Coping with Excessive Heat and Humidity

I’ve had myasthenia gravis (MG) for several years now and I know people with MG can have issues with hot or cold temperatures. Personally, I've had some issues with humidity and a lot of issues with the cold. But until recently, I've had little trouble with heat.¹

The heat and my MG symptoms

However, this summer has been more brutal for me than any other since my diagnosis. The heat and humidity have literally made me ill. I've gotten lightheaded, nauseated, tired, have had blurred vision, brain fog, and I've been very sleepy and very irritable. A couple of times, I’ve also been a little short of breath. The weakness and fatigue have been so bad that sometimes, I have gone to bed as soon as we got home so I can cool down and sit under the ceiling fan.

And then our car AC broke

As luck would have it, the air conditioner quit working in our vehicle this summer. We tried to have it fixed a couple times already with no success, which makes trips even more miserable for me. When we go anywhere the windows are down - but still, it’s very hot and humid.

The last couple of years, I have not gone out much due to my husband’s illnesses and injuries. Though we rarely go anywhere at the moment, I drive both of us to our doctor's appointments. My power chair is old and will no longer stay charged (I’m working on a new one), therefore I have to leave it at home and sit in the hot vehicle during my husband's appointments.

How I manage the heat

The heat and humidity have become quite unbearable for me this summer. I don’t normally perspire a lot, but this year it’s been a real problem. My face feels very hot and becomes flushed as I wait in our vehicle. Though I love being outdoors and gardening, I haven’t spent much time outdoors all summer - partially because of my chair and partially because of the excessive heat.

Once I have a power chair and air conditioner that works, I won’t have to sit in a very hot vehicle during my husband's treatment. However, I've found some ways to survive my time in the heat.

Avoid direct sunlight and dress light

When waiting for my husband during his appointments, I try to park where I'm not sitting in direct sunlight and where I can get a breeze. There is no shade in that parking lot, but I open the windows of my vehicle, including the sunroof for air flow. I try to wear lightweight clothing and shorts or capris. I pack a cool, wet cloth to wipe my face, neck, and arms.

Think about beverage choices and hydration

On hot days, I avoid hot or warm drinks, as well as alcohol and caffeine drinks. If I have to leave home, I fill my 32-ounce insulated cup with ice and water and fill a plastic bottle with cold water to replenish my cup. I sip some water during the entire trip, but I don't drink too quickly because I can be sensitive to cold temperatures as well. Currently, I use a straw, which also helps slow down how fast I can drink.

Limit time spent outside

I try to limit the amount of time I spend outside, but sometimes I have no control over that. This is why I try to do all I can to keep myself as cool as I can. Once I get home, I head for the house and relax until I’ve cooled down enough to feel good again. I don't do any strenuous activities (even mild) until the heat issues have completely subsided.

Taking precautions

We will repair the car air conditioner and my power chair. But in the future, I will still take the same precautions during in the summer heat, just in case.