I didn't learn from last summer; I keep trying to fool myself that I do not have MS. Just yesterday I laid out by the pool (just 10 minutes of shear agony); but cooled myself off in the water (ha!ha!) and then sat in the shade of the pavilion while my children played without a care. For 2 hours spent in the heat I spent 12 1/2 hours sleeping and could barely move my legs enough to switch sides. I was so exhausted it was hard to breathe. After the sleep it was all I could do to go downstairs to make breakfast for them and had to come back upstairs to rest for another hour. I won't go into what my cognition is like; but let's just say I blew an interview from being in the heat walking from my car to the building; it was 100 degrees.
My oldest daughter told me several times I needed to get out of the heat (she is my watch dog) and go home. I didn't want to ruin my younger children's fun. Even they understood when we got home and fell asleep during prayer time. I am hard headed however; but I have learned my lesson. I USED to be a sun worshiper and couldn't wait for the summer; now, I can't wait until it cools off!
MS is cruel; not just in it's symptoms; but in diagnosing the disease as well. In all of it; we have to get used to the ever changing life we live on a daily basis.
Take one day at a time and try to find the joy that is hidden within.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hi Mandy - thanks for these great tips. It so true how the heat can catch a person off guard. It can sneak up on you and then you can be in big trouble. Staying cool and hydrated can be hard enough for the average person. Sounds like it is even more of a concern for an MS patient.
Has anyone else suffered like Mandy when MS symptoms flare or worsen in the extreme heat of summer? Or have any other tips for keeping cool? Let us know and join in the discussion.
As well, you may want to read our Living with Multiple Sclerosis section. It has lots of tips for maintaining your health and making good choice to control your symptoms.
All the best, sue (moderator)