These are the Things I Think About as the Seasons Change

So much of my time is spent talking to people about how exciting it is for the seasons to change and for spring to come. So many people say that when the sun is out they will finally feel better, or they will finally be able to relax, to reset. 

But that’s typically not the case with chronic illness. 

With chronic illness, especially with autoimmune diseases, the changing of the seasons means the changing of the symptoms. 

And so begins the next round of my favorite game-is this a flare, the flu, a new symptom, a trigger food, a bad day, or my new norm. This is a fun challenge most spoonies know all too well. And with this game comes the ever coveted prize of a reminder of how out of control we truly are in our bodies. 

For me, the changing of the seasons wreak havoc on my nervous system, causing my symptoms to flare in unpredictable ways. And speaking for myself, I usually don’t realize my body is going haywire due to the season changes until well into said season change. This is, in part, because each season affects me differently. 

Spring is one of the harder ones for me to adjust to. It means damp air and frequent fluctuations in temperature within days, even hours. Because of this I am often achy. The pain that my illness brings can only be described as if I stuck my finger in an outlet; it’s like an electric shock throughout my nervous system. It doesn’t help that with my hair loss and regrowth some days it looks like I actually did stick my finger in an outlet (think Cynthia doll from Rugrats for any millennials following along). And not only pain, but weakness and fatigue make the days feel unpredictable. I also have an inability to regulate my own body temperature so the constant up and down of the air outside means a constant battle with the thermostat, and in turn my husband at bed time. 

All humor aside, these symptoms are really challenging and can bring about mixed emotions regarding most people’s positivity of season changes. 

Along with this though is the reality that spring does bring more sunshine, and with it more hope. More hope for time outside which can be very healing for some people with chronic illness. It can also bring more opportunity for hobbies and activities that foster more social interactions. Again, speaking only for myself, it is much easier to navigate and deal with some of the negative symptoms if I can be outside, social and miserable instead of cooped up and cranky alone. 

All of this to say, not a single thing in a spoonies life is easy, straight forward, or predictable. And oftentimes, not a single thing is manageable, bearable, or truly relaxing (more to come on lifestyle adjustments next). 

So, as spring arrives be patient with yourself and know that even if it hurts, get yourself outside because there is no use being inside and alone, if there’s an option to be cantankerous and social outside. And wear sunscreen.