As the seasons change and the cold weather starts to blow in, my body changes quite a bit. I wonder how other people’s bodies react? So, I want to explain how my body reacts to the weather changes due to my spinal cord injury. I have a complete C3 injury, which basically means I only have three segments of the spinal cord where sensory and motor functions are unaffected.
My Spinal Cord Injury and Staying Warm
I like the heat. I tried to stay in it as much as possible, especially by sitting in the sun. I’ve always loved the warmth, as the temperature gauge for my body no longer works correctly. So, I get very cold, very fast. I’m sure a lot of you guys have this kind of feeling or sensation too. When fall arrives, so do other things, like your allergies may worsen, lots of body aches. If you have a spinal cord injury, then you can always feel the metal inside you starting to kind of move a little bit as the weather changes. It might be a phantasm feeling but I feel it every season. Also, as the weather gets colder, I don’t get to experience all the fun times like going to the park and random places. I can no longer be outside and enjoy the patio. That’s always hard for me so it’s a great feeling with spring hits and you know you can go back outside again.
Because my body cannot regulate temperature, this is why you always see me wearing a hoodie during the fall and winter months, whether I’m inside or out. The hoodie keeps me warm. And I remain like this for months on end. It does get old sometimes because you don’ want to wear hoodies anymore and you want to wear a T-shirt like a normal human being.
Staying Busy in the Winter
Although I spend most of my time indoors during the fall and winter, I find myself having more ideas on what I can paint and draw. This humbles me inside and gives me the opportunity to think about different perspectives. So, while it is hard to be stuck inside, it does give me the time to draw up new ideas I have, so there’s a positive that comes out of something negative. I’m all about finding the silver lining. Plus, colder weather also means that the holidays are coming. We get to experience Thanksgiving and Christmas. Got to love the food and positive vibes. I wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving.
About Jesse Cuellar: Jesse is an artist and a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. An accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, so he uses his mouth to paint and expresses himself through his art. Jesse lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and enjoys painting and hanging out with his friends. Click here to learn more about Jesse.