I've decided to post about how Heat affects some of us with MS. As I've had to spend the last 2.5 days without AC in 90 degree temps.
What the MS Society Website tells us is "Many people with MS experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms when the weather is very hot or humid or they run a fever, sunbathe, get overheated from exercise, or take very hot showers or baths. For example, some people notice that their vision becomes blurred when they get overheated—a phenomenon known as Uhthoff's sign. These temporary changes can result from even a very slight elevation in core body temperature (one-quarter to one-half of a degree) because an elevated temperature further impairs the ability of a demyelinated nerve to conduct electrical impulses."
For me and many others Heat = Exhaustion or Fatigue. I find this the most debilitating symptom for myself during the summer months. The Heat also increases my spasticity during the summer. Here's the kicker for me...I'm not even outside and it's like my body knows it's hot out there and Exhaustion sets in. This is what does not make sense to me.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in 80% of people who have MS. For those who don't have MS I describe it as it's not like you've worked all day and your drained and tired. It's like you've slept all night and you wake up exhausted like you haven't slept for days. I've learned Fatigue and Tired are two very different words. My fatigue lately has me contemplating moving to Alaska. Frustrating because as I am in a 70 degree house and comfortable my body knows it's in the 90's out there and it doesn't want to move. Sleep is the key word during my summers. Upsetting because I used to love summer.
Heat I've found most affects existing symptoms or ones you had in the past and they come back because of the heat. Lately my vision has been blurry in my left eye because of my Optic Neuritis history. My leg muscles are tight due to spasticity, my balance is off and the big one I'm Fatigued or Exhausted frequently. What's a girl to do. Some days I press on, but some days I can't. It's a fine balance.
So if you are struggling with the Heat this summer I understand. A few things that HELP me are taking showers in Tepid water, sometimes even Cold. I LOVE my Arctic Neck Wrap! It lasts for hours and covers the carotid arteries just perfect to cool you down fast. I wear it in public all the time, who cares, just looks like a neck brace. I hear the misting fans are good as well. And of course drink lots of COLD fluids!
How do you deal with your MS and stay cool during the summer?
2 comments:
The doctors used to diagnose MS by putting a person in a tub of hot water. I saw a person never be able to walk after they did that. I get fatigue, regress, spasms, my ON eye slight blur, like you. I take breaks, cool wet cloth, take breaks, moved to VT 30 yrs ago (I never tolerated heat/humidity). Great post. Keep cool!
this summer has been great, because i just moved in this apt last august, i've never lived anywhere w/central air, so i feel spoiled! but it does suck, not being able to go tanning, but...whattaya do?
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