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It's common to hear people with fibromyalgia say that a certain type of weather makes their symptoms worse. However, a new study contradicts much of what people say. So who's right?
First, a look at what we know about this study. First, it's important to note that the data were presented at a conference and the paper has not yet gone through peer review.
Here's what the data say:
- Most weather factors did not have an impact on symptoms.
- Humidity increase lead to more pain the next day in some subjects.
- Rain increased pain on the same day in some subjects.
- Heat increased pain on the following day in some subjects.
Weather conditions that stayed the same didn't appear to have any effect - it was weather changes that seemed to matter, and only those listed above.
Clearly, this doesn't jibe with what a lot of people believe of their symptoms. I've written plenty of times about how hot weather makes me puff up and get achy, while cold weather means I'm unable to get warm and my cold skin is extremely sensitive (thermal allodynia.)
I hesitate to dismiss research (as long as it's well conducted), but I do have to wonder if something skewed the results. A few things come to mind:
- Participants were all from the same area (the Netherlands), so perhaps it's possible that acclimation make them somewhat more adapted to certain types of weather.
- It may be that sub-types of fibromyalgia including temperature sensitivity are less common there.
- The time period of the study may not have involved a wide enough cross-section of weather conditions.
- The methodology used may not have been sound.
It'll take full access to this study to answer some questions, and more research of this type to answer the rest.
Meanwhile, I'll keep to the habits that help me avoid temperature-related symptoms.
What do you think? Does the weather seem to influence your symptoms? Are changes in weather worst for you? Take the poll, and leave your comments below!
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I can feel changes in barometric pressure. Last evening, a cool front moved in with rain and I was in horrible pain.
The study certainly didn’t focus on people in the midwest US by the lakes! We get “lake effect” weather which can be huge snow storms, thunderstorms, deluges of rain, even 90 degree temps with humidity right up there.
I asked my Rheumatologist where is the best place to live for a person with fibro and he immediately answered “San Diego if you can afford it!”
I have CFS and fibromyalgia but I also have Raynaud’s syndrome and hypothyroidism, so cold weather is torture for me. I also don’t like extreme weather of any kind.
Any extreme weather kills me. From snow to heat, cold to chilliness, any precipitation, barometric changes, puts me in a very dark, isolating place. Pain Meds, or any treatment, don’t even come close to taking the bite out. I have FMS, CFS, ME, fbss, DDD, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism. Life is a ball in my house
I’ve lived in Florida & the humidity threw me into a hard core flare. Moved back to NY, seasonal changes kill me. We are walking barometers & predict weather. I dont wish this on my worst enemy.
Skewed!!!
I’m studying for an exam this week and yesterday, in Toronto, it was extremely hot, overcast and humid – the pressure dropped steadily throughout the day. I was averaging reading about 1 page per hour (with 150 pages to get through. Not looking like a promising outcome!)
This morning, everything is clear, the temperature is average and all all traces of humidity have dissipated. I can read about 15 pages an hour.
In speaking with many people who have fibromyalgia (friends, groups, online), I know they share a similar experience.
1) Most weather factors did not have an impact on symptoms.
- Weather dictates my life.
2) Humidity increase lead to more pain the next day in some subjects.
- Same day, not the day after. The day after, if the humidity has disappeared, I feel great.
3) Rain increased pain on the same day in some subjects.
- Rain is just about the only thing that alleviates my symptoms (break in barometric pressure). Maybe they weren’t being specific here in dividing the day into ‘pre-rain storm’ and ‘post-rainstorm.’
4) Heat increased pain on the following day in some subjects.
- Heat causes swelling and discomfort and I always have trouble regulating my symptoms the day of. The day after is never really a factor, it depends on what the weather in the following day!
Anyhow, that’s my experience. This all sounds very wrong, and it’s frustrating because the more faulty studies that surface, the further we get from the root cause.
I have so many other conditions affected by weather that I can’t separate them entirely to determine if changes or the heat/humidity etc affect my fibro but it certainly seems to.
