Wellness

[hick]

I was diagnosed with this about 6 months ago.  I never had any health problems prior to this diagnosis.

Just wondering if anyone else is dealing with this.

[50Mickey]

@hick     My sister had Reynaud's syndrome. She also had an autoimmune disease that was very serious. Some have Reynaud's with no underlying autoimmune issues.  This is called Reynaud's Phenomenon. My sister's hands would turn blue all the way up to her wrists with the slightest chill in the air. She learned to keep gloves nearby anytime she went in a store that was air conditioned. I don't know that there is any treatment for this. But you should see a Rheumatologist.  I wish you the best. I hope you live in a warm climate. 

[on the bay]

I've had it for many years and just learned to live with it. I first noticed it when I was sittting outside one day long ago and my hands were white and felt like ice blocks. When I would go to the doctor they would comment on my purple knees. I have a lot of pretty gloves that match many outfits! 😊

I once was prescribed something for it and forgot what it was called but it made my heart pound so I stopped.

I just carry gloves in my purse, in the car, in my coat pockets. Summertime and air condition is just as bad as winter and cold.

I guess I'm used to it and find it an annoyance (and yes also painful) esp when driving. I think the main thing is make sure your hands don't get too cold. Then you start to feel not well all over.

I have Carpal Tunnel even after surgeries too so that makes it worse and not very nice. 

Yes, I think a rheumatologist, a good one hopefully would be the way to go. But don't feel you have to like any prescription that is prescribed.

I was pretty young when first diagnosed 

Welcome here!

[SilleeMee]

I have it and it's a key symptom of having scleroderma AI disease. Raynaud's was one of the very first things which happened to me before I was officially diagnosed with scleroderma twenty years ago. 

Keep your hands warm and shield them from air passing over them...a breeze from a room fan or an outdoor wind can set it off, even during the warmer months.

[50Mickey]

@SilleeMee   Reynauds was the first sympton that lead to my sister's diagnosis of scleroderma also. We both worked in a building that kept the air conditioning blasting away during the summer. She would go into the restroom and run her hands under warm water to get the blood flowing again. Her hands would go from blue to white to pink.

[SilleeMee]

@50Mickey 

My doctor gave me a Rx for a BP med (nifedipine) which dilated my blood vessels in my hands and feet so the blood could circulate to those areas. Before that my hands and feet would get so cold then the Raynauds would get to my hands and my fingers would turn white as if I had painted them with white paint. It was painful when the blood came back.

I had undiagnosed high BP at that time so that contributed to the Raynauds. Today I no longer take Rx meds of any kind and I do not have any episodes of Raynauds either. I have focused on my diet and exercise to give me that good fortune.

ETA - For me adding a turmeric supplement really helped stop my bouts with Raynauds. I can't say enough about that supp.

[BirkiLady]

Reynaud's also is common with Lupus, RA, diabetes, or many other health problems. Like previous posters, I've had it for years.

Keeping gloves handy is about the best advice given and warm water to bring the blood flowing back into your veins of hands, feet or other areas. There is a danger of amputation if the fingers or toes (or whatever area) becomes too cold for too long. Talk with your Rheumatologist about Reynaud's. It's often along with other autoimmune diseases.

[LindaSal]

@hick I've had this condition since I was in my 20's.  My physician has never sent me out to a Rheumatoid specialist and I have never taken meds for it.  Mine do get really bad at times, mostly in the winter.  But as another poster stated, the trick is to not let your hands and feet become cold in the first place.  I live in the northeast so I always keep gloves in my car and handwarmers. (I actually buy them in bulk!)   As much effort I put in,  it still comes on suddenly at times.  The handwarmers are a Godsend and really help the blood start to flow again.   It was so bad one time I was at the supermarket and the cashier had to help me take my credit card out of my wallet, my fingers were so numb I could barely function.   Warmth warmth warmth!!!  Be well.

[Growing]

Yes, I was finally diagnosed with mid level Raynauds this summer by a vascular cardiologist. My hands and feet get really cold and painful. I was given a calcium channel blocker that worked wonderfully except it has lactose in the pills (nifedipine generic). I am allergic to milk so I had symptoms of this allergy and had to stop. Then I tried another same type but without lactose. It seems to work but lately I have had a UTI and liver pain and I stopped the calcium channel blocker just to see. My hands and feet are now cold and painful again. Soon as I am done with this terrible UTI, I will go back on the calcium channel blocker.

There are FARInfared gloves and socks that are absolutely wonderful. They warm up hands and feet. Just google them as there are several brands. Worth the high price. 

[hick]

I appreciate everyone's information about this disease.   I was diagnosed by the dermatologist who took a biopsy and also the rheumatologist who confirmed his diagnosis.

My symptoms appeared 2 weeks after my second shot of Moderna.  The rheumatologist started me on hydroxychloroquine.  I have worries that this will progress into scleroderma.

I am really upset that I have to wear gloves to drink my evening martini out of a chilled glass.