Hot weather

[Susanmod]

Does anyone else feel worse with the hot weather? I've worn a hat in the sun but still experienced head pain and uncomfortable scalp. Bit worried cos just booked holiday for September in Greece. Do you think I should increase steroids?

[SheffieldJane]

Yes definitely as if I am running a temperature absolutely wiped out. I have been lying on the bed reading for most of the day with a fan blowing on me. I've had a banging headache too. Oddly I am also going to Greece in September and was feeling concerned about the heat. There is a swimming pool where I'm going. Perhaps submerged might be ok. Not sure about increasing Preds for heat, but I seem to need more for travelling.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't think heat is a real reason to increase pred - particularly as it is possible it is the pred that is the reason for your heat intolerance. Not saying it is - it could just be the PMR but you don't know. I live in northern Italy and don't really find heat makes me worse but I do find it quite tiring. That aspect is worse when you aren't used to it and let's face it - the UK in general isn't used to temperatures around 30C!!! I gather it has been humid with you - and that is very unpleasant and even more tiring. Some people find their PMR improves when on holiday somewhere warm.

Here you can tell the tourists - they walk on the sunny side of the street. The locals keep to the shade!

[HeronNS]

Where will you be in Greece? If you look up average temperatures in Greece in September they actually don't look too drastic.

"While the month of September in Athens is still quite warm, the summer heat starts to cool off as the fall season approaches. The average temperature this month is 24°C (75°F), while the average low drops to 19°C (66°F), and the average high is still a warm 28°C (82°F)."

Imagine the islands would be more temperate.

I think a holiday in Greece would be amazing.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Am in Spain at present - very warm, but no adverse effects through being on Pred. Just being careful in sun, plenty of water intake (most important) and sun cream, wearing sun hat, shades and keeping out of the direct heat during the hottest part of day.

Yes you do feel a bit more tired, but unless you're hiking around in the midday sun, it's very relaxing - and a good excuse to eat, drink and (in my case) enjoy the children and grandchildren!

Don't worry about your holiday, look forward to it - and enjoy!

[Runrig01]

When my GCA symptoms first started, one of the worst symptoms was burning temples. My sister invited me to Turkey for a rest, when I left the terminal building and hit the 35 degree heat I could have turned round and boarded the plane home, the burning was intolerable. Spent most of the week in the pool or the air conditioned villa. My PMR symptoms however never suffered from the heat.

I work as a nurse and in the current warm weather my temples are burning again, so invested in instant ice packs to cool my temples when things get bad.

Good luck with your trip to Greece, you can't let this illness stop you having a life, just need a few tricks up your sleeve to get by. 😃

[Judigardener]

Yesterday I had a chunk of the day in central London and nearly expired in the heat. I cannot seem to regulate my temperature while on the steroids. I was sopping wet and kept looking for air con vents where I could get comfortable for a few minutes. I'm sleeping with just a sheet on top of me and a fan on full blast. And yes I agree its the humidity that is the killer. Dry heat is more bearable.

[venezia1]

Just wanted to add to the other comments - I've holidayed in Greece in September for many years, and had RA and GCA for most of them. I've not had any real problems except once, when I went to Halkidiki in May - I didn't use a strong enough suncream and came back with very red skin on my face and chest, which has never really gone away. September temperatures are quite comfortable, especially towards the end of the month and in the northern parts such as Corfu and Epirus. Enjoy!

[rockyandzeus]

HI Susanmod,

Very envious of you going to Greece for a holiday! I too suffer in the hot weather.

However, I do recognize that pred contributes to my heat intolerance, and I adjust my

activities accordingly. Simply put, stay out of the sun as much as possible...(don't forget the

sunscreen too!). Now if you suffer head pain and uncomfortable scalp in the shade and at a

cooler temp, that might warrant increase of pred. But I agree with PMRpro that the external

factor of weather is not a good reason to increase pred.

Remember that even though we have PMR and/or GCA and it is treated with pred which

damps down the symptoms.....we still have the dratted disease, and we can not, especially in

hot humid conditions, push our luck too far. Rats...as a child I loved playing in the hot

summer sun !

Enjoy your Greek holiday,

Regards,

Dorothy

[Hidden]

Hi Susan

I found my heat intolerance which was normal prior to PMR and GCA became almost intolerable with 50 mgs prednisone. My head became a fountain of rain. It was weird because it normally only was my head and my hair dripping.

I would not recommend going up on your dose just for the heat.

Funny I have been listening to a book on tape and it was in Greece and I was daydreaming about it. But the idea of going from California USA to Greece is what does me in. I would arrive and sleep for a week lolololo.

Have fun!

Lin

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

It's very common for it to be just the head and neck that sweat. Even I find that it is my neck that is damp when I wake in the morning and then my face starts to join in! Otherwise I just feel warm.

[Reditkind]

I read on one website that the virus can be transmitted through the air conditioner. Can you please tell me if this is true?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Reditkind]

You're welcome - but the thread is 5 years old so it isn't likely to reach many.

[vladcara]

I once had a similar problem with my air conditioner. Then I tried to fix it myself, read a lot, how you can do it, watched videos, consulted with artisans. Finally, I decided to take it to a repair shop, but they told me they couldn't repair it because I messed up something else. My good friend advised me of a company on aircon service. It was my last hope to get my air conditioner fixed. Guys have justified themselves, they have improved my air conditioner without any problems, in addition, they have told me how to use it correctly and how to handle it. In general, since that time, I do not repair any equipment by myself. airconservicing.org/