PMR in cold or inclement weather

Hi @crhp194 that is a very interesting question. Fellow PMR patients @johnbishop @jules11 and @virginiaj may have opinions or experience to share on this topic.

Has you pain abated at all since you posted?

Thanks for the invite @ethanmcconkey. @crhp194, my PMR is currently in remission but when it was active the cold seemed to make my PMR a little worse. In my 2 occurrences of PMR I don't believe either was triggered by the cold though.

Thank you, John.

Yes it has abated some but for 3 days, it was bad. First day better today but still not gone but bearable.

Does anyone else find that the cooler weather is making them more stiff and achy? My tolerance for the cold seems to be lowering.

Hi @floridabonnie, You are not alone! You will notice that we merged your discussion with an existing discussion on PMR and cold weather. My PMR is in remission now but when it was active the winter months seemed a little more difficult. I think that may be because cooler temperatures may cause us to be less active and being less active can make the joint pain a little worse (just my thoughts).

Do you using heating pads or add a little extra warm clothing?

I do. This may sound funny to those of you who live up north, but I live in Florida. I am used to temperatures in the 80's. When it gets to 60 or below, I feel very cold. We keep our house at 78 degrees most of the year, when winter sets in we let it go to 73 degrees. But then we need to wear long pants and sweatshirts. I guess it is time for the down comforter. Yesterday was the first day it went into the 50's and my house was 68 degrees inside. My whole body ached almost like it did before I started prednisone. Today only my shoulders and neck are hurting, so I will try moving around more.

I know that feeling also, my body is a human barometer. Damp weather makes me feel stiff.

Hello PMR Community~
I am going on 7 years with my PMR battle, and possibly another autoimmune issue. I see a Rheumatologist at Duke Hospital, and I am currently on 15mg. of injectable methotrexate, and down to 4mg. of Medrol.
Even on both meds, I had a very bad flare up the beginning of January, and it took about 2 weeks to stabilize. The weather here in NC has been cold, and rainy. Not a lot of Sun.
I feel like my body really reacts to the weather changes, and although I am never pain free, the weather definitely affects me, and seems to make things worse.
Has anyone found that living in a certain climate has helped with flare-ups and/or symptoms?
I have heard that drive warm climates are best, but wanted some feedback.
Thank you😊

Hi @kmb181, You are definitely not alone when it comes to PMR not liking a cold climate. You will notice that we moved your post to an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can read what other members have shared on weather changes and PMR.

@floridabonnie, @tinman2020, @crhp194 and others may also have some thoughts or suggestions to share with you.