How Weather Conditions Affect My Symptoms and Pain Levels

Many of you may have experienced a fluctuation of symptoms in varying weather conditions. Some doctors may disagree with this assumption, that our symptoms are directly related to the weather we are surrounded by; however, I have seen firsthand how strongly the weather outside contributes to my illnesses.

Take today for example. In East Palestine, Ohio, the weather can be described as partly cloudy with a high of 67 and a low of 50. It is currently 61 degrees outside with 11 mph wind speeds and 61 percent humidity. And honestly, it feels glorious.

 

Over the years, I have noticed a direct correlation between the weather, my symptoms and my pain levels. On a very hot day or a very cold day, I notice much higher pain levels than on a mediocre day like today. I always seem to notice more pain associated with temperatures above 74 degrees or below 55 degrees. Today’s current temperature of 61 degrees is sitting right in the middle, which is an awesome sweet spot for my conditions.

I’ve also noticed a direct correlation between direct sunlight, any kind of precipitation, my symptoms and my pain levels. An extremely hot day with direct sunlight and high humidity is honestly a recipe for disaster. It drains my energy, makes me feel what I like to call “bone-tired” and really wreaks havoc on my appetite and system. A day with rain is also a mood crusher. It is almost a guarantee that my pain levels with be higher and symptoms more prominent on any day that it rains.

If you’re someone like me who has multiple conditions and symptoms, the weather could potentially have a direct impact on your mood; however, in my experience, I’ve noticed that allowing the weather and/or my symptoms to control my outlook on life does not make things any better. In fact, it almost always makes things worse.

Remember, regardless of what might affect your conditions and/or symptoms, try not to allow it to affect your mood. Your attitude is a direct reflection on your drive to live life in the best ways possible. A negative mind will allow you to have more negative experiences with your health; whereas a positive mind can honestly make or break your day. Try to see the positive through the hills and valleys of your health.

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Thinkstock photo via Alena Yakusheva.