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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Nanaimo, BC

I am hoping that others have the same issue i do with cold air hitting their skin i used to love having a fan on in my bedroom pointing directly at me all year long. Now i cant even have the window open because as soon as the air hits me i start to get this very deep ache through my entire body. It doesnt go away either after you illiminate the air from hitting your skin. Unfortunately it lasts way to long. My family thinks i am crazy and lastnight i was rudely awakend by my husband and son and… read more

October 10, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone whose family dismissed their sensitivity to cold air and fans as being imaginary, validating that this pain is... Read more

Members rallied around someone whose family dismissed their sensitivity to cold air and fans as being imaginary, validating that this pain is real and introducing the term allodynia, a condition where normal touch or temperature changes cause deep, lasting pain in people with fibromyalgia. Several members shared their own coping strategies, including always keeping a jacket or blanket nearby even when using a fan for heat relief, avoiding direct air flow on the skin, and educating family members by sharing community stories to help them understand the condition is neurological rather than psychological. A recurring theme was the frustration of being disbelieved by loved ones and the importance of self-advocacy, peer validation, and gently but firmly standing up for the reality of invisible pain.

A MyFibroTeam Member

FYI
Allodynia

There are different kinds or types of allodynia:

Mechanical allodynia (also known as tactile allodynia)
Static mechanical allodynia – pain in response when touched[3]
Dynamic mechanical allodynia – pain in response to stroking lightly[4]
Thermal (hot or cold) allodynia – pain from normally mild skin temperatures in the affected area
Movement allodynia – pain triggered by normal movement of joints or muscles

This is a rare condition
I suffer from this too.
Hope this helps. Hugs.πŸ’–

October 10, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I hate fans, I had one over my head one time and woke up with a migraine that sent me to the OR. I was told fans blowing on heads of fibro patients are very bad as is cold water as in a swimming pool or shower. On the flip side, hot anything is not good either, I had a hot stone massage at a spa one time that caused intense pain for several days. Got a bit off topic. Fans blowing directly on you are something to avoid. It is not all in your head.

October 11, 2017 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

No your not crazy. Family can be so unempathetic. Without constant education my family often grew hostile and harassed me constantly about my flares inability to eat well and lack of energy. I’m sorry your treated this way. I stoped talking to my family going to events and holidays with them. That seemed the only solution.

October 11, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

My legs hurt when the fan or air is on my legs so i put a blanket on and that helps my husband ask why i had the air on and blanket on i think he thought iwas nuts until i explained it to him now he understands

October 11, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

JeralynW

I don't take anything for it. Unfortunately, it is part of fibro and just our body's way of responding to cold. I just make sure I am warm and always have a jacket on hand. Even if it is nice when you leave home, just in case something unexpected pops up and you are out later than planned when the night is cool or the weather takes a turn that you don't expect. If you need to talk about anything, I am here for you.

October 10, 2017

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