anyone notice how the old energy levels slowly begin to creep up, once we have a few days sunshine and warmth?

*Nope :(

*Still waiting for mine...

*I don't think old energy levels ever creep up, but sunshine definitely helps. There is lots of Vitamin D there for us!

*Since the suns been out this week I do feel a tiny bit more energised, saying that right now I could go back to bed!
Normally I have a bit more energy in summer, maybe it's the mental uplift that comes with spring/summer ?

*Me either I'm always running on empty even when pain levels are low.

*Yep

*I do feel a bit happier in the summer and also I seem to want to do more and to push myself more.

*I think the mental uplift has as much to do with it as extra Vitamin D - although I have heard recently that fibro benefits from extra Vitamin D exposure. One doctor was even going so far as to recommend tanning! (Thanks but I'm not sure I want to add skin cancer and premature ageing to the list of crap wrong with me!)

*I stay in flare up continuously, never goes away. The meds I am on, you aren't suppose to get out in the sun, but, I have to with my grandson. It makes my skin feel like it is cooking if I stay too long, but, I will continue because I love to see my grandson almost 2-1/2 have fun, Been beautiful here this week.

*My energy levels seem permanently low at the moment even with the lovely sunshine.

*I'm the same, totally drained.

*I found they get worse when it's gets warmer

*I don't know about my physical energy, but my mental energy is up! I try to get out, but have to stay covered, sunblocked, and under an umbrella. It isn't the med's I'm on, I'm just freakishly pale and sunburn in 10 minutes.

*I'm more ill the warmer it gets, so no!

*It is Vitamin D, If you ain't get enough sunlight, take Vitamin D! It makes so much difference in pain levels, and fatigue too. Not perfect, but better.

*I'm no better when its warm either just have a smile on my face cause its lovely.

*I do notice that the warm weather does help how you feel, but I'm having bad time with it at the moment so even the sun isn't helping. lets hope the sun stays out and help pick us up even a little bit.

*Yes that happens to me - but at moment I am in relapse due to hospital and divert pain!

*I have a problem with Vitamin D converting into 125 D which is an inflammatory agent that causes pain and other symptoms. The Marshall Protocol which seems to help a lot of people was a fizzer with me, the antibiotics used made me react really badly. so sunshine, or even eating too many vitamin D rich foods is an issue. ERK.

*My energy level is not much different, but there is a more positive mood and enjoying nature's calming beauty and warmth. Cold weather really gets to my joints, so I do enjoy spring and summer much better!

*How did you find this out about your body's Vit D converting into 125 D?

*Nope I tend to sleep more in summer be awake less and not able do much the heat just knocks me out.

*I agree, I love the sunshine but the fatigue is horrible for me in the summer months, it just totally drains me. My pain doc told me last week that people with fms,cfs,me do not have enough vitamin d levels. If you live in the north of the uk (the weather is colder and damper) you suffer more! don't know how true any of this is though.

*I have been a big blob of goo for the last few days - feeling BLAH!

*I feel 200% better in a sunnier warmer climate!

*Yes

*Makes me mentally feel better, but no difference physically. Am going new Dr next week so maybe get some better treatment!

*I've been on fire! Good job really! At end of uni and really busy trying to meet deadlines in between lazy spells in the sun.

*Yes I feel better but hurt more because I keep doing things as its the term end holidays still!

*Has anyone been diagnosed with Hypermobility?

*Yes, I have been diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome.
My energy has been better due to the sunny days, well, I feel happier and thus more zest for life I suppose! Vitamin D also is good for us FMS sufferers!

*Sunshine and warmth make me feel human again.

*Nah!

*Only difference is my mood. Pain fatigue the same but my mood does lift when sun out.

*I always hear people saying they're better in the summer, but I'm opposite!

*A big YES! So much so that when I saw the doc. this afternoon to be formally checked for fibromyalgia, I was virtually pain free. But he did confirm what I'd suspected for some time. Knowing I have the condition is better than just suspecting!

*I already have an issue with low vit. D, (which confuses me since I was not only out in the sun a lot last year, sitting on my step mostly, but I was also in Crete for a lovely fortnight!?), so I am happy to see the sunshine! Not sure it helps with energy levels though, except I can see the dust and want to Spring clean!