I do live in San Diego, and it does have the very best weather. Still, it’s overcast in June, “June Gloom” is what we call it, and I do suffer through it.
Barometer changes: grown dtr, hus. and I all get headaches. Bad ones.
Rain, we suffer during and before. I don’t know it it’s fibro or arhtritis, or Sjogren’s, but I do hurt much more.
Windy, I don’t want to go out at all. And heat? forgetaboutit, got to have AC or go to the movies. Where I get stiff from sitting and have trouble standing up when it’s over.
Husband is still looking for perfection. He thinks the desert is healthier. I’m not moving as long as I live, if I can help it. Sending love to all fellow sufferers. Abby
I agree with YOU! I have a terrible time with humidity, heat and rain!
I was involved in a 1 hour TV program Valerie Pringle was the host, she did shows on many health subjects on her show.
I was involved with one that tested Barometric pressure and humidity’s affect on a Migraine sufferer, Valerie (the well person) and Me (FM, OA, RA, PA & FM.
We were in a Ministry of national defence building they had Medical Dr’s there that checked us out prior. In the building they had a flight simulator (to train Pilots). The put us in there with added humidity and we went to ’30,000 Ft’.
I have trouble remembering all of it but I know they had to get me out into the decompression area so I could get out… the pain started with general low level aches, then my one knee started hurting… my ankles felt swollen…before long I had to leave due to all over pain especially my shoulders, upper arms, back and knees. Once I was out I had to take a narcotic pain reliever with Tylenol!
One thing I must make clear, the test was really hard on my FM but it also really upset my knees as they are severely damaged by OA.
The Migraine suffer and Valerie Pringle felt fine after the test (adding to the doubts that were racing through my mind, doubting myself etc)
The next day the producer phoned me to say that the Migraine sufferer had a bad migraine the evening of the test. My inner self was pleased! Not that the poor man was suffering… just that it quieted my personal doubts.
This was back in 2004 I believe I was 43 years old, when you were lucky to find a Dr who believed in FM at all…so this study while not exact, gave me the validation I needed with regards to my symptoms and weather.
I have the VHS tape (LOL it was a bit ago) and I even still when I watch it I am surprised at how fast my symptoms flared up … I became pale, sweating and pain… It was very interesting watching the 1 hour show come together, I enjoyed being involved.
My pain is worse when it is cold and also the wind has a HUGE effect on my pain. I live in Reno and the weather can literally change in five minutes. Also, we are very prone to high winds, especially when a storm is coming in.
Heat is the only thing that helps my pain. I can sit out in the sun for hours and be totally pain free until I come back inside. Just sitting in my car that has sat in a parking lot in the sun makes me feel so good.
I also live in San Diego – in the Rancho Bernardo part -best weather in the world. Used to live in New Jersey and was always miserable. Florida is the pits. Midwest summers also bad. Am 90 percent better–a new person. At the beach on a foggy day I get depressed so do not go there.
For me the humidity is allergy to mold spores and when barometric pressure is low will cause pain. Using Bio-allers homeopathic drops under tongue for mold, dust helps me when damp and windy — can get at health food store for about 8 dollars.
Life goes on, so always looking for solutions.
I have never blogged before but this study really took me by surprise. Their results seem ludicrous to me. I too have fibromyalgia, CFS, hypothyroidism, etc. and live in the Houston, TX area. I DO have a good example of how weather affects fibro. About 18 years ago, when I was first diagnosed, my chiropractor said he didn’t believe that fibromyalgia was “a real disease” and had two other diagnosed fibro patients. He later apologized because after some education, he had realized that it was VERY real and all three of his fibro patients were so similar in reactions. He also told me that he “KNEW when we were coming in by watching the weather reports.” All 3 would be in for treatment within a day or two of the barometer dropping. I never met the other patients but I still remember being surprised that it wasn’t just me and that the weather did make a difference. I agree with the other comments made in that I am unable to tolerate ANY weather extreme and can usually tell when the weather is about to change. With the heat and humidity high now, I have to stay inside with the ac. Again, this study doesn’t correspond with what I know at all.
