Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

summer heat

Why do I just plain feel lousy in the summer months even though I stay at home in the air conditioning?

  1. That's a great question, ! My totally unscientific theory is that, much like the cold in the winter months, the temperature just seeps into your bones, no matter how much you stay indoors. Also, barometric pressure isn't kept at bay by ac or furnaces, so it could very well be that those pressure shifts are getting to you. But again, these are kind of my own theories. I deal with a lot of weather affected migraines, and this is the best theory I have come up with. And here's one article on the topic of weather and MS that you might find interesting -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/bad-days-reason.


    All that said, it's no fun to feel lousy all summer when you are doing everything you can to mitigate your MS symptoms. That just plain stinks!


    I hope you get some relief and the temps start dropping in your area very soon!


    Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

    1. I don't have a cooling vest for the Summers. I want to enjoy the festivals that go on here and special events but I don't get to go like I used to.

      1. I have one that cost a lot, but it's only good for an hour and a half. It doesn't protect my head from the suns rays and hats make my head hotter.

      2. ,
        Thanks so much for chiming in and sharing your experience. It's unfortunate that you only get 1.5 hours out of your cooling vest.
        If a hat isn't possible, have you considered a cooling towel or umbrella for sun coverage? ~Doreen (Team Member)

    2. I abhor the heat! With humidity is the worst! I push myself constantly and get so hot and sweaty easily. It also drains my energy a lot! I just don’t feel “normal” (a weird thing to say as nothing is “normal” anymore 😂) But, don’t feel as well as I could. I’d suggest getting the cooling vest if you’d like to be outside for a long while.

      1. , oh, boy! I know so many community members can relate to what you wrote. The heat can really do a number on MS symptoms! And, cooling vests can make the summer months much more manageable for folks with MS.


        Thanks for sharing and may you stay as cool as possible during the summer months! (And yes, as "normal" as possible, whatever that may mean for you! 😉 )


        Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

    3. I also have major issues in the humidity, feels like I'm trying to function in quicksand made out of molasses.
      I'm in MA and we've had a wonky summer that has wreaked havoc on everything.
      I went to Arizona at the end of August and it was like a new lease on life. The dry heat was absolutely incredible and I felt so good that I have started to look at jobs and houses.

      1. , it *has* been a weird summer, weatherwise, hasn't it? I am glad you got some relief in Arizona. I hope if moving is the right choice for you, that all the details come together smoothly!


        Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

    Please read our rules before posting.