Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
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’­

I can't live with continued poor health in a cold climate. I have seen a dangerous and precipitous drop in functioning for me each Winter. Here is a research article about cold temperatures and women with fibromyalgia. Who else can relate to this? What do you do that helps? Have you moved and if so, did it help because I intend to move and would appreciate suggestions very much.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC38...

October 14, 2019 (edited)
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members deeply connected over the question of how cold temperatures affect fibromyalgia, with many describing winter as their most painful... Read more

Members deeply connected over the question of how cold temperatures affect fibromyalgia, with many describing winter as their most painful season, triggering severe flares, intense body shaking that resembles seizures, and a hypersensitivity to temperature changes that makes daily life miserable. Several members shared practical coping strategies including electric blankets, heating pads, thermal clothing, warm baths, layering with fuzzy socks and pajamas, and some found significant relief by relocating from cold northern climates to warmer areas like Phoenix and Texas, though others noted that extreme heat and humidity can be equally problematic. A recurring theme was the unpredictable nature of fibromyalgia, with many describing themselves as a human barometer who can predict weather changes through their pain levels, and the difficult trade-offs between staying near family in cold climates versus seeking relief by moving to warmer, drier regions.

A MyFibroTeam Member

The cold is hard, no getting around it. During this fibromyalgia study at the Neuromodulation
Lab one of the tests is to apply heat to one arm to a perceived pain level of 6 out 10, then your other arm is in an ice bath and believe me, it is all I can do to continue and focus on the heat application. The cold is excruciating. I am not sure what they find their results to be, but I hate that part, no doubt.

For now my parents are alive and in the northeast US. They travel to warm places in the winter. I truly loathe the southeast for its humidity, as painful to me as cold. I have lived in the desert, before all this. Who knows. My partner may retire in 4 years or so. Much remains to be seen.

For now I just ordered a 2nd electric blanket, more long lasting and better settings than a throw. Good heating pads, baths...all to cope.

October 14, 2019
A MyFibroTeam Member

I don't do very well when the temperatures drop in mid-October. This week has been very painful (temps in low 60s). I have been having neck pain off and on from a bad fall last winter and experience pain in knees when I go into a flare. I woke up this morning exhausted and in pain from neck to knees. I have been taking tramadol with Motrin for the past 4 days. I had plans to organize some rooms and it will be going at a slower rate than I had hoped. October/November and March/April are always the worst for me.

October 14, 2019
A MyFibroTeam Member

Cold and wet are the worst for me. But my family my friends are all here in New York. Not leaving anytime soon. I do shake intensely when I get really cold. Bundling does help me I have to make sure my knees stay warm. I wish you all the best hugs πŸ’™β€οΈπŸ’œπŸ’šπŸ™

October 14, 2019
A MyFibroTeam Member

I visited Colorado several times... It was beautiful! When it gets really cold here in January I sleep with two comforters and a heating pad on my stomach!

October 14, 2019
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi. I am def affected by cold temps; my Fibromyalgia is worse in cold months. If I get too chilled, my body starts to shake, but then it wont stop & the shaking gets extreme, like a seizure until I can get warm. I dress warm which makes it a challenge since I deal with hot flashes. ~Be Well~

October 14, 2019

Related Questions

View All
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Middlesbrough, UK

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Mays Landing, NJ

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Sioux Falls, SD

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In