Sun therapy

[Sonia40]

I recently had my first holiday abroad, I went to gran canaria for Christmas with my partner, and I must say I felt hardly any fatigue, muscle pain was a lot less, and I slept so much better, anyone know why this is? Because if this warm climate helps, I definitely would contemplate moving from the uk, xxxx

[cavi]

Hi Sonia40 I know how you feel I had a holiday in the sun Sept 2013 and I felt like my old self before I was told I had PBC I just didn't want to come home I felt great no Itching at all never felt tired no aches and pain's but a few day's of getting back everything was as bad as ever just couldn't believe the change in such a short time wish I could have more holiday's if only to help with the dreaded Itch that alone just gets me down I do take Questran Light they do help but not like the holiday a broad that's like a miracle. Take Care

[JennerLayne]

I live in a warm climate but travel often for business to various climates, though airplanes and driving place to place often are tiring, I find I do better away from home, especially when I get some 'me time' I think at home, I allow my mind to take over and 'expect to feel as bad I as do'. When my focus is elsewhere and I am keeping busy, somehow I feel a bit better. I say all this because I work at home and rarely have a scenery change except when driving kids to school, running local errands or traveling the US on business. It really does me good to get away and I soak up as much travel as possible while I'm still able to do so.

[June9961]

Hi,

My husband and I holiday somewhere hot each year. However, I find it takes me a couple of days to get over the flight each time, especially long haul. I can also get very sore whilst in the air. After the couple of days I feel like a new person so the journey is worth it. I also think I do a lot more when away, snorkelling, swimming and walking. I dont feel so great when going away in the motorhome though so I truly think sun therapy works.

[Ktb32]

Hi I went away this xmas to mexico, it was booked a yr b4 we went & I was so worried I wud b ill either b4 we went or while I was away but I can honestly say I've never felt better being in the sun! It was brilliant not having to wake up thinking about feeling tired like I'd only had 10 mins sleep!! I'm sure the warmer climate helps along with having time to relax & not worry about work!! Bring on the summer I say?!?!?!?

[Hidden]

I've never been out of the UK and only manage one week holiday at a time when I go away. Last year I had 2 holidays and fortunately managed to choose a week in late June and another late August where the weather was very hot on both occasions.

I was on the go all the day in the hope that I would sleep all night but unfortunately it did not work out like that for me. I am fine during the day, it is the night where I feel the itch and even when away and it was so hot I found I still struggled at night.

I did get rather tanned as back in 2010 and early 2011 (diagnosed with PBC Dec 2010) I was found to be a bit low in Vitamin D. Given I'd never been a sun-lover, I have to say that has now gone by the wayside and I walk out in the sun as opposed to the shade . I am the way of thinking that the sun aids in the production of Vitamin D in our system and that is a good boost for energy and also bone health and being away from home, we have far more freedom to do just as we please as we've left our cares back home.

I always feel better when I am on holiday and see different sights so you get away from the monotony of seeing the same places and walks that you do back home.

I can't say with regards to itching if for me it would be different if I went outside the UK to a country with a hotter climate. My brother says the heat is different in another country to what we experience in the UK so that might be part of it.

On another note, I have actually lost my tan that I had from my holidays last year, my legs below my knees and feet are now back to looking quite white so to me that is perhaps a good thing if it can be known in PBC for our skin to be a sort of permanent tanned state.

[roseter]

I think its the vitamin D from the sun which we lack so much of in this country!! Vitamin supplements are not the same as the real thing. I do like to get a break abroad in the winter to keep me going until our promise of summer sun!!

[Hidden]

I suspect you feeling so well during your holiday abroad has more to do with you having more interesting things to see, and do, than when you are home. The reason I think this is because I live near Sydney, Australia, and 8 to 9 months of the year we have very warm (read hot) and sunny weather which doesn't appear to have reduced the severity of my symptoms - I think you'll find that those of us who live in warmer climates still experience similar symptoms.