Raynauds' Phenomenon???

[Ann S]

Hi



Raynaud's phenomenon is a problem of the small blood vessels that supply blood to the skin. During an attack, the blood vessels become smaller (constrict), limiting the flow of blood to the hands (more rarely, the feet, nose, or ears). This often causes fingers to turn pale (sometimes blue) and feel cold and numb. As blood flow returns, the fingers may become red and swollen, tingle, throb and become painful. Raynaud's phenomenon often develops when fingers or toes are exposed to

cold.

This condidtion mainly occurs in women & I think I just found a diagnosis for myself - the Dr. couldn't figure it out!! Anyway, after doing research on it, I have a lot of questions before I try any of the treatments. Please respond if you have any knowledge about, or experience with this condition.

Thanks, Ann S

[This message has been edited by Ann S (edited 01-12-2001).]

[Lori]

Hi there,
My Mother has Raynauds Phenomenon. She isnt on any medication for it, though medicine she is taking for another problem is suposed to help (it doesnt). She says its very frusterating when her fingers are like that, so if anything works for you,please post back and let me know.
Take Care,
Lori

[Sheilamom of 3]

HI my SIL has it. When the symptoms are bad she eats oranges until she feels better. It's the only thing that works (meaning not tangerienes or grapefruit )

[Ann S]

Lori,

Does your mother live in a cold climate? I live in MN and I warm up my car, wear heavy mittens, and only drive 5 min. to work, and my fingertips freeze and turn white, then blue.

I'm going to try cutting out some of the things that can cause the one type and see if that can help. I think the home treatment reccomendation(with the water) sounds good, but with working, I don't know how to fit it in my schedule.

Thanks for the responses, Ann

p.s. I didn't read anything about fruit helping it

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 02-20-2003).]

[Lori]

Hi Ann S.,
I talked to my Mother and she said that her's was triggered by Verapamil (spelled wrong maybe?) which is a high blood pressure medicine that she had to stop taking because of the Raynauds Phenomenon. Unfortunately she kept the disease. She did some research and discovered that Alpha, Beta and Calcium blockers can cause it. The doctor told her to move out of Minnesota (yes,we live here too, oddly enough! *laugh*) and avoid stress.
Thanks so much for the link, she's still researching it and trying to find ways to aleviate it also. If we find anything that works for us, we'll post back.
Take Care
Lori

[This message has been edited by Lori (edited 01-15-2001).]