Raynaud Phenomenon

Question: What drug can I take to help with my Raynaud's phenomenon ?

Answer: Raynaud's Phenomenon is treated the same way as Raynaud's they recommend a Vasodilator drug.

Question: raynaud's phenomenon..? I have raynaud phenomenon for about 2 months now.. Usually when i get it affects my feet , hands mostly and my face.. I was just wondering if you can go blind from this and does it cause you to be weak , cause i usually feel very faint... Also what is the difference between pirmary and secondary ? tnks...

Answer: Superficial research doesn't suggest a link between Reynaud's and any eye problem, nor low blood pressure (which is what you have when you feel faint). Reynaud's is often the first presenting symptom to a host of related illnesses, all more life-changing or serious than Reynaud's, which may not be diagnosed for 20 years or more after the onset of primary Reynaud's, but having primary Reynaud's doesn't mean you'll get anything more. Apparently there are many forms of treatment, plus a few lifestyle changes (smoking and birth control or other hormone evaluation) which have positive effects. A biggie is avoiding triggers like cold and excessive vibration. Primary Reynaud's is the circulatory problem presenting as the only symptom. Secondary Reynaud's (aka Reynaud's Syndrome) is the symptoms occurring as part of another disease and usually doesn't happen in those under 35.

Question: Raynaud Phenomenon Syndrome Question. Can you help me? Around two years ago I was diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon. I was about 11 or 12, I can't recall [Bad memory, LOL x___x]. I can't stand it anymore. It's hard to live with it. My hands are horrible, and so are my feet. My fingers, already slightly fattened, but not much, look so horrid whenever they start turning colors. I can be outside for barely 20 seconds and my knuckles will turn a nasty hue of purpleish blue, whereas my friends are fine! And when I come back inside, my hands are very red, very swollen, little feeling in them, barely tingling, and very hot. My face sometimes warms up severely, and I become red, even when I'm just sitting down, drawing, eating, doing homework, whatever. And even if I've not been outside, my fingers just randomly start tingling and turn red. Are there any at-home remedies, or some kind of treatment I can do by myself, without a doctor? Thanks so much... -Ashley I do most of those, but, why can't I ever smoke? o___O? my entire family smokes. Should I tell them of more dangers, other than second hand?

Answer: I know how you feel, I also have Raynaud's and it is a pain in the butt. A few things that might help your condition include... 1. Exercise. The more you exercise, the better your circulation, and that's what Raynaud's is - a hyper-reaction of your circulatory system to external temperature changes. So the better your circulation, the less severe your reactions. 2. Keep warm. Even if it's not cold outside, keep a light sweater with you everywhere you go, so that if you feel an episode coming on, you can throw on the sweater and try to avoid it. Gloves are also a good idea. 3. Sit on your hands. It sounds weird, but whenever I am somewhere that I am sitting I will sit on my hands to keep them toasty so I don't have an episode. 4. Don't smoke. Smoking decreases the ability of your circulatory system, and as mentioned before, that is the whole basis of Raynaud's - poor circulation. If you smoke you decrease the diameter of the capillaries in your body, which means less blood flow, which for someone like you equates to worsened Raynaud's episodes. Good luck!

Question: anybody who has raynaud's phenomenon or knows alot about it? my doctor told me i probably have it. my pinky finger and occasionally some other fingers/toes loose all color and feeling. after dousing them in hot water or rubbing for a few minutes the circulation continues, turning the finger a brighter red and causing a throbbing. does anyone know how to treat this?? thank you so much!

Answer: My brother has this. His doctor told him to quit smoking. When he tried and succeeded (for a short while) it did improve. The minute he told me about it, I checked it out online. The best website I have found on the subject is this one: http://www.medicinenet.com/raynauds_phenomenon/article.htm It will answer most of your questions and might help you to ask better questions of your doctor. The better your questions, the better your doctor can help you. Also, the better informed you are of the condition, the more information you can give your doctor. Remember, though, that not everyone has every symptom, nor do they all respond the same way to treatment. One more thing, stress is the body's emeny. It affects every area of the body and almost every disease or condition. I know it sure affects my brother. Reducing your stress will help. I hope this helps you.

Question: Cigarette smoking and Raynaud's phenomenon? Why does smoking cause Raynaud's phenomenon? Does it make it worse? Im wondering because I smoke, and I just can't quit right now. Is it that big of a deal? Thanks!

