For those of you that don't know, heat really screws with people that have MS.
I am very sensitive when it comes to heat. I don't like it, never have, and if I get too warm, become very confused and extremely cranky. Summer has always been trying for me, besides that I burn on a cloudy day. My friends can tell you stories as to how grumpy and confused I get when over heated.
Last Friday, went into the city to see the mummy exhibit at the Franklin Institute (it was awesome btw). It was in the 90's and a bit humid. Took the train in, so we walked the few blocks there and back, but even that was enough to make me start dragging my leg a bit. My friend wanted to go from 22nd St down to 8th... by walking. Yeah, f'in right. Made her hop the train from Market to Market East. Even going from the Reading Market to 8th, walking outside, was challenging for me. I was so cranky and wanting to walk into a freezer that I'm sure I was really getting on her nerves. It's hard to relate how bad the heat affects me.
How can you tell people or try to relate to them that you're whole body, mostly your brain, feels as if it's in an oven and you can't find the door to escape? It hurts when my leg drags, because it throws off my hip on the other side making it hurt and feels like I'm walking in wet sand that is becoming more like quick sand moment by moment. On a good, cool day, I still have to think about walking. Which is more tiresome than one might expect. Seriously, go for a walk and think about every move your legs make and how you feet hit the ground without falling over and while having a conversation and other things. It isn't easy.
I'm talking about this subject today because this weekend is yet another time where I am missing out on doing things with Ian and his family. He goes out and visits his grandmother at least once a month, but she does not have AC in her historic house. I also missed out on his one family reunion because it was held outside during one of the hottest days of the summer, again. I know I'm not pleasant to be around when I'm warm, and I do not want to ruin his time with his family because of that. So, I don't go. I also know that I cannot sleep when I am warm. Lack of sleep makes me even more cranky and I become sick then. Not the best person to be around, huh? So, instead, here I am hiding out in our basement, keeping cool.
There are some tricks one can employ to help keep cool; drinking water, a cooling necktie, etc. But they don't exactly work the way one would like. I just find it annoying that I have to miss out on things and not be the most pleasant of people when warm.
