Heat vs. Fatigue: Hyperthermia as a Possible Treatment Option for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), 2025, Hochecker

[NelliePledge]

I think any extended exposure to hot (for here) temperatures makes my symptoms worse. Recent warm days have taken several days to get over. On the other hand when I go to the spa a couple of times a year I do feel some physical benefit from a couple of short spells 15 minutes-ish in the steam room, however there is a cold shower and ice water just outside to cool off so this is not a prolonged exposure.


Similarly on a regular basis i do feel benefit from sitting in warm shower with the water aimed on shoulder/back but reckon that’s just normal when you recline a lot and muscles get stiff.


I don’t feel worse from cold weather to the same extent as hot weather but I am seriously overweight so it is logical that the body fat would affect that. And layers of clothing are simple mitigation.

 

[Varda]

In Sweden we have had 29-30 degrees since last Wednesday and I am in hell. I feel so sick, it’s unbelievable. This morning I felt like my body was going to shut down because of the uncomfortable temperature and pressure. I have a portable AC and a fan but it’s not helping my symptoms. I am 100% worse when the temperature is high. I can’t imagine how heat would ”treat” me ME/CFS.

 

[hotblack]

I hear you and empathise @Varda Hoping for autumn to come sooner rather than later.

Then again I have problems when I get too cold too. It’s just either less bad or more likely a lot easier to avoid/control than heat.

Understanding why his happens to so many of us, and our bodies react so oddly, particularly for those who are severe it seems, would I think tell us a lot about ME.

 

[Varda]

Then again I have problems when I get too cold too. It’s just either less bad or more likely a lot easier to avoid/control than heat.

I am the same with too cold. I find it manageable with an electric blanket och two duvets ha ha ha

 

[sneyz]

Understanding why his happens to so many of us, and our bodies react so oddly, particularly for those who are severe it seems, would I think tell us a lot about ME.

Wonder if what Systrom is proposing with regards to peripheral shunting would lead to worse temperature regulation. If the total blood volume on average travels a higher diameter path than it is supposed to, surely heat exchange would be impacted?