I love autumn. The heat and humidity of summer are gone, and with them a lot of my extra fatigue and other symptoms have gone. And it’s pretty. The sky is clear most days, the leaves change colors (they’re just beginning now,) and the air is crisp. 
I’m happy every time I look out the window and see the lovely weather. This picture is from last year, but you get the idea.
Of course, right now we’re in a transitional time. Right now, summer is mostly over, but not quite. And it’s mostly autumn, but not entirely. We haven’t transitioned completely to the cool days yet. Sometimes I’m hot in a t-shirt and sometimes I need a sweater. It’s mixed.
And we all know what that means, right? If you don’t experience worsening symptoms during spring and fall, then you’ve probably heard from others who do. My rheumatologist says that her phone rings constantly in the spring and fall.
For me, spring is definitely worse. My body seems to know that bad times are coming, with summer on the way, so it goes haywire. But autumn isn’t the easiest thing either. For the last couple of weeks, it seems to have manifested itself as worsening joint pain, especially in my fingers and wrists. Now, I’ve had pain in these areas for more than 20 years, so it’s not like I can’t handle the pain itself. What’s bothering me is that no movement causes stiffness, and small movements from fidgeting makes it worse. Big movements are good, like washing dishes or cooking or sorting through a pile of books (as long as they aren’t too heavy.) And the problem is that I just don’t have enough of these big movements to keep my joints happy. I’m home a lot these days, so I’m open to suggestions for things I can do at home to keep my fingers and joints useful without using up too many of my spoons. Typing on the computer or reading or watching tv all seem to be bad things for my achy hands, and that’s how I usually fill my days, so I’d love some new ideas.
How’s autumn for you? Is it a rough transition, or is your body just glad to be out of summer?
Good luck during the changing of the seasons CI folks! At least it’s pretty.
Chronic Rants 
Sounds like your achy hands need a massage and manicure to me. Good excuse for some nice fall color too. 😉
I like the way you think!
The transition time is bad for me but since I have fibromyalgia the storms, heat and humidity of the summer make my pain worse. Storms bother me in the spring and fall too but the pressure usually isn’t as bad during those. Heat makes me feel nauseous so I love fall. Its my favorite time of year. Winter makes my jaw and joints ache but the pain is better in other ways. I color a lot with crayons and coloring books. You could see if that helps with the stiffness in your hands. It takes my mind off the pain too.
I used to color and for some reason I stopped. That’s a good idea – even if it doesn’t help the pain, it’s just lots of fun! Congratulations on making it into your “better” season!