I definitely do not think it's an old wives tale and being dismissed by a doctor in invalidating. This is why I found solace in learning from Dr. Sletten as he broke down the science proving that this is not in someone's head. Validation is important.

I grew up hearing my Mom complain every time it was going to be humid, rain or snow because it affected her pain levels. She talked and talked about it most of my life. Eventually, my just hearing the weather report of a front moving in, became a trigger that increased my anxiety and empathy in anticipation for her pain.

When I went through 3 weeks at Mayo's pain rehab center for my own chronic pain and conditions, I learned about "pain behaviors" - anything you do, say or think that reminds you of chronic (not acute) pain. This process of accessing the brain's pain excitatory pathways leads to and generates more pain. I was like POW, BAM, BOOM!!! Made logical sense, but I'd never thought about it that way before. Not to say pain will completely go away with this approach but it can contribute to the reduction of pain - like cutting off fuel lines to a fire.

Anyway, just sharing what has helped me in hopes of helping someone else. I still listen to my Mom complain about the weather and while the weather now negatively affects me, too, it has become my choice to not speak of it, as one of many steps in my pain-management approach, and its helped. Plus, my loved ones are spared.

Hmm... talent or super power??? I'm going with Super Power because it sounds way cooler. You and your son could write your own Marvel comic for a side gig. What do you say?! 😊

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