I have always found it to be the the change in the weather and not the specific type of weather that bothers me.
We live about an hour from the coast in Oregon and the weather is good for plants, etc. but not for me (fibro & arthritis). The humidity is high most days, we get rain a LOT. Two of my grandkids live down in Arizona and that weather was great for me.
I think you may have a point there about the subjects possible being climetized. I certainly DO FEEL oncoming weather changes usually three days ahead of time. “I can’t tell you what we are getting but I’m telling you it will change.” is my weather report. I get anything from migraines to a zeised low back or neck. Some days I cannot even use my hands due to spasms. This is especially bad in humidity. Then there are days I am okay and I can walk fine, with pain but walk and reach most things on one side but that darn weather keeps on changing.
Very dry WINDY weather bothers me. Dry weather alone does not bother me, only if it’w very windy outside. Heat doesn’t work for me on these days, neither does ice.
Absolutely no doubt that drops in the barometric pressure trigger migraines in me. Fiibro aggravations I’m not so sure about. Mostly I get more painful if I am not careful about pacing myself. I haven’t noticed that the weather affect it that much. But then I am usually in such misery with migraines that I may not notice a lesser pain.
Try living in Ireland, my fibro is severe at present as our weather is heavy rain these past few weeks. wish they carry out studys here
Okay…I have steam coming out my ears, eyes and nose, right now. I’d like to know if the guinea pigs in this study were dead or alive. All my friends and family call me “The Human Barometer”. I can predict the weather with more accuracy than the weatherman on all four of our local channels. I can tell if rain is coming 24 hours before it hits. If severe weather, such as high winds or tornadoes, my body shuts down about 12 hours before and I say a prayer and climb in the bed, as I feel like my joints are being crushed by the intense pressure. Once the storm is passed I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me. The cold is like a knife, sharp pain. The heat makes me swell like a toad and dull throbbing pain and my eyes feel as if they are bulging out of my head. Humidity hurts to breath, I have to remind myself to breath. My chiropractor/neurologist said alot of people with fibro have that problem when the humidity is high and when we don’t get enough oxygen it really aggravates the fibro, even more. I really hate that this study was sooo inaccurate of what I and other people I know experience with this horrendous ailment. I often say I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. I just hope they will one day find a cure for it, as it runs in my family. It would break my heart if I passed this down to my daughter or my grandbabies. All of you are in my prayers. I try to stay positive, as it is far better to laugh, than cry.
Cold and rain increase my pain, even tho I live in Australia which is better for me than Scotland.
A holiday in warm humid Singapore was just great.
GREY SKIES are also bad: I need the sunlight.
I live in the northern midwest and the summers do me in. Once the temps get to 80 degrees, I’m on the couch or in bed. The higher the humidity the worse it gets. The cold doesn’t effect me but weather changes definitely do. I have to plan my days and weeks by the weather forecast and even then have to make changes to it according to the actual weather at the time. Not only do my pain levels change but so do my tactile symptoms, fibro fog and my cfs.
I’ve realized now that although I was only diagnosed 4 yrs ago but have had symptoms for about 40 yrs. I often suffered from heat stroke as a child and teen as well as other fibro symptoms.
What affects me the most is the extreme weather changes from Winter to Spring, and from Fall to Winter. I experience more flare ups when the temperatures are rising and falling from one day to the next. I also am affected by the barametric pressure when it falls.
I agree with this comment made by another on her…We are walking barometers & predict weather. I dont wish this on my worst enemy.
I prefer cool weather to the heat and high humidity. But any extreme weather plays havoc on my system. The exteme heat; the extreme cold
the right before storms come in my knees ache like crazy as well as other parts of my body and yes I have that forecast of rain same day as rain comes. Sometimes the day before. My best days are temps that are around 70 with low humidity. Whatever place that can maintain those temps consistenly is the place for me but I do not believe that place exists lol…*sigh* I’m sick of fibromyalgia.
