How the Heat is Affecting My Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

 How the Heat is Affecting My Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Summer has always been a time of year that I look forward to, with its promise of warm days and sunshine. However, this year's extreme heat has taken a toll on my body in ways I never imagined. Living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is challenging enough, but the recent heatwave has exacerbated my symptoms, making daily life even more difficult.

One of the most significant ways the heat has affected me is through increased muscle fatigue. MG already causes my muscles to tire easily, but the heat intensifies this issue. Simple tasks like walking to the car or cooking dinner leave me feeling utterly drained. The sweltering temperatures sap my energy, and it feels like I am carrying an extra weight around with me all day.

Along with muscle fatigue, I’ve been waking up with debilitating migraines. These headaches are not just painful; they disrupt my entire day. It’s difficult to focus on anything when my head is pounding, and it often feels like there’s no relief in sight. The combination of muscle fatigue and migraines has been exhausting.

Adding to this exhaustion is insomnia. Despite feeling extremely tired, I find it hard to fall asleep. My body is tired, but my mind refuses to shut down, making restful sleep a rare commodity. The lack of sleep only worsens my symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue and sleeplessness.

As if the fatigue, migraines, and insomnia weren't enough, the heat has also brought on bouts of nausea. Eating has become a challenge, and keeping food down feels like a monumental task. This nausea further depletes my energy and makes it difficult to maintain a balanced diet, which is crucial for managing my MG.

I also struggle with breathing in this extreme heat. MG affects my respiratory muscles, making it hard to take deep breaths or even breathe comfortably. The hot air feels thick and suffocating, adding to my overall discomfort and fatigue.

In response to these challenges, I’ve had to make several adjustments to my daily routine. Staying inside with the air conditioning on full blast has become my primary strategy. The cool air helps keep my body temperature down and provides some relief from the oppressive heat outside.

I’ve also invested in several fans to ensure good air circulation throughout my home. These fans, combined with the air conditioning, create a much-needed oasis of cool air that helps manage my symptoms. Rest has become a top priority. I’ve learned to listen to my body and rest whenever I start to feel fatigued, even if it means taking multiple breaks throughout the day.

When I do have to be outside for extended periods, such as when we go to rodeos, I take extra precautions to stay cool. Creating shade is essential, so I always bring along a canopy or umbrella to provide some respite from the sun. I use a portable fan and wear a neck cooling rag to help regulate my body temperature. Staying hydrated is crucial, so I make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day.

Despite these measures, sometimes the heat becomes too much. When this happens, I retreat to the truck and run the air conditioning until I feel better. This helps me avoid pushing my body too far and ensures I can still enjoy the activities I love without compromising my health.

Living with Myasthenia Gravis is a constant battle, and the extreme heat has added an extra layer of difficulty. However, by staying inside, using air conditioning and fans, prioritizing rest, and taking extra precautions when outdoors, I am finding ways to cope with these intensified symptoms. It’s not easy, but with each day, I’m learning more about how to manage my condition in the face of this relentless heat.

I am not sharing this to complain but to share and raise awareness for others who may be struggling in a similar way. If you’re also dealing with MG in this weather, know that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time.