Answer: According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, Smoking does make it worse ("Smoking worsens frequency and intensity of attacks"), but doesn't necessarily cause it ("the cause of the phenomenon is believed to be the result of vasospasms that decrease blood supply to the respective regions") The wiki article also has some advice.. * Avoidance of any environmental triggers, e.g. cold, vibration, etc. (although emotional stress is a recognized trigger, it tends to be impossible to consciously avoid). * Warm clothing for the extremities such as mittens or HeatBands * Hormone regulation and assessment of the type of hormonal contraception used, if any. Contraception which is low in estrogen is preferable, and the progesterone only pill is often prescribed. * Smoking cessation.

Question: Severe Raynaud's Phenomenon? Is there a disease or disorder of-some-sort that is similar to similar to Raynaud's Phenomenon but effects mainly people that have long extremitys. i also know that there are only about one in 10,000 people who get this. (it is very rare)

Answer: Raynaud's phenomenon (Raynaud's disease) is vasospasm of parts of the hand in response to cold or emotional stress, causing reversible discomfort and color changes (pallor, cyanosis, erythema, or a combination) in one or more digits. Occasionally, other acral parts (eg, nose, tongue) are affected. The disorder may be primary or secondary. Diagnosis is clinical; testing focuses on distinguishing primary from secondary disease. Treatment of uncomplicated cases includes avoidance of cold, biofeedback, smoking cessation, and, as needed, vasodilating Ca channel blockers (eg, nifedipine) or prazosin. Do you mean "Acromegaly"? Acromegaly is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by the presence of too much growth hormone. It results in gradual enlargement of body tissues including the bones of the face, jaw, hands, feet, and skull. Acromegaly occurs in about 6 of every 100,000 adults. Please see the web pages for more details on Raynauld's phenomenon and Acromegaly.

Question: stupid raynaud's phenomenon !? i was diagnosed with raynaud's phenomenon and i was just wondering if anybody new a good method to treat the pain.

Answer: Your doctor would be the best one to consult for painkillers as they're the one who knows what you are allergic to. As it is a condition regarding circulation you would need to be on the look out for ingredients that are contraindicated to it.

Question: Can Raynaud's phenomenon ever become truly dangerous, to the point of losing fingers or toes? I am a 23 yr old female, and I was diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon when I was about 13. Since then, it has only been getting worse, and now I am getting Raynaud's attacks sometimes after only eating! Sometimes after I eat, I get so cold I have to put on extra clothing, and I often lose all blood flow to my fingers so that they are completely white. Being outside in not-so-cold weather (around 10 - 5 degrees C) will also trigger an attack. To soothe the pain and try to get blood back in my fingers and sometimes toes, I soak my hands/feet in warm water for a few mintues, trying to push blood back into my hands. It has been working okay, but I am getting really scared that if I am not near warm water or have no way of warming my hands, if I am having Raynaud's attack for more than 30 minutes to an hour, do I risk losing fingers or toes? When is Raynaud's bad enough that you should seriously consider going on medication? Thanks!!!

Answer: The Mayo Clinic's article on Raynaud's states the following: "If Raynaud's is severe — which is rare — blood circulation to your fingers or toes could permanently diminish, causing deformities of your fingers or toes. If an artery to an affected area becomes blocked completely, sores (skin ulcers) or dead tissue (gangrene) may develop. Ulcers and gangrene can be difficult to treat. See your doctor right away if you have a history of severe Raynaud's and develop an ulcer or infection in one of your affected fingers or toes." http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/raynauds-disease/DS00433/DSECTION=complications I would see your doctor. I have this problem too (mine started after treatment for cancer) and I constantly get attacks living in the northeast, especially when driving my car home from work. There are drugs that can help with this disorder, though I have not personally tried any. Best of luck to you.

Question: Raynaud's Phenomenon Help Pleasee?**? Heyy , since i was about 8 i have noticed that whenever it is slighty cold or absolutely freezing my fingers turn BRIGHT white then blue. I always wear gloves/hat and that when its cold, but they always turn that colour. Also they really hurt, tingle and turn numb. After about 2hours they turn really red and swollen and then they go back to their normal colour - finally! This happens to me atleast once a day, and its really worrying me. Im 14 and female, could any1 that maybe has Raynaud's Phenomenon or is a doctor tell me if this is what i have, and how to avoid/help it, or if i have it completely wrong! (: thanks x ??????????