I Currently live in North Central TX, in the south end of Tornado Alley, and the thing that bothers me the most is a rapid drop in pressure. I find going out in the sun is helpful, even if the pain doesn’t lessen, the sun on my skin and in my eyes (I rarely wear sunglasses unless it is really bright) soothes me. I also supplement 2000 units of vitamin D daily. ) I will be heading outside when finished here, not just because I have planting to do, but to feel better by the afternoon. Some days I just sit outside when I have no energy to get the suns soothing rays.
The place I lived where I felt the best was Albuquerque, NM. Lots of sun year round, reasonable dry temps and not too many low pressures. I lived in Cleveland for 10 years, in fact, I was diagnosed at Cleveland Clinic with FMS. As much as I love the area, the weather drove us away 10 years ago. The rare time that I visit, I suffer, so much so that I haven’t been back in 5 years, and miss seeing 4 of my grandchildren grow up.
I really think that the study mentioned should be replicated in 3-4 areas, reflecting the climate variables better. I lived and traveled in Europe for nearly 11 years, before my husband retired from the AF. I found that the weather didn’t bother me there like it does in the States, even though it would rain/snow 4-5 days a week. ( I must admit I was young, in my 20s and 30s, but even then I could feel the weather. When we were back in the states, I could feel the barometer pressure, stiffness then rather than pain, and I would now when it was going to storm. ) It seemed that the weather was more constant and predictable, certainly so when compared our weather now.
I had lived in Georgia 23 yrs. Now in Florida 14 yrs. Have CFS. FMS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and out door allergies. Every season is a crap shoot. There r too many contributing factors for the study to make such “important” generalizations. Also, add in gender, age, and other illnesses. Frankly, it’s silly and could be dangerous for us if drs really believe it. I have spent 20 years to prove my illness. If this gives some dr a chance to say “it’s all in your head”, I might implode! In short. yes any change in weather can affect anybody. It’s all relative. This study was proof that it was a waste of time and money. Use the money to fix us. We’ll deal with the weather.
Also, let us not forget major weather systems like hurricanes. major storms, lake effect snow, blizzards, killing heatwaves,……….
I’m in San Diego, in the Mira Mesa area, which is slightly inland, and I find that sudden changes in weather of any kind cause serious spikes in pain and stiffness. Also, hot and/or humid weather — basically, anything over 75 degrees and humidity over about 60 percent — also affects my pain level, brain fog, migraine development potential, irritability . . . the whole enchilada, so to speak.
I handle cool temps far better, but then cold (below 40 degrees) can cause issues, too.
I think I feel “best” when it’s about 67 degrees, 40 percent humidity, and a light breeze is blowing. I actually love overcast, so it doesn’t matter to me whether it’s sunny or not.
I’m grateful to live here in a very mild climate, but the late summer/early fall months, which are the hottest, can be miserable, since my house isn’t air conditioned (common in Southern California). And if we get hit with a Santa Ana and the temps go over 100-105 and the humidity drops below 20 percent — I just want to die. I can’t even *move* I’m in so much pain!
But again, I am grateful not to have to deal with the extremes so many of you have to . . . I grew up in Arkansas and have lived in Atlanta, so I well remember the thunderstorms, tornadoes, sleet, boiling-hot summers, and humidity.
I have been in Hawaii since early January and I can’t wait to return to Oregon in late July. I have become much worse with CFS/Fibro. since arriving. I’ve researched many reasons including volcano dust from HI island; chem.toxins from coal burning;and electromagnetic fields and now think it may be the temp & humidity (Heat Index.) Out of bed only 3-4 hrs/day when do some cooking, than when in Oregon. Felt similar in Tucson AZ.in June as in HI. AZ, UT & CA felt best in Fall through early Spring. Maybe I have to be snowbird: live in rv….half year in OR & half year in SW. Hubby is retired & I forced into retirement-disabled due to CFS. It’s so difficult having a life when either just sitting or in bed all day. I do love to read books & learn from internet. Rather be swimming in ocean;feel great in cold water,but tiring.
Weather has a deffinate affect on my Fibro, especially pressure changes and humidity. My husband and best friend always ask me what the weather is going to do before they watch the local weather…they say I am a better forecaster…wishing I wasn’t. The particular part of the country I live in has frequent weather changes, so have about one day a week that I feel good and have good energy…rest of the time fighting the weather.
