Is It the Heat or the Humidity?

Don't get me wrong, I know the heat bothers me with myasthenia gravis (MG). But my husband and I have been paying very close attention to the humidity and pressure changes, we even check the altitude where we live. By the way, we both also have arthritis.

Recently, it seems there has been some pretty bizarre weather around the world. But as far as my MG goes, I've been noticing a trend. Actually, I started documenting my symptoms and weather patterns.

Just like everything else with MG, I'm sure we all respond differently to the weather. But I can't be the only one who's noticed changes. I want to talk about it and bring attention to this as it's something doctors might not take seriously.

A difference in altitude and humidity levels

About 17 years ago, my first grandchild was born in Colorado. At the time, I was in a flare with was being called an "undiagnosed neurological condition." Not knowing I had MG yet, the doctor told me I was not going to live much longer. My husband drove me to Colorado as I truly wanted to see at least 1 grandchild before I died. (By the way, I now have 12 grandchildren.)

It was about the same temperature in Colorado as it was at my home. But there is a major difference in altitude and humidity levels. The entire week we were in Colorado, I did not need my walker. As a matter of fact, you couldn't tell there was anything wrong, with the exception of needing to take a short break every once in a while. But the minute we got back home. I was unable to function and needed my walker.

I felt like a million bucks

Currently, the last few weeks have been extremely hot where I live. During the first week of extreme heat we also had high humidity levels - almost 100 percent humidity at times. During this time, whether it was day or night, I was pretty much bedridden. I couldn't breathe, talk, or chew. The next week we had the same extreme heat, but the humidity was down to 30 to 40 percent.

That's really low humidity for where I live, especially this time of year. I felt like a million bucks! I was able to do things that I haven't been able to do for a couple of years now. I still did have to pace myself, but that was okay!

MG and arthritis

Myasthenia gravis coexisting with another condition ... well, it's just not fun. One condition can set off the other, then it just turns into a vicious cycle.

As far as arthritis goes, it's pretty well documented that people with arthritis do better in drier, less humid conditions. I don't know if I'm in that that vicious cycle, but for me, lower humidity actually helps my symptoms of MG as well as arthritis.¹

I hope to hear from other people about their experience with weather and their MG symptoms. Share in the comment section below! How does the heat or humidity impact you?