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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, dear Universe, you continue to bless me with recovery and health.
There was a time when I admired the vibrant colors of autumn and the crisp air that came along. But now, with my rare diagnosis, I feel the fear that accompanies almost every change in season.
In this blog post, I wish to share a brief overview of my rare disease and how fluctuations in weather patterns have influenced my symptoms. This will set the stage for a deeper exploration of my experiences and the lessons learned along the way.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure.
The fluctuating temperatures lead to inconsistent symptom management, especially with a rare disease.
Generally, November is the onset of winters in India but for me it is a month and a half old story, I mean my body starts feeling it way before it actually arrives. Factors like temperature variations, humidity, cold levels, air quality, etc. pose various challenges.
Understanding the Connection
Weather changes significantly affected my rare neurological disease. It often exacerbated symptoms and complicated its management.
Winter and autumn, as the leaves and temperature begin to fall so does my health. My muscles become uncooperative, and I notice the cold creeping and staying in my bones. The drop in temperature exacerbates my symptoms with muscle stiffness, cramps, and fasciculations. Despite my warmers and layers of clothing, the cold seems to seep into my very being.
Summer and monsoons even make simple tasks like spending time outdoors difficult. Hydration becomes a constant battle as my body loses fluids rapidly. The heat and humidity exacerbate fatigue and dizziness. The damp environment with sudden downpours increased the risk of infections and flared-up Eczema.
Understanding the relationship between weather changes and rare neurological diseases like Isaacs’ Syndrome is essential. It is important for effective management and improving the quality of life.
There was initial confusion and many diagnostic challenges.
Initially, connecting my neurological symptoms to weather variations was quite challenging. I faced confusion with doctors.
1) Almost all my rare and chronic symptoms overlapped with each other
With a variety of chronic diseases accompanied by a rare disease, my symptoms were quite common in nature.
Symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, pain, and dizziness were associated with various causes. These similarities led to confusion, misdiagnosis, and delayed diagnosis.
2) Lack of Awareness
My doctors never considered weather as a significant factor influencing my neurological symptoms. I was asked to pop an extra pill as a solution to my increased symptoms like pain, fatigue, etc.
This is partly due to limited awareness and research about the specific impacts of weather changes on Isaacs’ Syndrome and other chronic ailments.
3) Changeable Symptoms
Symptoms might vary from patient to patient, especially of a rare disease. My symptoms influenced by weather often changed making it difficult for the doctors to understand.
In My Experience
It is important to recognize environmental factors in health management. Introducing this element in my treatment plan helped me manage my condition better in the following ways:
1) Timely intervention and Preventive Measures
With awareness of environmental factors, my doctors took preventive measures. They educated me on certain aspects, such as avoiding allergens and adopting healthier lifestyles.
2) My Personalized treatment plans based on weather changes
- I was asked to monitor my symptoms and note changes when the weather changed.
- Based on the identified triggers, my doctor adjusted medication dosages or prescribed more treatments if needed. Among others, the application of hot packs, and having enough exposure to the sun during winter.
- I was recommended lifestyle changes based on weather changes. For instance:
- Incorporating weather-based foods.
- Ensured adequate hydration and avoided getting extra tired, especially during hot weather.
- Wore protective masks during high pollution days.
- Planned outdoor activities during moderate weather.
- Schedule regular check-ups with my doctor to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
3) Keeping in touch with Advocacy groups
It inspires and informs me about healthier practices.
4) Holistic Approach
Eventually, incorporating a more holistic approach collaborating between homeopathy allopathy, and ayurveda (it considered environmental factors) led to a better understanding.
Moving forward, my willingness to explore a holistic approach toward healing is helpful.
The Role of Ayurvedic Medicine
My journey with Ayurveda is about understanding my body’s relationship with the environment.
By acknowledging the impact of weather change and making changes I can effectively manage the symptoms of Isaacs’ Syndrome.
Ayurvedic wisdom was pivotal in my transformation. It demonstrated the benefits of integrating traditional knowledge with modern health management.
Frustrated with conventional treatments that were symptomatic I decided to explore Ayurveda. It is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the balance between the mind, body, and environment.
Fortunately, I found an Ayurvedic doctor who understood the nitty-gritty of my health conditions and how weather impact it.
During their first consultation, he understood my health history, specific patterns, and lifestyle.
He explained:
- According to Ayurveda, the body is governed by doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
- Each dosha is controlled by different elements and also seasons.
- My symptoms were aggravated by imbalances in Pitta and Vata doshas. They are influenced by cold, humidity, dry, and windy weather.
My doctor crafted a customized treatment plan focusing on balancing Vata-Pitta doshas. There was lifestyle adjustments made:
1) Diet
I was advised to consume hydrating foods during the Pitta season (summer) and warm, nourishing foods during the Vata season (autumn).
2)Herbal Medicines
I was prescribed certain herbs, concoctions, and tablets to support my nervous system and ease symptoms.
3) Daily Routine
A customized daily routine included oil massages (Abhyanga) to calm the Vata dosha and specific breathing exercises to balance Pitta. Gentle yoga and meditation were also included to manage stress and maintain balance.
Observing Changes
Over the next few months, I diligently followed the Ayurvedic regimen and noticed a significant flare-up reduction. The seasonal transitions became less daunting as I felt more in tune with my body. My overall well-being improved.
Adapting My Lifestyle
Coping with my rare and chronic symptoms exacerbated by changing weather often requires a mix of preventive measures. These adjustments are specific to my environment and personal routines.
I found the following specific lifestyle changes effective:
1) Staying Hydrated
Drinking adequate water helps keep my cramps and eczema in check.
2) Diet
Incorporating seasonal, light, warm, and anti-inflammatory foods helps reduce inflammation. With the right food choices, I controlled much of my sugar levels.
Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables provides the necessary vitamins and minerals.
3) Room Temperature
I maintained a comfortable indoor temperature especially while sleeping. I almost stopped using air conditioners and kept the fan speed slow while asleep.
Implementing the above helped me with muscle cramps, body pain, and stiffness.
4) Choosing the Right Clothes
It’s not an exaggeration, but tremendous changes were made in my wardrobe.
I wore layers during colder months and chose breathable fabric during hot weather. More often than ever I used hats and sunglasses to protect myself from the sun.
As my Immunity was weak, the above decreased my susceptibility to infections and illness.
5) Daily Activities
Outdoor activities, yoga, and deep breathing exercises (pranayama) helped manage weather impact.
Soaking legs in hot water and a warm bath proved beneficial in muscle functions.
Implementing the above lifestyle changes was a disciplinary approach and managed my symptoms.
Proactive and effective measures are essential for maintaining good health. They helped me catch issues early, timely intervention, and avoid health complications.
Conclusion
I have many takeaways while dealing with rare, chronic conditions and the challenges of changing weather.
It was indeed a daunting experience.
Acknowledging and implementing changes in daily routine made a big difference. Choosing the right diet, clothes, and lifestyle mitigated weather-related health challenges. I integrated alternative medicines such as Ayurveda as an effective health tool.
Have you noticed the changing weather patterns impacting your health? Sharing your side of experiences and strategies can be insightful for others.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed above in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