I find windy wet weather the worst. Pre-storm as well so it probably has to do with barometric pressure. I have a cold induced allergy which causes me to break out in hives if my skin gets too cold so I need to live in warmer climate anyway but cold weather makes me achey as well…good luck to all in finding your ideal climate. I just appreciate the good days, learn to live with the not so good.
I have to say, I was inspired to post after reading many of your comments. It is evident to me that weather is one way to really see the affects of fibro, and prove it’s existence. I have no other conditions associated with my fibro other than IBS. However, there are days that I have said I feel a rainstorm coming because the air pressure changes and my body starts to”act up”. Then it rains. It is often not mentioned in the forecast (I live in New England so the weather is very sporatic).
I say we’re special!
I am getting worse every summer. I can’t take anything over 80 degrees, and if there is any humidity I am done for it. I had to run some errands today and was so wiped out I thought I was going to pass out at the first store I went to. I have, however, been better in rainy weather which use to bother all my joints. An occassional day of rain is ok now, but a week of it and I may loss my mind.. Its not even July and I am praying for September to come fast!!!!!
For years I have been living in a motorhome traveling and staying in different areas, looking for a location where I may have less pain and less symptoms for my severe condition and very extreme weather sensitivity. Thinking that I may have to have 2 locations, winter and summer. The least amount of pain, least amount of Fibro flare ups, during winter and spring for the last 20 years has been this season while staying in the Rockport and Fulton Tx area. Am currently living in a small house on the beautiful, live oak trees, wooded Lamar Peninsula; , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Tree,_Rockport; 10 miles north of Rockport TX, between St Charles Bay and off highway 35. When I am only slightly stiff/achy, I will walk to the Bay shoreline; or the the Big Tree, a thousand year oak tree; or to the boat ramp area; or to the Goose Island State Park; http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/goose-island; trails or fishing pier or in spring the lectures on bird watching; or in season, near the shore the Whooping Cranes and watch the numerous migrating birds; watch shy deer in the wooded undeveloped lots.
cont. Rockport/Lamar TX: There is humidity outdoors but with air conditioning, the inside humidity has been tolerable at 30% and 35%. There seems to be always a slight breeze from the southeast from over the ocean toward inland; which keeps the air clean and I am told in the hot days of summer the breeze makes the heat more tolerable. Think that the weather pressure here must change slowly. As when the weather changes suddenly, in other areas when clouds arrive or a breeze arrives, I have pain, can not walk, can not think. The cold weather makes me stiff/achy immediately. The hot weather, over 80 degrees, makes me have more exhaustion/fatigue. Rain makes me achy/stiff, grumpy. High pressure sunny days are my best days. Mayo Clinic, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/symptom-checker/DS00671, in their info on Fibromyalgia Syndrome and on Migraine Headaches, state that person with these conditions can be very sensitive to weather.
Wind bothers me. We have wind here everyday around 2 p.m., but that doesn’t bother me. It’s when its a very dry wind and more windy than usual. Humidity almost did me in the other day. My fingers and body swelled. I felt like there was cotton in the joints of my fingers and knees. Everything was stiff until the humidity let up. Cold does not bother me, nor does rain. Heat and humidity are the number one weather culprits for me personally.
There must be another “Lorilyn” who answered here, or my fibro fog is really acting up. I read “lorilyn’s” response on June 15, and I would never use ice for my fibro. Ouchy!, but again, wind bothers me, and I was relieved to see that someone in Reno was affected by wind, not because they were in pain from it, God forbid, but that it wasn’t just me and/or my imagination. If it was me who posted on June 15, well sorry folks, just another complication of FMS.
I have been in Hawaii the past 6 months and all my CFS & FM symptoms worsened,considerably. I’ve been researching all possible causes & listened to this site’s lectures, which clued me in to possible heat/humidity issue. The Heat Index actually rates the increase of some symptoms & indeed I have experienced many days of “Caution-Extra Caution-Danger” & this is for average people. So even the weather folks warn against fatigue & pain in the heat. I felt better when in Northwest & dry heat of AZ. Both places in certain months are terrible for me, too.
