posted
I live in South Carolina, on the coast, and the humidity is always high. On days like today, though, I just feel zapped of energy and depleted.
I used to have severe migraines on days like this, luckily that went with my Ex (also known as the #1 stressor in my life).
Even then, when the barometric pressure drops significantly, I can feel it in every way. There are wasted days for all of us I guess, but more for us lymies.
Posts: 123 | From Pawleys Island SC | Registered: Mar 2013
| IP: Logged |
posted
Me! I notice the same thing. High humidity = increased symptoms, especially pressure in my head, fatigue, and today I have confusion.
Posts: 463 | From Sandusky, Ohio | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yes - exhaustion, swelling and painful feet and hands, headaches, nausea. My barometer head is giving me fits with all these storms we keep getting.
I work in a metal bldg with the thermostat now set at 80. In the afternoons the actual temp in the bldg is well over 80 and it's not summer yet! I have a small personal fan that helps a little, but they will be taking our fans away in the next couple of weeks.
I'm not sure how I'm going to survive in this type of conditions.
Posts: 250 | From East Coast | Registered: Jan 2013
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Always feel lousy in high humidity. Nose stuffier, harder to breathe (more Asthma/shortness of breath, get out of breath easier), more fatigue...
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
| IP: Logged |
jjourneys, am curious if the swelling that you reference occurs in your hands/feet. Such diffuse tissue swelling (regardless of high humidity days) has actually been one of my most pervasive and 'stubborn' symptoms to treat. Am wondering how long you have been dealing with this shared nuisance. I recently began detoxing metals (was found to have elevated mercury and lead), and, even on a relatively mild chelation schedule, am seemingly beginning to see some improvements in my poor, inflamed (red hot) fingers and toes.
For those of us who posted on this particular thread, let's hope for some drier/cooler weather, soon. Even hailing from a "chilly" state, I never thought that I'd long for the cold!
Best to you all!!!
Posts: 315 | From Negative (-) to positive (+) | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
kgg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5867
posted
Lived in Arizona for 5 years. The lack of humidity was WONDERFUL!
Posts: 1848 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
We live near the beach and I thought I was dying during Hurricane Sandy, when the barometer here was the lowest in history.
-------------------- "Yeah, I miss me too." Posts: 235 | From NY originally registered in 2008 | Registered: Nov 2012
| IP: Logged |
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
i dont know if it is lyme related but i hate heat and love cold. good i came back to nh. when iwas in nj i had to ride the horse at 9 or 10 at night...no way could i ride during the day
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
ps-you know mold grows in humdity...if you are sicker in it you might be in moldy environment and not know it my sinus and headache and chronic bronchitis cough come out if i cant control humidity or get away from it
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
to I Told You I Was Sick - love that handle!
my swelling feet and hands only happens when it's hot and humid. Once I get them cooled down - usually on the a/c vents in my car, they will start going back to normal. But it does hurt!!!
Posts: 250 | From East Coast | Registered: Jan 2013
| IP: Logged |
Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
I can't stand it when it's humid (wipes me out). It makes me feel sicker.
I love the cold (especially after it snows).
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
| IP: Logged |
gigimac
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33353
posted
It has been soo humid here and it is not fun!! I feel worse and I hadn't thought that the humidity might make me feel worse but being sweaty, hot and icky sure does not help!
I was soo looking forward to summer. I actually prefer warmth (it helps with the general aching). I totally forgot about this nasty humidity that comes with summer. Posts: 1535 | From Greensboro NC | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
quote:Originally posted by jjourneys: I work in a metal bldg with the thermostat now set at 80. In the afternoons the actual temp in the bldg is well over 80 and it's not summer yet! I have a small personal fan that helps a little, but they will be taking our fans away in the next couple of weeks.
I'm not sure how I'm going to survive in this type of conditions.
Why in the world will they take your fans away?? And can't you bring in your own fan in that case? Weird and cruel.
Posts: 3792 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I used to thrive in the heat and humidity here in the Low Country coast of SC, but when I started getting really ill, I think my thermostat got broke!
If I'm not feeling like a nuclear bomb is about to go off in my chest followed by a mushroom cloud of heat that cooks me, as soon as that finishes, I catch a chill.
I'm constantly adjusting clothing, windows, air conditioning, etc. I hope when I get started on meds for Babs and LD (just diagnosed) I get some relief!
Posts: 123 | From Pawleys Island SC | Registered: Mar 2013
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Indeed, many with lyme (many of whom previously had great "thermostats") find themselves feeling very ill in heat &/or humiidity.
Even just one degree too much can clobber many and that can be even in the low 80's.
Be very careful with summer heat. Best to NOT get overheated in the first place.
Tell your LLMD about this, too. While it's very common with lyme & co., for reasons of various nervous systems dysfunctions / damage &/or endocrine/adrenal system exhaustion, each person's causes can differ.
The myelin sheath around the nerves can be compromised with lyme and that can also sort of experience more "short circuits" when overheated, so to speak.
While most with lyme know that "MS" cam very often be undiagnosed lyme or OTHER chronic stealth infections (also affecting myelin sheath and adrenals), we can take a page out of the MS patient instructions regarding
COOLING VESTS and the like.
ICE PACKS on body as a car cools down. The AC takes a while to kick in and that time in the car can be dangerous before it's cooled.