Answer: it could possibly be Renaud's phenomenon and is certainly worth getting a doctor to diagnose

Question: Reasons for getting cold easily other than anemia,Raynaud's Phenomenon, underweight or hypothyroidism? I: have normal hemoglobin levels have a normal thyroid (have had it checked) am in the normal range for my height (5'7"ish and between 130-145lbs). get 6-8 hours of sleep every night. eat two small meals a day because if I eat more than that I feel sick and have always eaten very little. was in weight training for 1.5 years and was still easily cold while lifting weights. take a multivitamin, super B-complex, and calcium-vitamin D every day have a normal core temperature. Everything I've read always mentions anemia, hypothyroidism or Raynaud's Phenomenon and low weight as reasons for getting easily cold. But I don't have any of the above listed causes. I just get cold really easily (below 70ish is freezing for me) and get chills. I haven't always been like this; I used to wear shorts and T-shirt in the middle of winter when I was younger. My feet especially get cold unless I wear socks or am in a warm/hot environment. The only times I get hot is when I'm sick, in a stuffy room/car or when it's around 100 and humid. So what are some other reasons for getting easily cold other than anemia, hypothyroidism, Raynaud's Phenomenon and low weight? Alizee- no, I really don't worry constantly. When something comes up then I go into freak out mode, but day-to-day I'm rather calm.

Answer: we seem to have similar afflictions. the 70's are quite nice for me :) ====================== This may not be your case, but for me the cause of my occasional period of extreme cold is............... anxiety! Sometimes when I wake up at like 2 in the morning on a school day and I know I will suffer during school, I get nervous about that and get chills, shivers, the works. Do you worry constantly?

Question: Is it possible to go snow skiing even though I have Raynaud's phenomenon? I was diagnosed with Raynaud's about a year ago and I have the opportunity to go snow skiing this winter. I know its dangerous being out in extreme cold. but I just want to know if anyone has found a way to enjoy extreme cold weather without experincing the symptoms of Raynaud's. Please let me know if theres anything out there that will keep my hands and feet warm enough to enjoy the snow.

Answer: http://www.dentalplans.com/Dental-Health… If a person is uncomfortable with it, there are a few very basic things to do. Maintaining core body temperature warmth is important. People with Raynaud's intuitively recognize, "Gee, I'd better wear gloves more often," but it's not just wearing gloves, it's also keeping a sweater on to keep your core body temperature up. Layer your clothing. Thermal underwear, shirt, sweater, jacket. Hat, gloves, thermal socks, boots. You'll be fine as long as most of your body is cocooned in layers of fabric. Once your "core" is warm, the warmth will radiate outward to your hands and feet. Take frequent breaks and make sure your gloves and socks aren't wet. The wetness will soak in a could give you a chill, which would cause the symptoms to increase or return.

Question: Does anyone else have Raynaud's phenomenon? I was diagnosed with having it when I was about 14 years old. I dont really fit the profile bc am i a male and i was told mostly older women who smoke get it, but somehow I have it. I was just curious on who else might have it, and what tips you might have to deal with it i live in chicago

Answer: Raynaud's can be caused by a food allergy, or a mineral/vitamin deficiency. I had it for a long time before learning this. In my case it happens when I eat anything containing dairy products. Check out this article. Most of it talks about hyperhidrosis, but many people with that condition also have Raynaud's. Scroll about halfway down. http://www.mercola.com/2004/aug/14/exces… Raynaud's can also be caused by magnesium deficiency. http://www.mercola.com/2004/aug/7/miracl… I had Raynaud's, hyperhidrosis, and other symptoms for many years. I tried all the usual treatments including surgery, prescriptions, antiperspirants, botox, etc. The surgery was most helpful, but eventually the symptoms began to return. Years later I was diagnosed with a few food allergies and celiac disease. I eliminated wheat, dairy, and sugar from my diet. I stopped all prescriptions and began taking supplements for B vitamins and magnesium. You can see the rest of the story here: http://www.esfbchannel.com/phpBB2/viewto…

Question: how should i treat Raynaud's phenomenon?

Answer: Hey Raz, I have had this disorder a good part of my life and it was never a prblem for me untill 16months ago I went into a Raynaud's attack that lasted 15hrs. B/c I went 15hrs w/o blood flow to my feet I devolped Reflex Nero-Vasscular Dystophy (RND) AKA (Rflex Sympathetic Dystrophy RSD). The best way I can tell you is through personal experience. Hot Hands or Hot poutches are always good to have handy. Gloves and socks are good too but be sure not to wear tight socks or golves b/c they could cause the blood flow to get shut off even worse. Don't where tight clothes or anything that binds the hands or the feet avoid tight jewlery like rings and braclets that don't fit loosely. When in an attack, remain calm b/c if you don't, getting paniced will only cause the blood vessles to consrtict even more and it will make the attack worse. Try to re-warm the area the best you can. Run warm water (not hot or cold) over the affected area. run in place or place your hands under your arm pitts. Heating pads/ elctrical blakets/socks are always good to have on hand too. Meds can be used like Nifedipine, Fishoil, Viagra, Nitroglycerine. I tried them all but they did not help me but might help you b/c everyone is different. I have been seeing an accupuncturist. He has helped a lot. When you go the doc make sure if you display any odd symtpoms make sure they do an ANA blood test and blood test your Rheumatological Factors to make shure you do not have anything auto-immune(when your immune system gets confused and thinks your ogans are foregin invadors and starts attacking them. In other words, your immune system is working aganist you). Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthitis, Scleroderma, Sojurnes Syndorme Chron's diease, Ulcerative Colitis, are a few Auto-immune disoders I know of. Just Stay warm and avoid stress and cold eviornments. Emotional/Phychological stress as well as being in the cold can provoke attacks. Aviod the air condtioner in the summer. Move to a warmer climate if you feel the need to. That's what I'm doing when I get done w/ school LOL ^_^!! I hope this helps