This study is very disappointing, I live in Christchurch NZ were it is not uncommen to have four seasons in a day, this makes the “what to wear” very chalenging. I always dress in layers so that i can remove clothing if I get to hot, and never leave the house without a jacket in case the dreaded easterly wind appears and ruins a beautiful day.
My body is extremely sensitive to temperature changes ie swelling in the heat and extreme aching in the cold combined with clamy sweety feet and hands.
I have FM and finding it difficult to find a doctor who understands the condition so find this site very helpful.
Interesting article. I was just reading today about some fibromyalgia patients who are using marijuana to ease symptoms. I wonder if this type of self-medication increases during the summer months? Research into that might provide added insight as to whether symptoms are perceived to get worse in warmer months. I have also been reading some research at Belleruth Naparstek’s site suggesting that yoga and meditation can help patients with fibromyalgia, so those who suffer in the summer may wish to try those treatment options as well.
Any scientist or doctor that dismisses weather and specifically barometric pressure changes as a cause of pain for those suffering Fibromyalgia – Doesn’t HAVE Fibromyalgia and hasn’t a leg to stand on. Geographical location differences may produce different extents of pain. I live in the upper Midwest – We have alot of weather systems out of Canada and straight across the country from the East. High pressure systems typically bring relief regardless of season. Low pressure systems can be felt a good day prior to them reaching my home. When that system moves closer the pain is debilitating. It makes me fall asleep at my desk, I ache all over and especially in my shoulders and back. I don’t have a science background, but I do feel that the gravitational weight of a low system does play a big part in pain from Fibro. I have suffered for almost 27 years with Fibro and have had this sensitivity with weather systems all along. I was only recently was diagnosed properly with Fibro. I gave up trying to get a diangnoses years ago – because my doctor’s thought it was depression or in my head. How grateful to know what it is that I truly have after being diagnosed by a Rheumatologist. The uncontrolled ups and downs of this disease are hell!
I have fibro as well as R.A, and live in the area between lake superior (at my camp) and lake huron (in my grandma’s backyard). I have found that the weather is a large variable in my well being and how i feel each day. We have terrible humidity here spring/summer/beginning of fall and it absolutely crushes my body, flooding it with pain. The winter cold is also a problem because my hands and feet are always cold and it takes forever to get loose in the morning waking up.
I consume medicinal cannabis to help control the issues that arise day to day because of my condition. It does wonders for my ibs, headaches, numbing/throbbing/burning sensations, anxiety (for some this is very subjective to each individual, similarly for depression) and pain in general.
My body lets me do certain activities and then i pay for it upon a moments notice. After swimming for physiotherapy, my arms/shoulders/back/hips/knees are all flaring up and luckily i can go home to vaporize a particular strain of cannabis i know to work for the symptoms i am experiencing.
My deep tissue pain, (physical pain only*)= a pure indica such as purple kush, hash plant, northern ligths. headaches/depression/anxiety= a pure sativa such as haze. Hybrids (indica/sativa, best of mom and dad mixed together so the kids are very special) is good for most symptoms a patient is experiencing because the genes of the plant cover both spectrum’s of quality from the parents and will provide you with the remedying affects you are looking for. strains like jack herer, ak-47, white widow.
I personally am aware of self medicating going up in the summer months for the circle of patients i know locally due to the excessive heat and humidity. The uncomfortable conditions, exacerbate the stress of having fibro, resulting in additional relief due to the unforgiving summer climate.
I have noticed most things to do with weather changes or extreme heat bother me. I’m in the south so I’m not sure about extreme cold. Today was beautiful it was in the 50s and felt great after a stationary front finally made its way through and the barometric pressure stabilized.
I have also found that I get very intense sharp pain right before an earthquake. Even the ones I can’t feel. I get that pain and then check the USGS site and bingo there was a mild tremor.
I was considering a move to Hawaii until I figured this out.
