Moving climates to Help RA

Firstly let me say what an understanding husband you have. Secondly, in my experience there is no one magic place to live to help you with RA. I’m sitting here actually day dreaming about living in a community full of us, supporting one another! But back to my answer. I have lived where it is cold for 9 months of the year which was very hard. I have lived in dry heat 100% of the year and have lived in heat plus humidity for 9ish months of the year-I’m finding the humidity as I age very difficult. I loved the dry heat the best…80-90-100 F sign me up. It was the constant need of a/c for others that did me in. Going from heat to cold was brutal.
The change in weather is difficult, storms are difficult. I wish there was scientific research that told us why-I want very much to see the data as I’m science driven.
I think you will have to find your own happy place as it’s different for everyone. Some of us love the heat, others hate it etc.
I do wish you the best in finding what works for you. My adult child was diagnosed recently and I’m seeing my own initial struggle through different eyes now.
My best to you and yours

Hi . I can't personally speak to making such a move, although my wife (Kelly Mack, who is a contributor here and diagnosed at age two, 45 years ago) and I have talked about heading south for retirement because she does better in the heat. This illustrates a point I want to make - different people react differently to weather and climate. Some feel the changes in the seasons: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/weather-related-shoulder-pain. Some feel the rain: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/joint-pain-weather. Here's a Forum discussion where community members discuss various weather impacts: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/forums/weather-changes. It may take some time before you know how, or even if, weather impacts you.
In the early days it is important to find a treatment to get your RA under control (see here for example on the importance of early treatment: https://rmdopen.bmj.com/content/1/Suppl_1/e000057). Are you seeing a rheumatologist and have you discussed treatment? Our patient leaders have written a number of articles for the newly diagnosed, such as this two part series from Kat: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/support-new-diagnosis and https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/care-management. One thing I want to stress is that a full and happy life is possible. Please know that people here understand and that this community is here for you. Feel free to ask questions. Best, Richard (Team Member)

It's certainly different for each of us. I lived in Colorado where the extreme changes were a big problem. Then I lived in Las Vegas where I loved the desert heat hugging me like a warm blanket however Vegas has a shortage of decent rheumatologist. Now I am firmly planted in my original hometown of Cleveland Ohio.

The bottom line is the health care here is second to none, and that's what must be considered before making a move.

I have other chronic illnesses that are exacerbated by the kind of heat and humidity the southern states have. The humidity here is tolerable. As for remission ... in 20 years I have never experienced it, and my RA is rather severe.

All the best to anyone considering a move.

I love living in Southern California with dry, consistent heat. We used to shuttle between north and south, now permanently south. I can’t handle humidity at all. Plus being where I am I can swim 9 months out of the year and swimming has been my salvation with this. Maybe try a vacation rental somewhere and see how you feel? Good luck