How does Fall affect YOUR fibro?

You know, I have always really liked Fall. Last Fall I wasn't so sure - this Fall I'm not liking in the least! I am having a LOT of back pain, almost every single day, and arm and hand pain. It's been a couple of days since I've been online because my fingers hurt too much to type. I've been trying to get enough sleep and sometimes have to take extra Tylenol or pain meds, while trying to work at least 3/4 time at my job. The least exertion is wearing me out as the weather gets colder, so I'm aiming low for now - just trying to stay warm and flexible, trying not to dread winter.

(Maybe this will be a great time to plan my move to a warmer climate!)

My pain in the fall is much worse. I get really stiff and achy, and it continues throughout the winter. I also have horrible allergies in the fall, so I add awful sinus headaches (including teeth pain) to the regular fibro stuff. Yuck.

Fall has always been my favorite season, with all the beautiful colors here in Chicago, but certainly, it is the toughest for my pain and fatigue. I've increased medication, just recently started on Neurontin, one at night and now I take two at night, per doctor's recommendation and I am finding I am sleeping much, much better. The back pain that use to wake me up during the night is not waking me, well, not until early morning.

Marlee, I understand what you are writing about. In order for me to get anything done and I've always been a very active OVERachiever, I rely on my prescription pain meds. Without them, I would have turned into a blob in a chair somewhere. It is what helps to keep me active and I truly believe that being active is the key to managing our fibro...that in addition to a good night's sleep.

gentle hugs
Miriam

I have had pain in and around my ribcage this fall for the first time, going on about 2 mths now. During the summer I didn't have very many 'all over achy with the flu' type pain. Since the weather has changed, I get those about 3X/week. I can't warm up, no matter how many layers I put on, and I get that trembly all over ache. It is the hardest part of fibro for me to deal with. It doesn't really hurt, with bad pain, if you get my meaning, but it sure does wear me down and make it hard to do anything at all.

Fall and spring are my best times with fibro!  Summer is the pits and I am in a constant flare during the heat and humidity.  But, with the pleasant temperatures and far less humidity, I do great.  January and February make me more sore again because of the colder weather here in Florida but then spring comes and it's another good time for me.

I'm sorry so many of you are having this pain.  I used to when I lived up north.  Hope you get it all under control.

Sherrine

Has any of you tried using heat while you sleep? Until my waterbed blew up I didn't have a lot of severe

pain but after it was constant. I use an electric blanket on an air mattress until I can afford a new one.

I found a store locally that carries the same bed I bought in 87. If you use the electric blanket put it under

you not over as your body absorbs more of the heat.

Fall is awful for me with the daily variations in temperature. Also I spend the whole season dreading winter, which is the worst season for me. Dry heat (no humidity!) makes me feel better, usually, but cold is the absolute worst. I spend all winter exhausted and taking NyQuil to fend off the inevitable sinus infection. It's like cold weather just eats up all my energy. Fall is beautiful here in Maryland but the wind and chill are just too much for me.

And guess what? The graduate program I want to attend next fall is in MINNESOTA.

I've started having migraine like headaches everyday. When it gets unbearable, I take an excedrin, and it brings it down to a livable level. It hasn't gone completely away in awhile. Tylenol doesn't touch it.
I am not sleeping as well as I was before the temps dropped. I don't know why, because I sleep better when it is cool. Maybe it is that I sleep with an air conditioner in summer, and that dehumidifies the air somewhat.
Also, I am getting leg cramps in my calves alot all of a sudden. Maybe I am not moving around as much as I was.
I love Fall. I hate feeling so bad I can't enjoy it.
Vickie

I was told by a natural healing doctor that electric blankets & heating pads are not good to keep on all night, turn them on before bed, but once you get in, shut them off. The electro-magnetic radiation is not good for someone with FM. My daughter keeps a supply of rice bags to warm her up. Has anyone else heard about this?

It seems like shortly after I developed FMS, I would have a major regression in my health in late July/August. It happens every year. All sorts of problems happen. I've tried really hard to figure it out, but haven't been able to......unless my body is responding somehow to the shortening day. I told my Internist about this and he said "Oh, so you're deciduous!" YES! I am!
I always wonder what big problem I'll have in the Fall. This year it was a neuroma in my foot, and my jaw locked (TMJ started). Yes, my joints get worse too.
Sometimes its a knee problem, sometimes a shoulder problem. Sometimes its something really funky and unexplainable.
I think we are not so different from every other animal/plant on this earth. Our bodies respond to the length of day and to weather and seasons. When you think about it, we're supposed to slow down in winter, but we don't.
Anyone else's appetite go up alot recently? We're supposed to put pounds on for winter. My body could probably make it through several winters!! I've stored up way too much!

Another bit about heating pads, you can now buy ones that shut themselves off just like an electric blanket. I have a pretty large one that I take to bed, and it shuts itself off after 2 hours.

Hugs - Austen

Fall is such a beautiful time of the year, too bad my body doesn't like it. My monthlong flare is finally over and I am doing the happy dance!

Lots of soaks in a hot bath and Flexeril help, and Milky Way candy bars ease the pain!

Robin