Does anyone else have Raynaud's phenomenon?

Question

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 1

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/excessive_sweating.htm

Raynaud's can also be caused by magnesium deficiency.

http://www.mercola.com/2004/aug/7/miracle_magnesium.htm

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/viewtopic.php?p=22324

Answer 2

Hi. I have two uncles with Raynauds and I have Celiac Disease. I have encouraged them to get tested for Celiac Disease but they refuse to. Raynauds is commonly a secondary condition to Celiac, meaning many people with Celiac get Rayanuds. Celiac is an autoimmune disease in which the body cannot digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. I am not saying a gluten free diet will cure Raynauds, but it is common for ppl with untreated Celiac to get other autoimmune disorders such as Raynauds and when they are correctly diagnosed with Celiac Disase, their symptoms of Raynauds lessens tremendously. I just suggest it may be something to look into. THe links I list will tell you how to get tested. Its a simple blood test. Im' sorry I cant offer much other help but if it makes u feel better, my uncles got it so its not just a women's disease! In fact I've never heard that it was primarily women who smoke.

Anyway, I wish you the best, Amy

Answer 3

I had it and would fit the older women profile. I decided to be pro active wear gloves if it is cold outside, the therm insulated ones along with 100% wool socks. Likewise I watch my diet, as I want the veins to be open rather than constricted. Take Omega 3 oils. I also do a lot of exercise, which helps with the circulation. Thankfully I have not turned pink, purple or blue in about four years now.

Answer 4

This may also help. Go to www.heatbands.com

Raynaud's disease or phenomenon (pronounce ray-noze) is a condition that makes it harder for blood to reach certain areas of the body.

This happens because blood vessels under the skin tighten. When blood does not reach parts of the body, these areas may turn blue and feel cold. Most often Raynaud's phenomenon affects the fingers and toes. It can alse affect the ears and nose.

Raynaud's disease or phenomenon is a condition resulting from poor circulation in the extremeties ( i.e. fingers and toes). In a person with Raynaud's when his or her skin is exposed to cold or the person becomes emotionally upset , the blood vessels under the skin tighten and the blood flow slow. This is called "vasospasm."

Hands and feet have fewer large blood vessels and, therefore when a vasospasm occurs, it is harder for the blood to keep flowing and these areas may turn blue because less oxygen is reaching the skin. The skin will also feel cold because less blood is reaching the skin to keep it warm. While attack of vasospasm may last from minutes to hours, only rarely do they cause severe tissue damage.

Raynaud's disease can be classified as one of two types: primary (or idiopathic) and secondary (also called Raynaud's phenomenon).

Primary Raynaud's disease has no predisposing factor, is more mild, and causes fewer complications.

About half of all cases of Raynaud's disease are of this type. Women are five times more likely than men to develop primary Raynaud's disease.

The average age of diagnosis is between 20 and 40 years. Approximately three out of ten people with primary Raynaud's disease eventually progress to secondary Raynaud's disease after diagnosis. About 15% of individuals improve.

Secondary Raynaud's disease is the same as primary Raynaud's disease, but occurs in individuals with a predisposing factor, usually a form of collagen vascular disease. What is typically identified as primary

Raynaud's is later identified as secondary once a predisposing disease is diagnosed. This occurs in approximately 30% of patients. As a result, the secondary type is often more complicated and severe, and is more likely to worsen.

Several related conditions that predispose persons to secondary Raynaud's disease include scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis. Pulmonary hypertension and some nervous system disorders such as herniated discs and tumors within the spinal column, strokes, and polio can progress to Raynaud's disease.

Finally, injuries due to mechanical trauma caused by vibration (such as that associated with chain saws and jackhammers), repetitive motion (carpal tunnel syndrome), electrical shock, and exposure to extreme cold can lead to the development of Raynaud's disease.

Some drugs used to control high blood pressure or migraine headaches have been known to cause Raynaud's disease. The prevalence of Reynaud's Phenomena in the general population varies 4-15%. Females are seven times more likely to develop Raynaud's diseases than are men. The problem has not been correlated with coffee consumption, dietary habits, occupational history (excepting exposure to vibration) and exposure to most drugs.

An association between Raynaud's disease and migraine headaches and has been reported. Secondary Raynaud's disease is common among individuals systemic lupus erythematosus in tropical countries.







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Answer 5

My daughter was dx with Ranaud's a couple of years ago. She was in her twenties at the time. It's a syndrome..... poor circulation in the extremities. Turning blue at the tips when in cold climates is the biggest problem for you and for her.

Friction, cover, and fluids should make you more comfortable.

Answer 6

It's also something that is more common in colder climates. Where do you live?

Answer 7

yes it is