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It never fails for the past 3 years whenever the cold weather comes; my joints and muscles get extremely stiff and inflamed, and I have chronic body pain. I try not to think about it and just enjoy the fall season, but it is almost like I have PTSD. Also, the depression is the worst in the winter. Well, since I can't move to Florida right now, I will enjoy my fall and you do the same, my fellow lupus warriors.
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Many community members connected over the fear of cold weather worsening lupus symptoms, sharing that stiff joints, inflammation, Raynaud's... Read more
@A MyLupusTeam Member that 2.33 miles was a big deal! Take in consideration of hip and knee issues. You did great. 😊 Keep up the great work. You deserve to rest up now!
Love your SGF. 💜🩷🙏🏼🙏🏼🙋🏻♀️
@A MyLupusTeam Member, Absolutely, the colder weather affects our joints and our emotions. I am a native of Rhode Island where winters are longer and harsher. When we moved to the Atlanta area, I told my husband we would not be visiting RI for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Unfortunately, I had to go back one March. I do not like cold weather mostly because it brings on Raynaud's and joint pains. Being here in Georgia helps me with its shorter winter season. I have returned to walking more since it's been slightly cooler. Yesterday, after a few steps around the corner, I almost returned to the house to grab my cane. I didn't and walked 2.33 miles without it. This was a big deal for me since hip and knee pain has been quite bothersome. Surprisingly, the more I moved, the less pain I had. Of course, during the last quarter mile, my body was losing that spurt of energy, and I couldn't wait to get back home to sit down. I share this to say, move around a little each day despite your chronic pain. Nothing like I did, but try some gentle stretching, chair yoga, or walk back and forth around your home a few times even at a slow pace. It may help improve mobility lessening your pain and the accomplishment might relieve your depression. There are several videos on YouTube that offer support for us. You can start with Silver Sneakers or low impact senior indoor exercise. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
@A MyLupusTeam Member, I completely understand your concern for the Fall and Winter weather. I learned several years ago that the trick is to keep blood flowing to your joints all day. There are several ways to accomplish this. You can start your day with a warm shower, and once warmed up in there, use a stretchy exercise band in the shower (they're waterproof) and try to do some light stretches for all your joints for 5-15 minutes. After drying off and getting dressed, layer your clothing with the warmest layer closest to your skin, add mittens or gloves, cover your head which helps keep heat in and wear thick, warm socks. Get up and walk around throughout the day, to increase blood flow to all your joints. Swing your arms, open and close your hands, try slow ankle rolls while sitting, add blankets to your lap. Sip warm, non-alcoholic beverages if possible. Try a home treadmill if available...walking at a slow but steady pace can help. This goal is not about weight loss, just increasing the blood flow. Wear warm pajamas, socks, a sleeping cap if needed and add extra blankets. Lastly, the drug stores/Amazon carry portable Heat Packs both the rechargeable type and the "dispose of after 8-12 hours type". These can be placed as directed on the package, but not in certain places. Please read the warning labels and they work great for me. I sleep with 6 extra blankets in the Summer, due to my Warfarin use and joint issues.
I'm hoping some of these ideas bring you much needed relief.
Wishing you better and warmer days.
I have the same problem when it gets cold. I have several different electric blankets I also have a vest that's a heating blanket. So I use that a lot and hot showers bless you and big hugs
Anxiety on 12 for this weather
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