Navigating seasonal changes can be difficult with chronic illness
Many of us experience a worsening of symptoms known as the 'October slide'
I was finally diagnosed with hereditary angioedema (HAE) about two years ago. I have type 3, meaning my C1 esterase inhibitor levels are normal.
It wasn’t until my daughter Leah was diagnosed with HAE type 2 in 2019 that I began investigating my own symptoms. Not only do we have different types and presentations, but Leah is adopted, so we aren’t biologically related. But two of my biological children also have angioedema: My son Dorian has HAE type 1, and my daughter Aria has acute allergic angioedema.
HAE is one of my most recent diagnoses. I also suffer from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic Lyme disease, irritable bowel syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome, and neuropathy, among others. Many chronic diseases are associated with a compromised immune system.
Some people with autoimmune disorders are sensitive to seasonal changes, especially in autumn. This time of year is sometimes called the “October slide.” Symptoms vary but may include increased fatigue, pain, dizziness, and brain fog. These issues may be attributed to changes in barometric pressure, reduced vitamin D levels, increased stress, and an increase in seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu.
My own seasonal slide
I experienced all of these problems as a child, long before I received any diagnoses. During my elementary school years, from October to March, I was frequently home sick with tonsillitis or strep throat. Fortunately, I was able to keep up with my academic work and was never held back, even though I didn’t meet the attendance requirement. In retrospect, I presume my now diagnosed illnesses were already wreaking havoc on my immune response.
As a college student, I noticed a marked difference in how I felt during those six months of the year. However, I just chalked it up to the weather or the stress of school. Then, when I started working and waking up earlier to commute, I figured I just wasn’t getting enough sleep. When I began having children, I assumed the role of overtired, stay-at-home mother was the cause of my chronic fatigue.
Once I sought mental healthcare, I was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms typically begin in late fall or early winter and go away during spring and summer months. Signs of the disorder may include oversleeping, disordered eating, anxiety, social withdrawal, headaches, general aches and pains, and digestive issues.
While I’m now being treated for various health conditions that contributed to these seasonal manifestations, I still experience the October slide. Over the years I have learned so much more about connecting with my body and assessing my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. During this season especially, I try not to push myself too hard and overdo it, instead pacing myself and building breaks and rest time into my routine as much as possible.
If you experience something similar, know that you are not alone. It is not all in your head; you can’t be expected to psych yourself out of it. Listen to your body. It’s OK to ask for help and seek out the support you need. Also remember that a soft blanket, a fur baby, and a warm beverage are a great start to self-care. Blessings for the autumn season.
Note: Angioedema News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Angioedema News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to angioedema.
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