The winter blues.

Good morning and Happy Thursday, Forever Hope Family.

We are now in the Autumn season here in South Africa, and the temperatures have dropped drastically over the past few days. For many people, it may not even seem “that cold” … but for me, when the chill sets in, my fingers burn, my toes swell, and my body reminds me that autumn and winter are more than just seasons … they are a test.

I live with an invisible battle happening internally every single day.

Cold mornings and evenings are the hardest. No matter what I do, I always feel like I cannot warm up. I have recently been medically diagnosed with both APS and chilblains ... which, to me, feels like living in a body that is “always cold.”

Many people often ask me:

“Why are you always cold?”

“Why do you dread winter so much?”

APS (Antiphospholipid Syndrome) is an autoimmune condition that makes my blood more likely to clot, which affects circulation. I already struggle with impaired circulation, and APS amplifies chilblains.

Chilblains are small, painful, itchy swellings that flare up during cold, damp weather. They happen when cold constricts the blood vessels and sudden warming causes inflammation. They make my skin burn, swell, and sometimes even blister.

For someone with APS, chilblains hit even harder because circulation is already fragile.

Cold weather narrows blood vessels.

APS reduces circulation efficiency.

Chilblains flare when the cold-damp cycle repeats.

The result?

Winter becomes a season of constant pain, discomfort, and exhaustion.

In having a diagnosis also means something important:

I can finally tell people this isn’t me being “sensitive to cold” … this is a real medical condition.

To anyone else silently struggling through the colder months with chronic illness, autoimmune disease, circulation issues, or invisible pain ... I see you, and you are not alone.

A few things that help me, that can help you too:

* Loose, warm layers

* Wool socks and insulated gloves

* Warming gradually instead of sudden heat

* Moisturizing regularly

* Staying dry

* Gentle movement to improve circulation

* Keeping my home environment warm

* Avoiding smoking and too much caffeine

Please be kind to people fighting battles you cannot see.

If you feel the same ... always cold, always hurting during winter, constantly struggling with circulation or painful flare-ups, please do not ignore it. Get tested, seek answers, and advocate for your health.

Wishing you all warmth, strength, and a peaceful Thursday ahead.