Anyone else have this problem?
Heats the only thing that helps me I hurt if I walk past a frozen food section pain meds help for a while I’ve tried everything but my sleeping pad is my best friend the humidity hurts if it’s real high I can tell you when it’s going to rain any helP ?
I have severe Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s), genetic nerve damage in both my arms from pinched Ulnar nerves due to an “extra” muscle, a herniated C-7, and two six inch long steel rods supporting a fractured third lumbar., as well as general allergies. Heat doesn’t affect me so much, extreme heat just makes me real lazy, but the cold really sets me off, real lame and achy feeling, anything below 65 degrees I get so cold that even my nose is cold to the touch, freezing hands and feet, ears, like I just came in from skiing all day or something. Hot showers, heated mattress pad and blanket, nothing helps, if the air temperature is below 65 I am absolutely freezing to the point of forgetting what heat feels like. I HATE IT!! No meds currently as I am allergic to almost everything they have tried in the past.
I too have Fibro, along with IBS, Narcolepsy, Asthma etc. Lived my whole life in the frozen tundra of MN. Couldn’t go outside in the HUMID summers due to my asthma-ended up in the ER every single summer(not to mention getting eaten alive by the national bird there-the mosquito). Too cold to go out in the winter, ached all over! Was diagnosed with all kinds of crazy things until I finally found a doctor who came up with the fibro! I had never heard of it before!
Upon taking vacations to Vegas, I started noticing while I was there…….that I WAS NOT in pain? And you can all relate when I say that when we DON’T have pain……it’s a miracle, and very noticeable! So I started paying more attention to the temps, humidity etc. Always thought it was the heat that didn’t agree with me, but no, it WAS the humidity-contrary to what others say.
We ultimately moved to Reno, and as the other poster mentioned, the changes in pressures and temps can be different every 5 minutes(not so different from MN actually) except here in Reno there is usually a nice dry hot summer……but….the fall to winter, and most of all winter to spring here are JUST like MN. The pressure changes all day long. We can have all 4 seasons in a day, and I just want to kill myself
I too can predict the weather better than the professionals. It’s become a joke with my husband, for I’ll start having the pain in my neck and shoulders, and I will tell him its either going to rain or snow somewhere close by. He’ll look at the weather online and say….NOPE, nothing in the forecast! And then we get a ton of rain or snow, or they will be showing here, or an area not far from here where it’ s happening.
Oops, I will have to make 2 posts, I ran out of room!
Continuing:
I’ve at least been lucky enough to find that working at home on the computer agrees with my fibro. Had a hard time keeping a job due to the extreme pain, just from looking up, looking down, reaching above my head etc(just a trip to the store will leave me crying in pain, from looking and turning my head going up and down the aisles). I can honestly say that moving to the desert from MN, has made my fibro 80% better! Now it only acts up from doing things I shouldn’t, or continual pain during the spring or fall pressure changes. In MN, I was ready to go on disability, for I had NO days, much less hours that were pain free.
Now I have these great summers, nice and dry, and I can actually be outside for the first time in my life-and it feels good! I hate to even come back in! And as far as the asthma, it’s virtually non-existent now that I’m here. I thought I would miss seeing the snow for the holidays, so we moved here, to get the best of both-and now we’re contemplating moving farther south towards Vegas. I’ve had enough of the snow now, and wouldn’t miss it whatsoever.
Oh, and ice is the only thing that alleviates my fibro pain on my neck and shoulders, heat won’t work!
I don’t know how they come up with these studies, but just the few of us who have responded here should give an indication of just how wrong they are. It definitely was not accurately conducted.
My advice is to listen to your bodies, it’s telling you what works and doesn’t for this horrible thing. We all have different triggers it seems, but it is real! Don’t let anyone dismiss your pain, even the doctors! My husband knows I’m in pain before I’ve even acknowledged it in my own mind! I guess I start snapping and being crabby, then he will walk over to me with an ice pack, saying “your neck must hurt”! Yup he was right, even though I hadn’t made the connection yet, from the pain to getting the ice!
