Nelson wrote in message
.com...
On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 15:33:26 -0400, Fred McKenzie wrote
(in article ):
In article , Nelson
wrote:
I appreciate all those who have given constructive suggestions. For
the record, my wife has Multiple Sclerosis one symptom of which is poor
blood circulation. She is always "cold" even in the summer. More
blankets, which only keep body heat in, don't help. What is needed is
a heat source other than her body. Hence the electric blanket. She
still complains it isn't warm enough and I have no idea how to test if
it is working properly merely from a heating perspective. It feels
warm but not hot. I assume, without taking the thing apart, that there
are a bunch of resistive elements wired in parallel. Thus some could
be open and the blanket still heat.
Nelson-
Of even more concern than fire and shock, is that a temperature she
likes
may actually be too hot and cause harm.
You should ask a doctor about this. We "do gooders" may be giving you
advice that would roast your wife!
The hot water bottle(s) sounds like a good idea. If she were
sufficiently
comfortable to fall asleep, would she remain asleep after it cooled?
Fred
I assume by "cause harm" you are referring to possible burns. I don't
know about that but you reminded me of an interesting point which I
hadn't considered and that is that MS patients are frequently
negatively affected by heat... they get noticibly weaker (Uhthoff's
Phenomenon).
I think I am going to try the "Space Blanket"/Hot Water Bottle
combination. I appreciate all the helpful suggestions and the group's
patience with this "Off Topic" subject.
--
Nelson
If anyone needs convincing about space blanket effectiveness, borrow one or
buy a cheap thin emergency one and try this. Cover your hand with a pillow
case or T shirt or something to avoid direct skin contact (then has opposite
effect of conducting heat out) and place inside a folded section of the
blanket - a few seconds and your hand will begin feeling warmer.
Such an effect and a blanket top and bottom would probably be too effective
--
Diverse Devices, Southampton, England
electronic hints and repair briefs , schematics/manuals list on
http://home.graffiti.net/diverse:graffiti.net/