Does anyone have any experience with Raynaud's syndrome?

[Evil Genius]

I had two attacks this weekend of Raynaud's. Certainly not something I care to repeat. I've been told to buy heavy gloves, warm socks and to keep my ears and nose covered in the cold weather. Any other tips from sufferers that I should know about?

 

[Green Tea]

Sometimes I have to wear a glove on one hand even in the house. My Michael jackson thing. I have not had experience with the other parts you mention.

 

[momof5boys]

Even with gloves I still have a problem. I love my UGG boots for my feet though, they keep me warm. I can't stand reaching into the freezer, I should probably wear gloves for that but I am too lazy. It has been getting worse over the years, more fingers are affected and they stay white for longer periods of time. I don't have any other suggestions though. Good luck!

 

[Magic Mom]

I saw a news report a couple of weeks ago that said Viagra and Cialis was now being used to treat Reynauds. Serioulsy...I think it was on ABC.

 

[Christine]

Two of my friends have it. They were gloves a LOT. It's very cold in my office so they wear them at their desk. I don't think there is much you can do but try not to let the affected body parts get cold.

The Viagra and Cialis make sense as they work on getting blood flow to extremities.

 

[Shadeaux]

Years ago, my doctor suggested vitamin E. He had some patients who were hunters; the vitamin E helped their Raynaud's enough so they could hunt in winter. He also said blood pressure meds help, but at the time I didn't want to try something that drastic. I tried vitamin E and it worked pretty well. Unfortunately, now I'm needing meds for high blood pressure....I've noticed my Raynaud's isn't as bad as it used to be. I still get days where my hands, feet & nose are freezing, but it's not nearly as bad as it used to be.

 

[RunningGirl]

Ugg shoes. I've got Bettey's which I purchased on zappos. Expensive, but well worth it. I wear them inside and out!

 

[cm8]

I had two attacks this weekend of Raynaud's. Certainly not something I care to repeat. I've been told to buy heavy gloves, warm socks and to keep my ears and nose covered in the cold weather. Any other tips from sufferers that I should know about?

I have that as well (related to my PM/scl) and it is very hard for me to stay warm. I use those heat packs ( the ones you shake to activate last for 10 hours) when I need extra assistance staying warm. I layer up and still find at times my feet are freezing and the tips of my fingers are cold and ulcerated. I try to keep my hands warm by sitting on them when not in use and making sure that I wear socks with my house slippers. I sleep with my socks on too.

Run your fingers and toes under some warm water. Get the blood flowing by massaging your hands and feet.
If a stressful situation has triggered the attack then remove yourself from the situation and practice some deep breathing or other relaxation techniques. The only other thing I can think of is getting on a Vasodilator that would help your blood vessels open up more, but that is something that you should talk to your physician about.


I would say move to a warmer climate too as that can help as well, but that is easier said then done! Wouldn't be awesome to live so close to WDW.

 

[amg35]

I saw a news report a couple of weeks ago that said Viagra and Cialis was now being used to treat Reynauds. Serioulsy...I think it was on ABC.

That's true! My sister has vasculitis (secondary Reynaud's) from her lupus and they used Viagra to try and treat it. Of course, insurance wouldn't pay cover it, but they do use it.

 

[arminnie]

I saw a news report a couple of weeks ago that said Viagra and Cialis was now being used to treat Reynauds. Serioulsy...I think it was on ABC.

I don't mean to demean your diagnosis - but I will tell you of funny incident with my 89 year old father.

He came home from a visit with his new doctor (female) telling me that she had given him this new prescripton but he didn't know why. It was Allegra for his allergies, but he got it confused with Viagra. I have never laughed so hard in my life.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

My niece suffers from this and always carries those disposable hand warmers with her no matter what the season. In the winter time she tucks them into her shoes and gloves. In the warmer months she wears a light jacket and keeps them in her jacket pockets and puts her hands in her pockets to warm up with the hand warmers.

You can buy them by the case at Costco or Sam's Club and probably online.