Could this be "raynaud syndrome?"?

Question

Wondering if I may have Raynaud syndrome. Last week, it was cold out, I filled my car w/gas. I noticed some of my fingers didn't feel right. I went to my meeting and saw that middle finger on left hand, and index and middle fingers on right hand were white from the knuckle to the tips. They stayed white for probably 30 minutes, then they turned blue before finally returning to normal. My concern is that I began suffering from what I consider migraines about 3 yrs. ago. I right now have a prescription for Imitrex waiting for me to pick it up at the pharmacy. I received some literature from Imitrex in the mail today and it says not to take it if you have Raynaud syndrome. I think I had a similar episode with my fingers and/or toes last month, but it was night/dark so I'm not sure. I just know it seemed like they would never get warm again. Any help?

Answer 1

My mom has mixed connective tissue disease which she acquired from working with a toxic chemical in her workplace. She also has Raynauds, and the symptoms you are describing are almost identical to what she has. If her hands are exposed to cold, her fingers turn white and blue and take a while to return to normal. She also has trouble bending her fingers. Making a fist with her hand is difficult. She also has a history of carpal tunnel which she had surgery for.

She is on Methotrexate which is a cancer drug, as well as Norvasc (calcium channel blocker) Lisinopril (ace inhibitor) as well as some other medications.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You very likely have Raynaud's syndrome - the whiteness is typical. Raynauds is caused by spasms in the blood vessels that cause them to remain constricted. Imitrix also constricts blood vessels, so, it would likely aggravate the Raynaud's condition.

You check with your doc. There may not be any danger in using Imirix if you have Raynaud's, but Imitrix is likely to may the Raynaud's symptoms worse when they occur. If the Raynaud's isn't as troublesome as the migraines, it might be worth it.

Answer 3

It is possible that this is what you have. This condition is a cold related constriction of blood vessels. Imitrex is a very potent vasoconstrictor so a combination will have a bad outcome. Check with your doctor prior to taking Imitrex. I listened to a neurologist talking about Imitrex, he said he tried it to see what it was like. Afterward he said he felt like he was "going to die" it is a very potent drug and not one to experiment with.

Answer 4

Yes you are suffering from Raynaud's Syndrome. This article might help you to understand it:

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which blood flow to the surface tissue of the hands and feet is temporarily decreased, usually as an overresponse to cold temperatures. There are two kinds of Raynaud's phenomenon. Primary Raynaud's, also known as Raynaud's disease, occurs by itself and is the most common form. Secondary Raynaud's, also called Raynaud's syndrome, occurs as part of another disease and usually begins after age 35.

Raynaud's phenomenon is common but often goes unreported. For most people with the condition, Raynaud's is more a nuisance than a disability.
What causes Raynaud's phenomenon?

Primary Raynaud's has no known cause. Secondary Raynaud's may develop as a result of another disease such as lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or atherosclerosis. Other causes of secondary Raynaud's include taking certain medications, using vibrating power tools for several years, smoking, or having frostbite.

Exposure to cold is the most common trigger of an attack of Raynaud's phenomenon. In cold conditions, the body normally conserves heat by narrowing (constricting) blood vessels to the skin and opening (dilating) blood vessels to warm the internal parts of the body. During an attack of Raynaud's phenomenon, the body overreacts and severely restricts the flow of blood through small vessels to the skin. Emotional stress or certain medications can also trigger an attack. An attack of Raynaud's phenomenon usually lasts only a few minutes, but in some cases it may last over an hour, especially if the surrounding temperature remains low.
What are the symptoms?

During an attack of Raynaud's, the small blood vessels (capillaries) that supply blood to the skin narrow (constrict Click here to see an illustration.), limiting blood flow to the hands and feet or, less commonly, the nose or ears. This often causes fingers or toes to feel cold and numb and then turn white. As blood flow returns and the fingers warm, they may turn blue, then red, and begin to throb and become painful.
How is Raynaud's phenomenon diagnosed?

Raynaud's phenomenon is diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. There are no simple tests that can be used to diagnose the condition, so your health professional will rely on your description of your symptoms. Blood tests or other tests may be used to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
How is it treated?

You may be able to prevent or relieve symptoms and limit attacks by avoiding the triggers of Raynaud's. Keep your body warm at all times. If you feel cold, your body will naturally redirect blood from your hands and feet to the central part of your body. If you can't keep the surrounding temperature above 68°F (20°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), wear extra layers of clothing to remain warm. Also, reduce anxiety, quit smoking, and avoid medications or other substances that trigger attacks, such as caffeine, cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine, and beta-blocker medications. If necessary, medication, such as a calcium channel blocker, may be prescribed to increase blood flow to the hands and feet and to relieve symptoms.

To keep hands and feet warm, wear mittens or gloves when it is cold outside, use potholders or oven mitts when getting something from the refrigerator or freezer, and wear wool or synthetic socks rather than pure cotton socks. Running warm water over your hands will often increase blood flow to them. Swinging your arms in a circle at the side of your body ("windmilling") can temporarily increase blood flow into your fingers.