Question: Can you die from Raynaud's Phenomenon? I'm only 15, and I think I have it, and I'm really scared.

Answer: No. Raynaud's is a very common syndrome. It is frequently occurs in smokers'.Basically,it's a blood circulation disorder that affects fingers and toes. Other possible causes of the arterial diseases ( Buerger's disease-AKA thromboangitis obliterans.- the small blood vessels, usually in the leg or foot, become inflammed ( swollen and red) and hard. It occurs in connective tissue disease IE: rheumatoid arthritis.And, some medications can cause such symptoms. Raynaud's is a recognized occupational disorder of people who use drills that causes the shaking motion of the hands, chain saws, or other vibrating machinery; it is sometimes seen in typists,pianists, and others whose fingers suffer repeated trauma or chronic use. Exposure to cold can trigger the sensations that are felt in the fingers. It is recommended,especially during the colder weather to wear mittens( not gloves), you can also try the hand-warmers that you can place inside the mitten or even a shoe to provide relief from the numbness/tingling, and cold feelings. I hope that this helps.

Question: Raynaud's phenomenon - phenomenally painful breast feeding? Along with latching difficulties with my month-old twins, I'm having painful white nipples during after feedings and whenever I get cold. The pain with cold actually started when I was pregnant - it happened when I went out in cool or cold weather, but I didn't know about the blanching at the time. I have Rheumatoid arthritis, a risk factor for Raynaud's syndrome, but had never heard of Raynaud's before. Has anyone else had this problem? What worked? I went to Dr. Newman's website for advice and have started vitamin B6 today, but really wanted to see what has helped real people out there in internet land. Here's a link about Raynaud's affecting nipples in breast feeding women: http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com…

Answer: I HAD THIS TOO!!! the only thing that I could do (as I couldn't get any of my doctors to Believe me & therefore prescribe me Nifedipine) was stay as warm as possible during nursing times. I would wrap myself in a fuzzy blanket, have a "rice sock" prepared (fill a big old tube sock with some dry rice, tie it off, pop in microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm as you want) to put on my BB's... Try and put my hand over the nip whenever bub's mouth would come off, to keep the "breeze" from getting me... For me, it was caused by repeat trauma & scarring of the nipples pre-pregnancy (I had had them pierced w/ large gauge needles 3x each when I was "young & crazy")... and then I got cracks & sores that wouldn't go away because I ended up with thrush... So all that damage to my poor BBs eventually caused (about 4 weeks into breastfeeding) the Raynaud's. For what it's worth by the time the weather warmed up I did not have any more problems with it. My son is 1 yr old now, he weaned himself a month ago, & we hadn't had any problems (well none too severe) since about March I guess. I had not even heard of B6. I hope that works for you!!! If you want to email me & let me know if it works. I'm due again in April & since I've had to deal with this before I know it's entirely possible for me to have this issue again. & I'd like to be armed and ready lol. house4baby@yahoo.com Congrats on your twins... I only had one baby but I had alot of problems getting started breastfeeding. Knowing what's wrong is Key to finding a solution!! Like I said, I couldn't get anyone to believe me, I even showed a lactation consultant in the middle of a spasm, she said she'd never seen it before & called another LC over to see it. "Oh she says she has Raynaud's, ok well I guess just try to stay warm?"

Question: Help for Raynaud's Phenomenon? Also known as Raynaud's Syndrome etc. Here are the symptoms I get: The skin turns white, then blue (for some people) before going bright red. This final stage is accompanied by severe pain and occasionally numbness or tingling. (From Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/r… I only get it in my hands, whereas some people get it in their feet too. I'm 17, and find it very embarrassing as being out in the cold; my hands are always either red or purple. And in worse weather (or being out in the cold for a long time), a couple of fingers will go white and numb. I have tried many types of gloves, but even when wearing gloves, my fingers can still become numb. Fair enough, it doesn't stop me doing anything, but I would like to know from anyone if they know of any medication that could help... And if these medications come with any disadvantages.

Answer: I haven't used medication for it, but I would recommend getting something like thermal skiing gloves, they work for me.