Before multiple sclerosis, my two favorite seasons were Spring and Fall. I love Spring because it has just the right temperature, usually high 60s to high 70s. Perfect! I love Fall because I can wear comfortable clothes, the temperatures aren’t too cold yet and of course the changing colors of the leaves. After living with multiple sclerosis, they are still my two favorite seasons, but I have added a new reason.
Multiple Sclerosis Fact #23
Extreme cold and extreme heat makes a warrior feel either stiff as a board or limp as a cooked noodle.
Summer can bring extreme heat and Winter temperatures can drop below zero. Also, Winter brings snow and ice. Walking in the Winter adds an extra layer of danger to an individual who already has issues with balance, foot drop or muscle spasticity due to the cold weather. My feet can get so cold in the Winter that I don’t feel them at all. Add in some stiffness, and it is a wonder how I even get around.
Summer can have awesome days and relatively reasonably temperatures, but then there is days that are in the mid 80s to high 90s as well. Those days require me to be in someone’s air conditioning. The heat saps all the energy from my body and the ability to move becomes damn near impossible. I feel like I’m going to pass out and my feet feel like cement blocks. They call this feeling a pseudo-exacerbation, which is when a person experiences symptoms of an exacerbation, but the symptoms will go away once the body’s temperature gets in a normal range. I’m sure if someone offered to carry me when I am have a pseudo-exacerbation, I won’t say no 😆.
Now to be fair, I am speaking from my own experiences here. I know there are warriors who thrive in the heat and in the cold. Like, I said in the previous posts, every warrior embarks on their own unique journey. For me, I will take Spring and Fall as my only two seasons, 6 months each. That would be the best! Multiple Sclerosis aside, what is your favorite season and why? I would love to hear from you. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