*How true. It was in the 80's sunny and warm for a few days. I felt great. Then the rain came and temps dropped to the 50's and I feel awful. Headache, body aches and fibro fog.

*I think it's not only cos of the extra vitamin D we get from the sun, but also the serotonin we get from it too. Serotonin is what our bodies lack. It is responsible for controlling your mood, your sleep patterns and your bodies perception of pain, so if you increase your serotonin, all of these improve.
This is why exercise helps too as rigorous exercise (where you heart rate goes up and you sweat) releases the bodies natural serotonin and endorphins.
My pain levels definitely ease when the sun is shining, the warmth helps too.

*The heat or working. not sure but I am exhausted. In the 80's and 90's is not normal here. Usually feel better in the warmer weather but not now. Tired fighting pain all day and night. Do take vitamin D 4000 I.U. it helps.

*hmmmmm nooooooo! Have to start on anti malarial tabs as well because of sun allergy.

*Yes. I am a fire sign, and without sun I am cold to the core. but I love a good cleansing rain too, hot chocolate with whipped cream please. When the sun starts to peak through the clouds after a good rain, it is spiritual to me.

*My symptoms are the same but I 'feel' better. unless it is very hot then my energy just drains

*Mine haven't changed. I am exhausted after the simplest task. I doubt that the sun and warmth can have a positive influence on Fibro. Either you have it or you don't, right?
I mean I hurt and am depressed whether the sun is out or it is 20 degrees out and raining. The weather doesn't change my Fibro symptoms.

*No sunshine here Fibroduck, when it does come you have to run outside or you will miss it.

*Some times it can pick you up!

*For me, everything creeps up! I only got a couple hours of sleep but I'm super happy right now because I woke up to the sun!

*As I've bin in bed 5 days out of 7 this week Id say no

*Well maybe it is more of a mental lift than physical, I was back in bed by 5pm again today. Overdone it as usual. But I do 'feel' better in myself when the sun shines.

*def x

*I think that the sunshine does make me feel a bit happier. Just seeing some blue sky can make a difference to me mentally defiantly

*Definitely the sunshine does affect my energy!

*When the sun shines, I feel mentally better, and because of the mental lift. I want to be up and out more. not sure that I have more energy, or whether it is because I am feeling more positive generally that allows me to do a little more.
I have always suffered from SAD and hate the winter months, plus my pain levels are worse when its cold & damp - so the sunshine does have it positive points for me.

*Transformation, its wonderful, unbelievable what the sun can do.

Question from a member: Cannabis?

I'd be interested to know if anyone else uses Cannabis to help them cope? I'm curious, have any other members have had success with this 'controversial' medicine?

*my mum and I've tried it once but I didn't like the feel so soon put a stop to that ive known a cancer suffer use it to in his last stages bless him.

*It would be interesting to find out if it works !!!

*Some MS sufferers use it

*I have considered it but a)it is illegal and b)side effects

*I tried it. found it helpful but wasn't comfortable doing it illegally and not cheap either.

*I have used it and it does help the pain and my muscles seem to relax more than they do with muscle relaxant prescriptions. My local "herbalist" keeps me supplied.

*Never heard of it.

*I agree, it helps the pain and muscles. Wish I had an herbalist! I would certainly make use of that option.

*The other day I could barely move with the deep aching pain in my lower back and hips, went to the local 'herbalist' legal medically in CO and went from non functional to functional. Mother natures medicine I say, safer the the pharmaceuticals in my opinion.

*As you know I smoke a joint every night to help get me off to sleep, it also helps dull the pain and makes me more comfortable. Another thing it does for me is change the exhausted feeling in me; how to explain?? it still makes me tired and sleepy but without the sick feeling exhaustion you get.

*Its a pity it is illegal in UK but available if you want to break the law. I do not smoke and do not want to start but I have 'eaten' flapjacks loaded with it and I couldn't believe the goodnight sleep I got and in the morning I was not as stiff or sore but felt fine, got a lot more done. I do not use it now it has changed to a B category. I do not want to get others into trouble.

