Not Ready for Summer
Now don't get me wrong, I love summer. Well ... I used to love summer! But the longer I live with myasthenia gravis (MG), the more heat bothers me.
Whether it is the middle of winter and I'm cooking in my kitchen, or spring is turning into summer, if it starts getting above 75 degrees, I am done. And if there is any humidity then I might as well just lay down because nothing else is going to happen that day. Last year at the end of April, we had to turn our air conditioner on - it was already too warm outside for me and my MG symptoms were coming on bad.
Food and drink temperature
The funny thing is, my sensitivity to heat also includes food and drinks. The heat can even come from the spice level, not just the temperature. If something is too spicy, that also sets off my symptoms.
Cold weather outside, or food or drinks that are too cold will also set off myasthenia gravis symptoms for me. I feel like I am walking on a tightrope (like that's even possible). However, the cold is easier for me to deal with than the heat.
Helping in the yard
Recently, I have been excited because I have been doing much better. But reality sunk in quickly today when the temperature reached 80 degrees outside. For the last 3 years, I have not been able to do much outdoors. I was hoping I would be able to get out and get some yard work and gardening done.
Since I am not able to work at a job any longer, I was hoping to contribute to the upkeep of our house. I want to plant a large garden and freeze or can fruits and vegetables. I also want to help keep part of the yard mowed, just right around the house. (I say part because we actually mow about 3 acres.) I plan to start out early in the morning before the day gets too warm. Hopefully I will be able to go out in the evenings to do a little more.
Preparing for heat
To prepare for the heat, I have my trusty ice packs. I might look into getting an ice vest, too. I also have a couple of straw hats and a personal air conditioner that I wear around my neck. It really works well, especially when going out in public.
The one thing I really need is an ice maker - something larger than what comes with the standard refrigerator or freezer.
Because I have had myasthenia gravis most of my life, even if it wasn't diagnosed until just a few years ago, I know that things may not work out the way I hope. Just like the last few years, this summer I could just be in the house in the air conditioning all the time. But for me, I would rather plan for something and have it fall through then not have any hopes or dreams at all!
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