Raynauds

anyone have Raynaud and if so what to do about it

My daughter has raynauds that effects her hands and feet mostly. The only thing that's really worked is making sure when she goes outside when it's cold is wearing quality socks and gloves. Exercising the cold parts helps a little bit, but to be honest not much. It varies so much between people how the syndrome acts that what works for one person doesn't for another.

Yep, my fingers turn white as a sheet in the winter at times. It is no fun. On top of that, I have neuropathy in my feet. Without meds, it can be unbearable.
Richard

My wife has suffered from Raynaud's for years, with the emphasis on suffered. I asked her what she could tell you about it. Here are the things she mentioned.

1. Check for adverse interactions with other medications you take. A whole class of blood pressure medications---the beta blockers---worsen the effects of Raynaud's; some of the medications in that class worsen it a lot.

2. Quality socks and gloves are a must. Wick dry socks (those which carry perspiration away from your feet) are the best. She has found the Carhartt brand to be especially good. Wear two pairs of socks.

3. Mittens are better than gloves for warmth. Gloves with the fingertips cut off are the worst.

4. Consider using the chemical heat packs that are about the size of a package of M&Ms, which you hit against something hard to start the heating action.

5. Take whatever steps you can to prevent letting your hands and feet (especially your fingers and toes) get cold in the first place. Once cold, you can't warm them up again until you're out of the cold. Her very worst experiences were staying late working in her unheated office on winter evenings until she was too cold to work any more, then having to go out to her freezing car to drive home. When she got home, her fingers and toes would look like they were made of candle wax.

6. Seriously consider moving to Hawaii or Arizona. (That one is mine.)

Good luck,

Stan

> She has found the Carhartt brand to be especially good.

Stan, I don't know anything about Raynaud's disease, but has your wife tried merino wool socks? The warmest and most comfortable socks I've ever worn are Red Wing's "Merino Wool Hiker" socks. I've also tried Smartwool brand socks, which are very good but a bit more expensive. The Red Wings run around fifteen bucks a pair; the cost is somewhat offset by their long wear life. Somebody gave me some Carhartt socks, which are OK for wearing around the house, but when I go outside I pull on wool socks.

Worked with a young gal that had Raynaud's Syndrome... she eventually moved to Arizona (though all her relatives and friends were here in MN). She just could not keep warm enough here.

Thanks, Mark. I'll pass your information along to her.

Stan

I've had it for about 10 years. Reducing stress helps - that's one reason I retired early. When my fingers get white I can get the blood flowing again by swinging my arms quickly in a big circle.

One thing I do to keep my feet warm; I buy a pair of shoes a half size larger so I can wear three pairs of socks. If it too cold for the shoes, I bought a good pair of snow boots, the kind with the felt liner that can be removed to dry out. They are supposed to be good for 30 below, but 30 below is about 40 degrees to cold for me.