Raynaud's Syndrome: Anyone want to talk about Raynaud’s?

I find your comments very interesting. I have Trigeminal Neuralgia. My jaw becomes so painful, I cannot stand the flesh on my mouth touch the Jaw. This makes eating and talking almost impossible. I have gone through several medications Pregabalin was one that gave me some relief, and I am taking a new one which has been very effective . Oxy something or other. If you have any interest I will get my prescription out and give you the correct spelling. It is used for epilepsy but is a wonder for this nerve problem.
Gina5009

Here are some ideas for understanding and treating Raynauds: Raynauds is associated with several autoimmune diseases. The color changes are a result of spasm in the arterioles (small arteries) of the hands, fingers, feet and teeth. The spasms reduce blood flow to the extremities and cause the color changes (blue, purple, blackish, dead white and sometimes red). The spasms are intermittent and may just look bad or be painful. They are triggered by cold and stress. It isn’t curable but can be prevented and treated to reduce the severity. Severe Raynauds can cause ulcers in the fingertips and toes, which can turn into gangrene especially in Scleroderma. Anything that reduces blood flow to the extremities should be avoided! Therefore, absolutely no smoking. Keep extremities as warm as possible. Use warm water even for washing fruits and vegetables. Wear gloves or mittens anytime you’re handling cold items or ice and always outside when weather cold. Wear warm socks even to bed. Use hand warmers and any other devices that can warm fingers and toes. Be careful if you have peripheral neuropathy and decreased sensation not to burn tissue.
Prescription medication that dilates arteries such as Nitroglycerin paste and calcium channel blockers like Amlodipine (Norvasc) can help a great deal. I have had Raynauds for years associated with systemic lupus and find amlodipine has been extremely helpful. It lowers BP, so that effect needs monitored, especially if your BP tends to be low. If not diagnosed yet, take pictures with your smart phone to show Dr since it’s intermittent.

I am 56 and was diagnosed with Raynaud’s syndrome about 1 1/2 years ago. I also have multiple sclerosis and multiple autoimmune diseases. My rheumatologist told me there is an ointment or cream (?) that can be used as needed to help dilate the vessels. I haven’t started using anything yet as I hadn’t been having that much trouble with it, but am going to revisit the discussion at my next appointment as I’ve begun having more problems with it as of late. Please talk to your doctor again and maybe get a referral to rheumatology for further advice.

I’d be interested the next time you dig up your prescription. I’ve had “textbook Raynauds” according to a rheumatologist I saw about this issue about 8 years ago.

He suggested I move to Arizona, lol!

I’m interested in science advancements every decade.:.

I do a lot of dishes by hand to warm up and clean up!

Nitro-bid cream?

I’m chuckling because I too do dishes to warm up my fingers, but here’s the funniest…I AM moving to Arizona in 2 days 😂. No more cold, damp Oregon winters! I use nitro-bid ointment, and wear rubber gloves when doing dishes to keep my skin from drying out.

Let me know when your spare room is ready for visitors hahaha

Good for you! I’ve heard it’s better than Hawaii for us Raynauds peeps!

Happy HALLOWEEN 🎃 and good Health!

I’m not sure what he was referring to but will be asking at my next appointment.

All good info here; was told in 1986 to keep head, face, neck, nose, ears warm - hats, hoods (ski masks) etc, and keep torso/core warm (layers, thermals, over hips also to keep large blood vessels warm). also mittens - not gloves - to keep warmth between fingers, socks to sleep; avoid food/drink vasoconstrictors (caffeine/energy drinks, salty snacks, processed meats, over use of salt) and to eat foods that are vasodialators like broccoli, kale etc -can google - Cleveland Clinic and others for more complete lists. I am proactive, eating style especially, to maybe prevent or lessen need for any drugs; not miracle cures, but has kept digits attached past & present, and may be keeping me from worst-case in my autoimmunes - so far. Mittens may be hard to find (are easy to knit if you/know someone, or search "net for crafter) i use my scrap fleece to make long-wrist inserts for mine. Have found mittens that claim super cold "technology", usually in men's. Anything that can be done to keep heat in will be helpful. Used to have episodes back in the day when freezers were all horizontal and open - one-sided Raynaud's in store - 90 degrees outside. Teaching moments before we even had the words. Trick is to stay as warm as you can by whatever means work for you.

I will try to have this info for you the next time I am on the computer
Gina5009