By Gwen on Tuesday, January 30, 2001 - 07:09 pm:

I've just been away for two weeks holiday in Australia. Within 48 hours of my arrival all the joint aches and clicks stopped as did my irritable bowel symptoms.
I tried to analyse what I was doing differently but, apart from the fact that I wasn't driving a car or using the computer to any great extent, couldn't come up with anything. The weather was markedly hotter and more humid which meant I was perspiring a lot more. My diet didn't change as the shops sell a similar range of brands to what is available here and I'm careful what I eat.
Two days back in New Zealand and joints are back to where they were before I left, I feel nauseous, my gut is rumbling and bloated.
Anyone got any ideas what might be responsible for the dramatic change? It certainly wasn't stress related as the holiday turned out to be rather stressful.

By Eppie on Wednesday, January 31, 2001 - 09:13 am:

Gwen,

Very interesting! I have had an absolutely horrible "joint" winter here in Alaska, but I'm traveling to Hawaii soon for two weeks. If my joints respond the same way, you better believe I'm selling the house, packing up the family, and getting the heck out of dodge. Let me know if you figure it out!

In the interim hang in there!!

By Jane on Sunday, February 04, 2001 - 10:07 am:

Gwen,

One of my doctors has told me in detail how hot weather is easier on the body than cold weather. In cold weather we hunch, shiver, stay tense, and if the ground is slick we cramp our toes up in an instinctive attempt to grip something, which causes all kinds of trouble. In hot weather we're naturally more relaxed, stand taller, and move slower. So that might have something to do with it ... Very interesting. Among the grad schools I'm considering for next year is Arizona, in the desert, so if hot weather helps out with pain, that will definitely be a consideration. What sort of joint trouble do you normally have?

Jane

By Debbe on Monday, June 04, 2001 - 07:30 am:

Gwen,
My daughter has hypermobility syndrome which affects her hips, ribs, knees, elbows. We noticed long ago that her problems are a lot worse in the cold weather. During the winter months her knees are so bad that she can't even get up in the morning without her knees dislocating. However, in the summer, she can run around, and ride a bike without hardly any problems. The doctors act like we are crazy when we say that she is much worse in the winter but regardless of what they say- she is definately better in warmer weather.

Good Luck -
Debbe

By Peter on Tuesday, June 19, 2001 - 07:02 pm:

It is winter in Australia now and what you have written sounds all too familiar. I am thinking of trying a herb that is thermogenic (raises body temp.) to see if this helps.

Pete

By Sharon on Wednesday, June 20, 2001 - 03:26 am:

Peter,
It seems that we have somthing in comon I too live in Australia (OZ) and am about to be diagnosed as EDS-3 according to Genetic COuncellors I saw Today (I live in Canberra)
Sharon

By Kay on Monday, July 16, 2001 - 10:15 am:

Maybe I'm odd, but I've found that the heat makes things a lot worse, my reflexologist says this is down to inflamation. Then again I also find that being cold doesn't help much either, I am at my best at what is probably room temperature.

By gilly on Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 04:56 pm:

We live in the UK but travel to very hot climates about 2-3 times a year, I am always a different person when I am in the sun, I just dont hurt the same as when Im home and cold, and i am always really cold !! I still sublux and dislocate but I dont hurt so much or feel lethargic.
Gill

By Alison on Monday, February 04, 2002 - 03:01 am:

Yep, I find warmer weather helps too. My HMS mainly affects my knees and I usually feel better in the summer, although I live in the UK so it doesn't last long!

I've recently been to see a podiatrist who's helping me to get all my muscles working in the right order when I walk to relieve some of the pressure on my knees. He mentioned the importance of keeping my muscles warm as when they get cold the fibres clump together in bands and don't work so efficiently. He said that some clinics have a type of wet suit that pumps warm water around your body. You get hot and sweaty but apparently that's a good thing. Unfortunately the apparatus is v expensive, but apparently a hot water bottle or a soak in a hot bath is just as good.

In addition a health club has just opened up around the corner from me so I'm going to see if sitting in a sauna helps too - any excuse eh!

Alison.