKES! What a difference between our schools. Here, my daughter's school doesn't go out if it's less that 28 degrees.

[Susie*Bee]

28º sounds nice and balmy... ha ha. Or at least nicer... I think most of the schools around here do similar-- something about letting the kids get out in the fresh air, etc. Our recess temp is decided by the principal and having worked under 4 different ones, it has been either 15º or 20º as the cut off. Windchill is taken into account, thankfully.

[thinkinmom]

How did he determine the plate froze?

Isn't the real explanation likely to be his brain incorrectly interpreting the feelings in his leg as cold sensation? Brain science is in its infancy but we do know these types of things occur.

It is not possible for the plate to be other than body temperature. If anyone has any evidence showing this is not true then I'd like to see it.

Pooka1... Whether the cold sensation is physical or psychological, it is REAL. It is unfair of you to judge another person's experience.

There ARE many studies about amputee's having "phantom pain." And while their nerves are no longer there, the pain is still perceived as real.

If you have not walked in those shoes, please don't speak in a condescending way to those who have.

[asccbodypro]

I have titanium and have gone in the pool a few times this summer. The pool is not as warm as past summers and it's hard for me to stay in long and it does take a while for me to warm up. It will be interesting to see how the winter goes. My boys place hockey.....lots of hockey. So most of my spare time is spent in an ice cold rink! Maybe I wll try those heat wraps and see if that helps. But I alwyas bundle up well and bring blankets! Keep you posted:O)

[rainbow2010]

Steel rods cause distortion on MRIs. Titanium does not. Go with titanium!!

[Doodles]

I have steel and I'm freezing! I always wear a fleece or hooded sweatshirt. My husband was gone a couple days and I basked in 80 degrees with no air and felt wonderful. He thinks I'm crazy! Janet

[Pooka1]

Pooka1... Whether the cold sensation is physical or psychological, it is REAL.

???

I never said nor implied it wasn't real.

I was pointing out the much more likely explanation given what is known about brain science and what is known about material science and physiology. I acknowledged he perceived a cold sensation.

It's all brain science. The rest is commentary.