Heat and pain

[Happyrosie]

I took part in Cloudy from the outset and wrote one of the weekly articles about my experiences of pain. My main aim at the time was to note that my pain was much less when in a hot country.

I’m just back from a four week holiday in South Africa: both my husband and I found our pain almost vanishing, to return with a vengeance on coming back to sussex.

Anybody had similar experiences?

[WpgGirl]

Yes yes yes!! I went to Madrid for four days in September. I was only there for about four hours before I realised that I felt great. For the first time in years I was completely pain-free. I even jumped out of bed each morning which is unheard-of now. I was back in the UK only about three hours before the pain started again. I wasn't sure if it was the heat or in fact that Madrid was so much less humid than the UK. Even when it is warm in the UK I still hurt. I checked the relative humidity of both places and Spain is always so much lower than the UK.

[nilmonisikdar40 in reply to WpgGirl]

Hi there, I am not surprised you felt better while in Madrid and the pains returned in U.K., Certain medical conditions notably Rheumatoid arthritis ( not osteoarthritis ) get worse with cold and humidity. It is well recognised in clinical medicine apart from stories narrated fellow sufferers like you. If you hadn't had a blood test, I would advise to see your G.P. He would probably get you have a blood test for Rheumatoid factor, ESR, C- reactive protein. If they are negative , he may like to order for x-ray or scan of affected joints. Hope this helps.

[WpgGirl in reply to nilmonisikdar40]

Hahaha I wrote that post 7 years ago! Just to say that yes, I’ve had all those tests - about 20 years ago - and I do have autoimmune conditions, however not rheumatoid arthritis. I actually don’t read this forum anymore - your answer was sent to me in an email - because I actually found that reading about other’s pain caused me to focus on mine so much more. But thank you for the reply! It was good to re-read my thoughts about that Madrid trip as I think about that wonderful pain-free weekend often!

[Happyrosie]

Yes! Though Madrid is the highest (altitude)capital city in Europe, I don’t know whether altitude affects pain. I’m looking forward to the Cloudy results!

[WpgGirl in reply to Happyrosie]

Ah good point. I'm looking forward to the Cloudy results too - though that might mean there's nothing else we can do but move countries! Lol.

[Lizebether in reply to Happyrosie]

I agree I think that altitude and heat helped as when I was in Africa (during their winter so not extreme heat)

a couple of years ago, my pain completely disappeared. The altitude there was 1490m whilst at home it is a mere 20m. I mentioned it to my GP and the pain clinic and both said it was not relevant and that it was bacause I was with my family...............