Hi Melis,

That can be very hard to deal with. Helping others to understand you is one of the many challenges of MS.I had never heard of cold being problematic with MS symptoms. I checked out the National MS Society site and found this information. (I've also included the link) The site is very helpful in clarifying symptoms of MS. I hope that this will help her to understand the significance of temperature in your home. I hope this helps.

All the best to you,

Amy

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/PAE/programs--services/what-works-for-you/daily-living-tips/index.aspx

How can winter weather affect my MS symptoms, and how can I address it?

Weather and the seasons can adversely affect daily living in many people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The greatest number of relapses or flare-ups occurs in the coldest months (January and February) as well as in the warmest months (July and August). This is because both the extreme cold of winter and the extreme heat and humidity of summer can worsen existing symptoms as well as produce new symptoms of MS.

While the effects of heat on MS symptoms are well known, exposure to cold weather resulting in lower body temperatures can produce increased difficulty in walking, decreased strength, spasticity (rigidity or stiffness), numbness, and bladder symptoms. In addition, the icy cold of winter can cause the development or worsening of abnormal touch sensations such as burning or prickling and can also lead to loss of bowel muscle control.

How to keep yourself comfortable in winter:

• Dress warmly but don't overdress. The slightest rise in body temperature (as little as one degree Fahrenheit) can temporarily worsen some existing symptoms and cause new symptoms to appear in some people with MS. It's not that heat makes MS worse; it's that heat, some medical researchers believe, makes for a less efficient conduction of electrical impulses in nerves in which the myelin covering is destroyed by MS (demyelination).  
• Don't overheat your house or apartment during the winter months.  
• Don't let yourself get overheated when you exercise or go about your daily activities.  
• Do your best to avoid exposure to extreme cold or to sudden sharp cooling.  
• If cold weather makes your symptoms worse, and you're thinking of moving to a warmer climate, visit the new location first to make sure it is truly beneficial.