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Cold weather

Does cold weather impact your myasthenia gravis symptoms? Do things like fatigue, muscle cramping/weakness get worse when the weather is colder? If so, what do you do to manage these symptoms?

  1. As a long term hiker, who LOVEs winter hiking, my diagnosis has me being very restrictive on my winter hiking activities. I just can't take the risk of being above tree line with full face covering and not being able to breath through the extra layers, so I limit my hikes to ones with very little exposure (above tree line), dress like it it 20 degrees colder than it is so I can stop (a lot) and take breaks, do not push myself to the point where I'm struggling to breath, once my breathing is heavy, I stop, rest then restart and go slow. So far for me it is the breathing which gets me the worst, my legs, so far are far less impacted. But yes, the cold air makes breathing more challenging.

    1. Some of my neurological symptoms may not be from MG but some other mystery ailment so I’m not sure if the changes I experience in the cold season is related to MG you’re not. But I do notice cold weather causes me to be more spastic in my movements and have frequent rope burn type feelings on my limbs. Not every day and not generally for more than eight hours at a time.

      1. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad to hear that it doesn't happen every day, but eight hours at a time feels like it can take a toll. Do you have something that you like to do to relieve the burn type feeling? Best, Abby (Team Member).

      2. - I just try to ignore the pain if I can, but if it is intense, I try to take a nap or if it’s night time go to bed early. That is the best remedy

    2. I have trouble breathing
      I keep my time outdoors short usually car to store. Lucky to have attached garage. My walking is done in stores, etc. Also do exercises and line dancing at the senior center. This is also my summer routine in hot humid weather
      40 degrees is the low and 75 to 80 degrees (depending on the humidity) is the highest. Also do not tolerate the sun so on summer sunny days so wear a sun blocking jacket so I can tend my gardens.

      At 86 I have found my triggers and try to avoid them






      1. Hey there! We are glad to hear from you 😀 It's been a while. You're really managing your health with a lot of thought and care. It's great that you’ve identified your triggers and are taking steps to avoid them. It can be challenging to navigate outdoor activities in the heat and humidity. Engaging in exercises and line dancing is a fantastic way to stay active and interact with others. We hope you have been well!

        Jodi, Team Member

    3. I feel weaker in colder weather. My stamina is reduced.

      1. Hey there! I’m super excited to welcome you to our amazing and supportive community! We’re so glad you’re here! 😀 I'm sorry to hear you're feeling weaker in colder weather. It’s completely understandable to have your energy affected by the cold. How long have you had MG symptoms? Here are some articles that I think you may resonate with: https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/feeling-defeated, https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/full-body-weakness, https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/house-adaptations, https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/changing-abilities, https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/unpredictable-fatigue, https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/minimalism

        Jodi, Team Member

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