Read time 5 minutes
Sometimes, healing begins not with a pill or a diagnosis, but with a simple moment of gratitude.
Every breath I take, every morning I wake up feeling just a little stronger, is a quiet thanks to the Universe. Living with a rare and chronic illness has taught me that recovery isn’t just physical, it’s even emotional, and deeply personal.
This is my story.
The Season That Changed Everything
Autumn used to enchant me.
The crunch of leaves underfoot, the golden hues filling the sky, and the cool breeze all felt poetic. But now, those very changes bring a wave of dread. With every seasonal shift, my body braces for impact. My diagnosis altered how I perceive the world around me, especially nature’s gentle transitions.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with Isaacs’ Syndrome. It is a rare neuromuscular condition caused by continuous muscle fiber activity. It’s an illness that often hides in plain sight, misinterpreted and misunderstood. Alongside Isaacs’, I also had to come to terms with Lyme disease. It is a tick-borne bacterial infection that brings its complexities.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. My health journey became a labyrinth of diagnoses:
- Glaucoma, threatening my vision
- Membranous Glomerulonephritis, a progressive kidney disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), wreaking havoc on my digestion
- Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema, and persistent Blood Pressure issues
Each condition became a chapter in my book of survival, layered and deeply personal.
When the Weather Becomes Your Symptom
You might mark winter with cozy blankets and hot drinks. I mark it with stiffness in my joints, uncontrollable muscle spasms, and a bone-deep chill. I can’t escape them no matter how many layers I wear.
Even before the temperature drops officially, my body anticipates it. November might announce the start of winter, but I begin feeling its effects weeks in advance. Variations in temperature, humidity, pollution, and air pressure are not minor inconveniences. They’re powerful forces that influence how I breathe, move and function.
The cold intensifies my symptoms: Tightening muscles, cramping limbs, and deep aches. On the flip side, summer and monsoons: bring fatigue, dehydration, and dizzy spells. The sticky humidity makes everything harder. The rain-soaked days heighten the risk of infections, especially worsening my eczema.
These weather shifts become my most unpredictable opponent.
Decoding the Mystery
Getting diagnosed wasn’t straightforward. My symptoms overlapped in confusing ways:
- Fatigue, muscle pain, and dizziness—shared across multiple conditions
- Vague symptoms leading to incorrect conclusions
- A lack of awareness about how weather could play a crucial role
Doctors initially dismissed environmental factors, suggesting more medications when symptoms worsened. But pills weren’t enough.
What I needed was a deeper understanding of my environment, body, and how they interacted. Over time, I realized it’s importance and included weather as a variable in my health plan.
How Awareness Changed Everything
Acknowledging the role of weather brought clarity and control. Here’s how that shift transformed my health management:
1. Early Detection and Prevention
Once my doctors understood the environmental triggers, they were proactive instead of reactive. I was guided to:
- Track symptom patterns
- Reduce exposure to allergens
- Strengthen my immune system through specific lifestyle choices
2. Personalize My Plans with Changing Seasons
Instead of a fixed medical routine, I was given a dynamic plan. Some practices included:
- Using hot packs during cold spells
- Taking in natural sunlight to combat winter-related sluggishness
- Choosing foods suited to the season
- Staying hydrated during summer
- Wearing masks on polluted days
- Planning outdoor activities on weather-friendly days
- Scheduling regular doctor visits based on weather shifts
This new approach changed a lot for me.
3. Connection with Advocacy Groups
These communities became my refuge, filled with stories, practical advice, and emotional support. Knowing I wasn’t alone gave me strength.
4. Embracing Holistic Healing
I moved from a linear path of allopathic medicine to a more integrated approach.
Blending homeopathy, Ayurveda, and conventional treatments. Each genre of medicine added depth to my understanding. It helped me become more attuned to my body’s signals.
My Journey with Ayurveda
Ayurveda didn’t just treat symptoms; it taught me to listen to my body.
It’s an ancient Indian practice that provided clarity between my mind, body, and environment. My Ayurvedic doctor became a guide through this transformation.
He explained that my symptoms were aggravated by imbalances in two doshas: Vata and Pitta.
- Vata: associated with air and space—gets worsened by cold, dryness, and wind
- Pitta: linked to fire and water—gets triggered by heat and humidity
Together, these dosha imbalances explained why I struggled so much during seasonal transitions.
My Ayurvedic Treatment Plan
Here’s what worked for me:
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Diet: Hydrating foods during summer and warm, grounding foods in autumn
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Herbal Remedies: Custom concoctions and tablets that eased my nervous system
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Daily Routine:
- Abhyanga (oil massages) to soothe the body
- Breathing exercises and pranayama for emotional balance
- Gentle yoga and meditation to foster inner calm
Over time, I felt a notable shift. I had less intense flare-ups, smoother seasonal transitions, and better health.
Real-Life Adjustments That Helped
Weather-proofing my life took effort, but the results were worth it. These lifestyle tweaks brought me closer to stability:
Hydration
Water became my shield against muscle cramps and skin issues. I drank plenty, especially during warm, humid months.
Seasonal Eating
I chose foods that aligned with the season. Warm soups during winter, fresh fruits in summer, and anti-inflammatory ingredients year-round.
This approach even helped manage my blood sugar levels.
Comfortable Living Space
I learned that small environmental changes make big differences. Avoiding AC at night and keeping fan speed low—improved sleep and reduced joint pain.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Changing my wardrobe made a surprisingly big difference. I dressed in layers during cold months and chose breathable fabrics in summer. Hats, masks, and sunglasses became daily essentials.
These changes shielded me from pollution, sun exposure, and unexpected weather shifts.
Daily Movement
Moderate outdoor walks, yoga, stretching, and hot water soaks improved my muscle flexibility. Eventually, it reduced body stress.
Implementing these habits gave me more good days than bad ones.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, my health challenges weren’t just a battle—they were a journey into deeper understanding. Weather became more than a backdrop; it was a critical character in my story. By respecting its role and adapting proactively, I found balance.
I’ve learned that:
- Your environment matters more than you think
- Listening to your body is vital
- A holistic, multi-pronged approach brings powerful results
- Lifestyle tweaks aren’t just practical—they’re healing
- There’s strength in community and shared wisdom
Have You Noticed the Weather’s Impact on Your Health?
If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to reflect on your relationship with the seasons. Are there patterns you’ve noticed? Challenges you’ve overcome.
Feel free to share your experiences—they could be the insight someone else needs.
Disclaimer
This article reflects personal experiences and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with qualified health professionals before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.