I used to love fall but now I don't

My fibro flares a bit more in the fall because I have allergies which are for the most part under control because of the supplements I take and the healthy diet I eat.

Where I live in Virginia....I do the worst with the summer months and the extreme heat and humidity because it makes me feel so lethargic and swollen.

I certainly don't like the bitter cold...but I have to say that Fall is one of my absolute favorite times of year. Not only because the temps are in the 60's and 70's but leading in to all the holidays is such a fun time of year. And I can't forget about the joys of Football season!! LOL

This summer was just brutal here so I will be odd woman out and say I'm soooo happy about the temps..

When it gets cold...I just use ThermaCare heat wraps that last for 8 hours and put them on my neck or back underneath my clothes...this helps from ever getting too chilly so maybe you can try these?

Sorry you are having troubles:( Do you have a muscle relaxer to take when needed? I have to say that I would have a lot of pain if I was trying to paint...I hope that you have help..

Have you been on the same muscle relaxer for more than a year or two?

My PM and I rotate meds every few years and I switch between Flexeril, Robaxin, and Skelaxin. This way it keeps your body from getting too tolerant of one.

When I have a flare..yes, I take a muscle relaxer, I will rest a bit more (not sleep...but have an easier day physically)...I still will walk each night because if I don't...my flare gets even worse.

I know that there are many people who are much more sensitive to the wild swing in temps and when it rains..

I'm also lucky in that I have a very warm, 75 pound yellow lab that keeps me warm on those cold days...LOL..

Seriously though...I did buy this deliciously warm and comfy fleece type blanket at Sam's club and use this on top of my regular comforter on my bed and use it all during the day watching tv or on the computer to stay snuggly warm on the cold days..

I have never liked fall for this reason.  I am a spring and summer person.  I always feel better during the warmer months.  I had a fairly pain free summer, then, this past weekend, the glands in my neck began to swell.  Now, today, I hurt all over, and am in the worst flare that I have been in for a long time.  I have more problems with sleep at this time of the year, also, so there is probaly a coorlation.

As far as treating the symptoms, I have been taking Tylenol.  I no longer take prescription meds for Fibro, as I do not tolerate many of the ones that are used for this.  I cannot take Ibuprophin due to gastric reflux.   I find that water exercise is the most helpful thing that I can do for Fibro symptoms.  I belong to a gym at our local hospital that has a heated, therapeutic pool.  I normally take part in classes, but many others exercise on their own, stretching, or walking in the water.  It is important to keep moving.  I find that I have many more problems if I give in to the pain, although it is easy to do .  Walking and stretching seem to help.

Funnily enough, my one rheumatologist wrote me a script for a hot tub/therapeutic spa.... haven't filled it yet as don't have the money... but he said it would be tax deductible... hahaha... not sure about that.

Yes, the dry heat is way better than humid heat for me too.

Will ask dr about those... they are muscle relaxants? How are they different from flexeril?

Wait, what do you mean they only cover the second 1/2? I didn't know this....

Anyone out there with FMS get relief from infrared sauna? I have heard it has great health benefits...

I think you don't pay sales tax?

I know that this is out of the ordinary, but "the change of seasons" hits me pretty hard as well, and because I also have SAD. I believe there is a connection but the jury is still out on that one. Can you borrow a lightbox from a friend that has SAD? It definately helps me, hopefully it could help you.

My Fibro also flares the worst in the fall. I agree that it must be because of the dramatic change from summer to fall. As it gets colder I definitely schrunch myself up more to try to stay warm which obviously effects my pain. I have Raynauds as well which flares in the fall/winter. I live in the Midwest and the fall is beautiful. I do try to appreciate the beauty that it brings.

I got married 3 years after I was diagnosed with Fibro. Since I love the beautiful and vibrant fall colors I decided to get married in the fall. I knew this could be asking for some trouble since it is my most painful time, but I wanted something good to look forward to every fall.

I don't take medication for my pain or Fibro symptoms so I just ride out the fall. I use moist heat to help, wear layers and try to appreciate the beauty that fall brings.

Fall has always been my favorite time of year. I guess because I was born in the fall. We used to have a Halloween trail in the woods behind our home and everyone would come or we would have a Halloween party. I have so many costumes you wouldn't believe it. We always did pumpkin patch trips too. The past three years since I have been fallen to this horrible syndrome, we haven't done any of that. During the summer I talk of maybe this will be the year we can have so much Halloween fun, but as soon as the weather changes and my pains increase then it never comes about. I really miss those days. Just another thing to grieve over. Then there is Christmas. I used to kill myself decorating the house, baking numerous types of cookies, and everything that goes with the holidays and now we don't do much. The rainer or colder the weather the worse I feel.