Long flights / season changes

[novakf]

Hi there, I am undiagnosed (waiting on test results) but have had 2 neurological events consistent with MS. The first took place in November of last year - I had moved to Edinburgh which was a much colder climate than I am used to and it was the start of Winter. The second took place the day after I flew back to Sydney from travelling in the USA two months ago. It was summer in LA and winter in Sydney so probably about 10C/25F degrees cooler (and I had been driving in the desert - death valley was 49 degrees Celsius/120 Fahrenheit!) California on the last day was a perfect 27 degrees / 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sydney has mild winters it was between 10-15 degrees celsius / 50-60 Fahrenheit the day we got back but the nights were quite cold (4C/40F).

My stepmother was talking to a guy at her work who has MS about me, and he says that he often has a relapse after long flights or cross-hemisphere flights. So, several questions:

1) Do changes in climate or season trigger relapses for you? Winter - Summer or Summer - Winter?

2) Have you experienced relapses or MS-related events after long flights or cross-hemisphere travel?

3) I have read a bit about adverse reactions to heat for people with MS. However my limited experiences would seem to suggest I react more strongly to cold. For instance I haven't noticed any worsening of my optic neuritis and numbness on hot days or after exercise or hot showers, but I have had some noticeable reactions to cold e.g. worsening numbness on cold nights (but not cold/circulation numbness!) Has anyone else had this experience?

[doublevision1]

For me, it's 'No' to all three questions.

I live in a very cold winter climate in northern Canada.  Last winter was my first since dx.  My first severe attack started in Sept '07 while it was still warm and pleasant.  I spent the winter recovering, and to be fair, hardly set foot outside in the -40 celsius other than for dr appts.  This winter, provided I don't have another major relapse, will be a better test of weather how the cold may affect me.

I am heat sensitive and a rise in my body temp does temporarily exacerbate my symptoms.  I kept the central AC on during the hot summer, so the warm weather outside didn't bother me, but exercise did and does.  I keep at it though, and have a cold shower afterwards.

I had two long-ish flights this summer.  Travelling did not cause a relapse but I definitely have a much lower energy level now, and it really slows me down.  No more running down the concourse at the last minute to catch a flight, lugging a heavy tote bag.  I really have to plan ahead and allow lots of time and pace myself.  

I am planning to travel to Europe next spring, and am a little leery about the long flight, making connections, etc.  Transatlantic flights really wore me out before my MS, so I expect it will be tougher this time around.  

[Sunnytoday]

Hi there, first off, I really can't help you here, becuase I just don't know. I will kinda bump this to the top so maybe others will see it today and perhaps will have a few answers.

The cold affects me when I go from the cold into the heat and then my hands hurt/tingle/prickle something terrible. Kinda the same if they are in the A/C and I go out into the heat, or I stick them into hot water and pull them out. Same feeling, basically but a LOT stronger. And yes, i know when your hands warm up they feel funny, but this is a painful funny that isn't ok, which is why I'm thankful I live in the south!

hope other's can help!
~Sunnytoday~