*Can't even stand the smell of it, wish there was something else.

*I used to, and it does help with both sleeping and relaxes your muscles. It also helps with the nausea from the medications.

*I haven't tried it since it is illegal but heard it does help. if it became legal for medical purposes I may be willing to try it.

*Hate the stuff.

*My friend has tried it and says it does help, but I haven't so cannot comment myself.

*A discussion on the subject with my GP revealed that not only can it help with pain, but also nausea, which I suffer with quite badly. Wouldn't it be nice if MPs stopped treating us like children and deciding what was good for us and allowed it to become medically available for those in need? Personally I'd rather take one medication instead of several, but since it's illegal...

*I lived in California when I got Fibro and first thing the doc asked if I wanted to be a Medicated cannabis user, it helped with everything, helped me get out of bed play with kids and feel normal but it was too expensive.

*I have tried cannabis, and I found that it really does take your aches and pains away or at least to a lower level of pain. I also slept like a baby that night, best night sleep I had, had in a very long time. It made me giggle a lot too. However I didn't like the side affects of feeling paranoid. But in my opinion, I did find it helpful and I would do it again.

*In a tea, as a sleep aid

*Helps a lot and you can get it as oil if you hate smoking.

*helps a lot especially with getting sleep as I don't sleep.

*If that's how you cope you with the pain fair enough even though I don't agree.

*Its me again its my hubby who's got Fibro and he's got bipolar so how do you think he copes with the pain and his mental health its very difficult.

*Like with many medications/drugs, what it does for one it may not do for another. It is definitely an individual thing. Also, sometimes it makes me feel one way and other times it makes me feel different. Definitely not a constant affect.

*If it was legal - I would for the really REALLY bad days.

*I've tried it and it defiantly helped the pain, helped me to sleep for a few hours too, downsides were the cost, the taste of smoking it was horrible. Tried making cookies but needed about 4 to get any effect and who can eat 4 cookies in one go, not me plus of course I got terrible case of the munchies and would eat everything in sight, so good and bad:)

*No because it's illegal plus I have bi-polar so not a good idea.

*It may help, I haven't tried it but don't forget the side effects, paranioa,memory loss ( which we all have already ) plus the awful smell! I'll stick with my meds thanks. But hey if it works for you go for it.

*I'm impressed that you can't manage 4 cookies in one go - I could eat a tray full!

*I've considered trying pot in food cos I hate smoking but, like others, I'm worried about the effect on my mental health.

*Montel Williams has spoken out on this issue many times - he would like it legalised for medicinal use. He uses it to ease his MS symptoms.

*I find it very helpful. takes the edge off my pain and keeps me mobile. much better than the legalised heroine the doc's want me to take. also a wee toke isn't addictive, unlike legal meds.

*There is a legal form or cannabis, it comes in a spray form and is called SATIVEX. generally prescribed for people with MS and cancer, although I've heard of one lucky FM sufferer who managed to get it prescribed through the GP. I asked my GP but he wouldn't prescribe it even though my pain specialist recommended it.

*In small amounts it can help tremendously by relaxing the nerves and muscles. But too much and it makes me feel worse. Nancy, be VERY careful about SATIVEX. Maryland is cracking down and making Sativia (which is the same thing) illegal as there is no regulation.

If you happen to live where cannabis is legal through a dispensary, there are many, many options to take it other than smoking it. Peanut butter, candy bars, cookies, drinks, etc. They also make what's called a vaporizer that produces no actual smoke, just vapor - no smell, no harshness. Again, its a very personal thing. Just like some remedies help some Fibro sufferers and others that make no difference at all.

*I did try Cesamet,marijuana pills,they hurt my stomach badly! I have tried smoking small amounts. It does take the edge off and works if you only have 3 to 4 puffs. It helps with pain, sleep and appetite but is still illegal and if you have to buy it,it can be costly but lasts a long time if you grind it in a coffee grinder and use a pipe!

The cost is the biggest thing! Also one very important thing to remember, there are many kinds of marijuana, some make you sleep,some work well on pain and others have bad side effects. Doing research on this will tell you which one to use, sorry can't remember what kind it is that just works on pain!