I remember distinctly the first time.  I was just lying in bed enjoying my book and trying to stay warm.

It was last winter. The outdoor temp had fallen to five below and my single paned windows allowed a constant draft into my nest. Fleece pajamas and my grandmother's quilt were keeping me comfy as I read, completely absorbed in the story.

Then came an odd feeling which seemed to be centered in the back of my neck. At first I barely took notice, but then, quick as wildfire, it spread from there to my head, my eyes-- then downward right to the tips of my toes. A full body fever of some sorts had engulfed me!

Next thing I knew I found myself sitting on the edge of my bed, naked, covered in sweat and near panic. I remember thinking 'so, this is how it ends? Spontaneous combustion?' 

My pajamas lay at the side of the bed, soaked through.

I managed to stand up to try to look at myself in the mirror for a clue, any clue to what was happening to me. Just then my eyes lost focus. My field of vision went black, except there were flashes of hot light, like comets in the night sky crossing the blackness in every direction.

I was dizzy then, very much so, and managed to feel my way back to my bed before I fell to the floor.

The heat was all consuming and I lost track of space and time  so I can't say for certain how long this lasted. But then, quick as it started it was gone and the sweat seemed to freeze on my skin! At least I could see to find new PJ's. Like I explained, the others were as wet as if I had jumped into a lake. 

Book abandoned, I climbed under the comforter to WARM UP, thankful to still be alive.

I had heard of the dreaded curse of the women's heat, and by then I knew, or assumed at least, what I had been through.

Nevertheless, I went to see my Doctor the next day. This vile man calmly explained that what I had experienced was perfectly normal.

His advice? A cool wet rag on the forehead! Oh yes, midol too. MIDOL?

Since then, I have had many a similar occurence, and believe me midol and cool forehead rags do not help one single little bit! The only small comfort when the heat comes is knowing that it is "perfectly normal" and that I'm not going to die. Probably at least.

Anyone have any advice? I fired my Doc...