Open all doors BEFORE getting in to let some of the heat escape.
TOXIC FUMES from vehicles' petroleum & chemically coated interiors are worse in the summer, too. Another reason to air out car BEFORE getting into it.
Fumes from the road (oil surfaces) and other vehicles' exhaust can also be worse in heat. Keep distance from cars ahead, take roads that are less congested, etc. TRY to park in shade if at all possible.
ICE PACKS on the artery points cooling blood going to the head -- side of neck (carotid), wrists, backs of legs, groin help.
Take ice packs indoors to a freezer is possible -where ever you go and collect just before leaving again.
Reusable ice bags are handy to gather ice from vendors or convenience stores, too.
This helps when on flight, too. Ice carotid arteries before take off and landing to reduce inner ear / vertigo / nausea. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Those with inner ear issues can also become very ill when they get overheated. Inner ear issues are also very common with lyme & co.
Those who deal with seizures must be especially careful to avoid getting overheated (and at THEIR tolerance, not what "should be" or what other experience). Getting too hot (even by one degree) can lower the seizure threshold.
CARDIAC complications can also be made worse with heat. The heart is often affected / stressed by lyme & co. so this is no small matter.
If someone is "bothered" by heat - if it's more than just a bit uncomfortable and reaches into actually feeling ill, weak or dizzy -- be sure not to just use that term "bothered" as it may not impart the importance.
This becomes a TRUE MEDICAL ISSUE. Best to PREVENT.
If overheated to the point of feeling ill, it can take days, even weeks to return to one's "normal" - I know this pattern very well. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- jjourneys,
It would seem medically negligent of your work to take away the fans. On top of that, as you express the issues heat brings, all steps must be taken for your safety. This is no small matter.
I hope you can file a formal request for reasonable accommodation with your HR director. Your doctor need not go into detail nor provide a diagnosis - but a letter stating that you have a "medical need" for [whatever specific] arrangements regarding temperature, etc.
First, contact a legal person who knows the ADA (American with Disabilities Act). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- NEVER, EVER drink a very cool or cold glass of water - or iced water - if overheated. This could cause serious medical distress from the sudden shock.
Same regarding sudden splashes of iced water or a sudden very cold shower. Easy does it. The body does not do well with sudden shifts in this way.
It's really best to not drink iced cold water but just cool. The body has to work too hard to heat up the ice water from within, adding to internal heat in the long run.
Sipping iced water seems okay to me but just not gulping it.
Ice packs ON the body, though, seem to work to pull the heat out. I like to keep a cold one around my neck and even on upper chest when it's really hot. My freezer door is nearly "revolving" on some days or nights.
Have a good supply on hand and use a light cover to keep clean.
Certain herbs are rather cooling, such as MINT TEA but that's another whole topic. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- This is a topic that has taught me much along the way. One more note:
Cotton clothing - 100% cotton - not even 1% lycra or polyester if at all possible, especially next to the skin.
Linen is good but it really wrinkles. Hemp, too, is a nice light fabric but requires ironing or just the right style to make it work.
All synthetic fibers can make us hotter.
LL BEAN and VERMONT COUNTRY STORE are two of the best sources.
But avoid anything that is "wrinkle resistant" for it is coated with teflon or other chemicals and not only won't breathe well the chemicals are more likely to wind up in your body during heat.
HATS need some room between the head and the hat top, preferrably vented to some degree. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
quote:Originally posted by NJFitnessGuy: The second I walked outside today, I started feeling wiped out. It completely overwhelmed me. It`s only 80, but humidity is on the 60`s.
Just wondering how many of you feel the same effects?
It makes me feel bad too. Not nearly as bad as you describe, though, sorry it affects you that much.
By the way, humidity in the 60's, seriously, you think that's high??? -- it gets much worse than that!
Posts: 1927 | From se usa | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Humidity over about 35-45% makes me feel ill.
Yeah, it can get much worse but it need not be high to make someone feel ill. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Humidity over about 35-45% makes me feel ill. I have noticed on days when the local weather forecaster tells us what it was for that day.
Yeah, it can get much worse but it need not be high to make someone feel ill. Wondering what "normal" is, I am amazed to see that I'm about right on.
What is relative humidity and how does it affect how I feel outside?
. . . People tend to feel most comfortable at a relative humidity of about 45 percent. . . . -----------
The difference between those who are ill and those who are not is the ability to tolerate temperatures or humitity when it's not in the ideal range. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Another possible reason for the reaction: inflammed brain - inflammed body - that is so often just part of having lyme. Heat causes expansion, swelling. There's no more "expansion" room left and we feel the "push" even more so -- just a thought.
In terms of Chinese Medicine, many infections result in a "toxic heat" condition so the cooling, heat-clearing approaches used by naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists can be of great help. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
They will be taking our fans away, not cutting the grass, theromstats set at 80 degrees, and lots of other things. Government mandated due to Sequestration - suppose to save the government money.
Hubby is searching on line for a battery operated fan. They can't take that, it's not using the electricity!!!
I'll get a drs note as a last resort. My dr will have no problen writing one.
I'm just thankful I still have a job, and am still physically able to work - many projects were ended because of sequestrtion!
Posts: 250 | From East Coast | Registered: Jan 2013
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic