Raynaud's Disease
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Raynaud's Disease
March 2008
My daughter was diagnosed with Raynaud's this year at the age of fifteen. Raynaud's
is basically a condition which involves episodes of ''cold hands and feet,'' sometimes
resulting in an extreme but transitory change of color from red to white in the
fingers and toes, although, with her, it's mainly her hands. Most of the time it does
not seem to be a big problem (although she really struggled with it when she went
skiing this winter). What worries me is that Raynaud's can be associated with some
pretty scary connective-tissue disorder like lupus and scleroderma and is
considered an auto-immune disprder. She has also tested postive for the
anti-nuclear antibodies which, along with Raynaud's, can indicate a higher
possibility for developing an underlying disease. I am planning to get her evaluated
by
a rheumatologist but am curious if anyone has dealt with this syndrome in
their child. I did not see any posts on Raynaud's in the archive and am feeling
extremely anxious about what she may be facing in the future.
Thanks.
hoping its only cold hands
Hi,
I'll be curious to read other responses on this topic. I
am a 40-something woman and I diagnosed myself as having
Raynaud's disease when I was in my 20's because of the cold
hands and feet, quickly changing from white to red. I have
never had any treatment for it (but again, will be
interested in hearing responses). I think I read that
biofeedback might be helpful but I never got around to
doing it. Other than that I'm extremely healthy (knock on
wood). So, I don't think having Raynaud's disease
necessarily means that one will have other health problems.
I have decided, however, that I probably shouldn't go on an
expedition to Antarctica, as I think I'd be more vulnerable
to frostbite due to poor circulation. I would guess that
this isn't something to worry about, but I'd love to hear
from some better-informed folks.
cold hands, warm heart
I have had Raynaud's for 18 years. I am 58. My Raynaud's
is associated with an elevated ANA. Each elevated ANA is
correlated to a different auto-immune disorder. My
Raynaud's has been stable for the past 10 years and has
not progressed to any serious auto-immune disorder. Some
Raynaud's is not associated with auto immune disorders,
when the ANA is not elevated.
Long story short...get excellent information on
Raynauds.org
Stay warm. I make heat socks out of baby socks filled with
white rice. Close with a rubber band and heat in the
microwave for about 20 seconds. Ahhh...
Living with Raynaud's
I've had Raynaud's for many years. My fingers and toes turn
yellow (no blood circulating at all) when it is chilly cold,
especially if there is an emotional component to the
situation. The best quick solution is to use centrifugal
force. The ''windmill'' technique (swinging your arms
vigorously like you are winding up for the pitch) works well
for fingers, if you don't mind looking like an idiot in a
public place. (Of course, it doesn't work for toes.) Warm
water also works, though it takes time. Rubbing, putting on
gloves, or breathing warm air on the effected extremities
haven't ever worked for me. I've researched biofeedback and
other forms of conditioning. Aside from being very
expensive, it is time-consuming and uncomfortable. Imagine
sitting in a cold room without a jacket but with your hands
(and feet) in an insulated container of warm water, 20
minutes at a time, several times per week, for weeks. The
idea is to ''teach'' your blood vessels to open when you are
cold. I recommend just trying to avoid situations that
bring on the Raynaud's. Good luck!
Ruth
this page was last updated: Sep 15, 2008
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