peanut Posted November 24, 2007 Hey friends, I am going to Chicago in a few weeks, I've never been and I know it's going to be cold. I will be 2 blocks from Lake Michigan, but I won't be outside long. I'm from Seattle so I know how to pack for the cold: long johns, hats, gloves, large cup of Starbucks... but I've always wondered which would be the best to bring? 1. Down 2. Wool 3. Leather 4. Fleece Maybe I'll just pack it all. As some of you know, I'm going to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago to see if I qualify for a stem cell transplant clinical trial. I'm sorta young and my form of sclero is quite progressive and my rheumatologist thinks aggressive forms treatment will help. I’ll tell ya planning all this has made for one crazy adventure and I can’t believe it’s coming up so fast; I’ll be sure to keep you posted. I do hope to visit Michigan Avenue. I hear it’s beautiful. warm hearts, peanut You can deprive the body but the soul needs chocolate my HMO makes me wear a helmet... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
janey Posted November 27, 2007 Peanut, I can't really help with what to wear in Chicago except for a single experience several years ago. I found out that it's called the windy city for a good reason. So along with bringing layers, take a wind breaker. Of course, if you're like me, you don't go outside much when it's cold and windy. I have always found the warmest combination to be polypropylene under garments under wool or fleece. It's all lightwieght but very warm. However, it doesn't protect from the wind, so another layer as a wind breaker. I really look forward to hearing about your experience at Northwestern. Which trial are you being tested for? Big Hugs, Janey Willis ISN Support Specialist (Retired) ISN Assistant Webmaster (Retired) ISN News Director (Retired) ISN Technical Writer for Training Manuals International Scleroderma Network (ISN) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peanut Posted November 27, 2007 Hey Janey, I think these are my two clinical trials: Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (NST) for Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Cyclophosphamide and rATG With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Support in Systemic Scleroderma peanut You can deprive the body but the soul needs chocolate my HMO makes me wear a helmet... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheryl Posted November 27, 2007 Tobagan Cap and Scarf are a must for covering ears and face in severe wind. It is very windy this time of year with the lake effects. If you have down it is quite warm and very wind resistant. Wool gets wet and heavy if it happens to be snowing or rainy. A fleece undergarment wouldn't hurt if you thought you might need it. I have fleece lined jeans I wear when its cold out. Good luck with the study process. Keep us up to date on whats happening while you are there. Sheryl Strength and Warmth, Sheryl Sheryl Doom ISN Support Specialist (Retired) ISN Chat Moderator International Scleroderma Network (ISN) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vee Posted November 27, 2007 Hi Peanut, Alls I've got to say is layers, layers, layers! You can take some off if it's too much, but if you don't have enough, You'll regret it! Enjoy your trip. Happy people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have! Warm and Happy to you! Vee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clementine Posted November 27, 2007 Keep a warm drink with you when you are outside! It really works. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peanut Posted November 27, 2007 I'm so silly. I got my snow boots down and I've been tromping around my house in them. The little kid inside me wants to bring my big snow boots and play in the snow. No snow yet in Chicago... yet... Thanks friends for helping me pack, peanut You can deprive the body but the soul needs chocolate my HMO makes me wear a helmet... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheryl Posted November 28, 2007 Jennifer, I really like the new picture. Erin, Vee this is the Jen you two were wondering about the other night in the chat room. She is still here just changing pictures alot. This one is so cute. Love your smile. The girls thought you were missing in action. No worries you are happy with your pets. Sheryl Strength and Warmth, Sheryl Sheryl Doom ISN Support Specialist (Retired) ISN Chat Moderator International Scleroderma Network (ISN) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowbird Posted November 28, 2007 Hi Peanut My vote is fleece and down too.....I agree wool is not so good when it gets wet nor do I think it's as warm either unless it's a wool blanket on my bed that is.......I sure hope this visit provides you with some comfort and good news. Lots of hugs, Ramona Sending good wishes your way! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
