Weird thing always happens to me when I sit in the sun - does anyone else experience this?

[Grownyourownway]

I’ve experienced this for years and have never really understood what is causing it and I’d say it’s getting worse with age (I’m 51).

It’s a beautiful sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. I’ve just had some lunch, popped out some washing and thought I’d sit in the garden for 5 mins with the sun on my arms (to top up my vit d).

I am not a sun worshipper at all and here is why.

Literally, within those 5 mins I started to feel weird. My heart starts racing, I feel nauseous, tummy churning and I end up feeling very weak and shaky (the only way I can describe it is as though my blood sugar levels have suddenly plummeted- I am not a diabetic (to my knowledge).

I would understand if I’d been sitting there for ages but this is literally after 5 minutes. If I stay any longer I often end up with an upset stomach (I have suffered for years with IBS but can’t understand how sitting in the sun for a short while could cause me to have sudden diarrhoea?).

What could actually be causing this? Even after I’ve sat in the shade or I have come indoors I am still left with this weird weak, shaky and nauseous feeling for ages (and right now I’m also burping loads after those 5 mins in the sun, wft?).

Can anyone help me shed any light on this? I usually have to spend each summer in the shade and a full day on the beach or somewhere without shade is a big no-no.

Vampire?

(sorry, that’s no help)

I am the same!!

I thought I was the only one. Definitely getting worse than it was a few years ago.

it's very rare but I have heard of people being allergic to the sun (I think I remember there being a channel 4 documentary about it years ago?!) but I just had quick google and it seems like it causes skin issues rather than what you're describing – I wonder if Anti-histamines might be worth a shot anyway?

Although most of the advise when I just looked it up was just to avoid the sun unfortunately

I went on a girl guide trip with someone who was allergic to UV rays. This is definitely a thing!

That sounds very mysterious (and incredibly frustrating). My inner scientist is coming out.
Does it happen if you wear a hat? Sunglasses? If you’re well covered in high factor sunscreen, or completely clothed with long sleeves, does it happen? What about if you’re mostly in the shade but just your legs in the sun for example? You mentioned sitting in the sun but does the same thing happen if you’re walking in the sun?
I’m sorry , this isn’t helpful at all but I’m very curious!

I’d definitely try antihistamine tablets in the first instance to see if that helped.

Is it some sort of migraine?

A lot of those symptoms sound like heat intolerance

https://www.health.com/mind-body/heat-intolerance

I have it too. I'm now in my 60s, I think it did get worse after menopause but I can remember it happening in my 20s.

Vasovagal syncope? Seems heat exposure can be a trigger. I have the exact same symptoms as you (will also faint if I don't sit down quick enough), but at the sight of blood rather than heat. Prettt unpleasant (and inconvenient)...

I've no idea what that is, but if I sit out in the sun and then go back in the house and look in the mirror, I look white as a sheet as if I'm unwell, and feel like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards. I've always felt this is peculiar to me and that everyone else looks sunkissed and happy!

Pots?

Agree maybe PoTs? Dysautonomia?

Isn't lupus an sutoimmune reaction to the sun? I think you usually get a rash but not always

Well, actually I am much happier when it turns dark……….🧛‍♀️

I wonder why Bringonthesunforthewashing are you anywhere near menopause? I’m in perimenopause and it’s definitely exacerbating this, whatever it is?

BillStickersWillBeProsocuted I’ve watched similar documentaries where the poor sufferers have to spend most of their time in the dark. Gosh, I hope it doesn’t get that bad!

moggle I do seem to come over funny in the heat more than anything I suppose although it does feel as though direct sunshine really makes things worse. I’m not that great with heat or cold tbh, I have Raynauds and find the very cold weather upsets me also.

Thanks moggle I’ve nothing to lose by trying an anti histamine.

I definitely have all of those symptoms and it’s definitely getting worse in peri too.

I experience this too. I can not describe what the sight of blood does to me, I’ve been like that since I was a child. It’s a really extreme reaction but I really can’t help it. I’ve fainted during many blood tests, just thought I was a bit of a whimp!

That’s me to a t. The sunshine makes everyone I know feel so much better, they can sit out in it all day but it genuinely makes me feel rough. It’s such a shame because I love a bright day but not the way it makes me feel.

25mini7 CherryRipe1 my daughter was tested for pots as she is quite a ‘faintly’ person but they said she was ok.
At the time I did wonder if I may have it. I’m pretty certain I have EDS or at the very least joint hypermobility and I know they can be connected. Maybe I need to look into that a bit?

pinkzebra02 I don’t tend do get a rash. I have a friend with lupus I will ask her about her symptoms.

Interesting - I have joint hypermobility syndrome.

I'm on a daily antihistamine for generalised allergies (skin, eyes and sinuses), but I become ill in the sun (and also in high temperatures even inside the house). I'm just assuming that I'm severely heat intolerant as even temps of 18 C are uncomfortable for me. Direct sunlight and I get weak, shaky, heart races and I feel panicky. I've been known to sit and cry once it gets up to 27 C+

Interesting. So on hot days do you struggle to be outside for more than a few mins at all, eg a walk to the shops? Or it is mainly when you've been sitting?

Twelvetimes apparently a very high percentage of people with eds also have pots.

You have my utmost sympathy sp1ders I too cry during the heatwaves, I can’t explain to people just how rotten it leaves me feeling, it is so much more than feeling a bit hot under the collar, it leaves me feeling rough.

YellowHairband basically yes, I can feel just awful in a very short space of time. I tend to keep out of the heat and sun during the height of summer. On the odd day I’ve been caught out walking or being in the direct sun I’ll almost guarantee I’ll need to take to my bed as soon as I’m home.

I get this, though not as severe as what you describe. I tried to narrow it down and I'm pretty sure it's the direct sunlight on my head that's the problem. If I wear a comfortable loose-ish hat that stops the sun beating down on the top of my head, I can tolerate much longer in the sun. Also helps to shade my eyes and face to avoid squinting etc., but it's protecting the top of my head that really seems to make the difference. I dunno, maybe it's all in my mind, but worth a try maybe.