Take care, and I’m sorry you all have to go through this!
I’m happy to see other men with Fibro, well not happy but you know what I mean especially when one pain Dr. dismissed me saying “men rarely have fibro”. I had a nurse tell me Fibro is a ‘woman’s syndrome”-such ignorance. I live in NY and despise it. The cold is my enemy for sure, yet our last 4-5 summers have been brutally hot/humid which can be just as bad. I so want to spend a month in San Diego and see if it’s true that the higher barometer and lack of it fluctuating so much makes living in S.D. worthwhile. One person told me, San Diego is the pain management city of choice, yet I see some do live there and claim it’s no better. I can tell you that I have been watching and long as that barometer stays up about 30, I feel better, far better than if it drops suddenly and precipitation moves in. To ALL fibro patients, my best to you all! We aren’t crazy, Fibromyalgia IS a certified diagnosis and just because they can’t see it under a microscope doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. God bless all you pain sufferers, cause this kind of life sucks!
I have been trying to map or correlate my marked increase in pain with certain weather conditions for a long time. I have access to accurate barometic pressure and humidity details. I used to keep a daily journal but there was not any real tie up between a given type of weather and my worst pain scores. However what I have concluded and discussed with several others where I work (in a hospital in NEw Zealand) is that as per the conclusion in the article above, my pain soars to its worst when there are changes in the weather. It is the changin weather that effects my pain so dramatically. Thanks for the article. Mike
I started getting pains again, it’s worse when it’s cold. Also being stuck in an office in front of a computer all day becomes exhausting. Mentally tired which leads to physical fatigue. I started getting pain in my shoulder and neck, now I’m getting pains throughout my body. Fibromyalgia has resurfaced I had this back in 2006 when I had an office job and became unwell after a year then changed my job and felt better went into training at a school in hospitality. The pains disappeared, however after 2 years I lost my job and had to find something fast so went back to the office. I was ok for a year then started feeling tired again, drained in an office went down hill. Now have pain in shoulder and neck and feel exhausted I’m tired all the time. Had a ct scan all is fine. I started getting pain in my arms and just exhausted. I decided to resign as I believe it’s making me sick working in front of a computer all day. Hope this info helps.
I have fibromyalgia and CFS, as well as anxiety and depression. Yesterday, I felt like my back and legs were breaking apart. My neck hurt so bad, too. This morning, it snowed a foot. I live in the desert region of Colorado, and I don’t tolerate the dry climate very well. I went for a vacation for four days a couple of years ago to Lodi, California, and I did so much better! It was April, and the weather was mild and humid. We flew in to Sacramento, and I could smell the ocean! People don’t understand, but when you’ve lived landlocked your entire life, you can smell ocean hours away from the coast. Humid and warm climates help me a lot! I wish I could live in Hawaii. I read about a woman with Fibromyalgia who went to Hawaii for two weeks and had NO PAIN. I so want to live there.
I live in Portland, Or and can’t stand the constant weather changes. 12 years ago my Dr suggested I had Fibro but her only option was heavy pain pills so I disregarded it and kida forgot. Two years ago my massage therapist who I saw a few times a month asked if anyone had ever suggested I had Fibro. She said she could tell I did because I was in more pain with the changes of season and weather plus my muscle fibers felt different. Interesting, right?! It has progressively gotten much worse so my we’re considering moving to the Phoenix area because the weather is the most consistent. I visited in March and loved it but not sure if it will make a big enough difference. The heat feels so good I even did hot yoga for a while. Any other suggestions? We’re self-employed and can move wherever. I’d love to live closer to the beach but I’d assume that San Diego still has a lot of weather changes.
I live in Tacoma, Wa. I have fibromylagia, CFS and osteoarthritis and SADS. I feel like a human barometer! I tolerate the short summer we get here as the cold and dampness are much less. The winters are pure hell. Very little sunshine and it is either raining or very cold.
It has been a few years to my visits to the Southwest, but I feel very good is Southern California and Las Vegas. I would love to move. So, if you have fibromyalgia or SADS don’t come to the NW…it hurts!