If you’re among the estimated 20 to 30 percent of people with inflammatory arthritis who also have Raynaud’s syndrome, or Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities and causes pain, numbness and tingling, the fall and spring – months when temperatures are constantly shifting – can be especially challenging.
A sudden chill may cause blood vessels to spasm, shutting off circulation and turning affected parts a ghostly shade of white or blue. Fingers, toes, hands, feet, lips and the tongue are most commonly afflicted, and they may become painfully cold, tingling or numb.
Thankfully, there are ways to prevent these attacks. Here are some strategies that will help keep you warm through changing seasons.
1) Keep your core toasty. When temperatures drop, the body shifts blood away from the hands and feet toward the heart, lungs and brain. In Raynaud’s syndrome, this response is thought to be exaggerated – making the frozen foods section of the grocery store feel like as much of a threat as a North Dakota blizzard. Wearing hats and vests, and layering long underwear under clothing will keep your vital organs warm and can help defuse this trigger.
2) Watch out for the tasty freeze. “Just like some people get brain freeze with a cold drink or cold food, you can get Raynaud's when eating something cold or even when holding a cold drink,” says Janet Pope, MD, head of the division of rheumatology at the University of Western Ontario, in Canada. “Put the drink in a thermos so it is not as cold on the outside or let it warm up a bit to decrease the chances of an attack.” Dr. Pope also advises using gloves or an oven mitt to get food out of the freezer.
I am a 40 year old female who has been suffering for 3 years with extreme joint pain, fatigue, and a possible diagnosis of Raynaud's. It all started when I had a terrible rash on my legs that turned into severe joint pain 3 days later. Since then my life has not been the same. I have been diagnosed with FM, I have an ANA of 1:640 and a compliment of 175. All other auto-immune specific tests have come back in the normal range. I have been seeing a Rheumatologist and so far have no answers expect FB and possible Raynaud's. At this point I am extremely frustrated. I was wondering if it took anyone else years to get a diagnosis of RA or SLE? Please advise. I know my Aunt suffered for many years before she was diagnosed with Lupus.
Thanks,Krisa
Cold, feeling old, and ...kind of lonely,
-Jon
#BXNSNZN or lot 0126A**C005.#0322 L389T2# 1101 Ji AY0131 J/F11 P000757. Information on the address label.
Thank you in advance
Following that diagnosis I have developed neuropathy (feet) which was nearly the death of me. I took neurontin, fentenel, etc all to no avail. My best help has been a Medtronic spinal nerve stimulator. I have no neuropathy now but my feet and the beginnings of my hands are numb. My sense of balance is just about gone and I am very subject to falling. I have taken arthrotec for a couple of years and recently the doctor elevated the dose to 75 mg. This nearly destroyed my stomach and esophagus so I stopped that. I have several other things wrong with me which necessitates using a scooter wheelchair. I am currently working with a pain specialist and getting some type of steroid shoots to help the pains in my back (post surgical fusing several years ago) and my neck (same thing). I sure wish there were something I could do to improve my sense of balance. If I could do that I think I might be able to put the wheelchair away (somewhat) Whaddaya think?
Joanna
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