I dread the summer/hot weather because of how it makes me feel physically. Anyone else get this?

[RJB73]

I have experienced this for decades.

I despise the winter as I am always feeling cold with cold hands and cold feet (I wear two pairs of socks in the winter months) yet I love the dark nights for sleep. I never sleep well in the summer months.

However, as much as I look forward to the better weather I feel that I can only really enjoy a few spring and later summer weeks. High summer and heat/sun exposure leaves me feeling dreadful.

I always feel crappy tbh but endless GP and hospital tests have found nothing major. I'm certain my GP has me down as someone with health anxiety but I genuinely do feel below par a lot of the time.

If I sit outside in the sunshine (which I love but can not do) or even in the shade on a hot day I end up feeling weird. I've just sat outside for a short time as it is lovely today and now my face is boiling hot yet my body and hands are freezing, hands are like ice which is typical for me.

I have a history of upper and lower gut issues. Sitting in the sun can often leave me feeling really nauseous and I have been known to have an attack of diarrhoea after being in the sun for just a short time. I have a diagnosis of IBS and functional dyspepsia (2 colonoscopies, bile acid scan, fit tests all clear). No coeliac disease or ibd. For almost 30 years I have struggled with daily gut issues which have only gotten worse since being in perimenopause (I am 52 now). Absolutely nothing I've tried over these 3 decades have fully controlled things.

All blood tests such as thyroid panel, vit d, b12 etc all normal. I was iron deficient for many years and I had infusions in 2022.

I often feel very nauseous, burp alot, stomach growls horribly as though I may either throw up or need the loo quickly, this is all exacerbated in the sun and summer months etc. My gastroenterologist isn't particularly interested in my symptoms anymore.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis 18 months ago following decades of gynae issues but I can't see that could be connected to my issues with the sun/heat?

What the heck could cause this? I don't know anyone else who struggles with this. I want to be able to enjoy the summer instead I dread the thought of those awful heatwaves we get these days. I'm happy with an autumn or early spring temperature.

Is this normal?

Do you have Reynauds?

I've not had an official diagnosis other than my GP telling me that I probably have it. My grandfather suffered from it. Not sure if it runs in families?

You need to be checked for Reynauds. Primary Reynauds can run in families.

if you have ever experienced sun stroke (even as a teen or child) it can leave you feeling similar to this for all other sun exposure events.

do you wear a wide brimmed hat, good sunglasses and choose weather appropriate clothing?
are you on any meds some vitamins can leave you sun and heat sensitive (i believe the b group).
if you have one "itis" it also makes you more likely to have multiple other autoimmune conditions.

This could well be a manifestation of Reynauds. In which case it needs further investigation as Reynauds can cause damage to internal organs.

IANAHCP. I had a colleague with Reynauds, who, like you, felt ill after being in hot sunshine, and had gastric issues which were always worse in summer.

I will make an appointment with my GP next week to find out what is going on.