Raynaud's disease and Raynaud's phenomenon are rare disorders that affect blood vessels. These disorders are marked by brief episodes of vasospasm (narrowing of the blood vessels). Vasospasm causes decreased blood flow to the fingers and toes, and rarely to the nose, ears, nipples, and lips. The fingers are the most commonly affected area, but the toes also are affected in 40 percent of people with Raynaud's.
he antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder of the immune system that is characterized by excessive clotting of blood and/or certain complications of pregnancy (premature miscarriages, unexplained fetal death, or premature birth) and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (cardiolipin or lupus anticoagulant antibodies) in the blood. Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome have developed abnormal symptoms while having antiphospholipid antibodies that are detectable with blood testing.
Antiphospholipid syndrome is also called phospholipid antibody syndrome. Antiphospholipid syndrome has been referred to as Hughes syndrome in honor of the doctor who first described it.
It is important to note that antiphospholipid antibodies can also be found in the blood of individuals without any disease process. In fact, antiphospholipid antibodies have been reported in approximately 2% of the normal population. Harmless antiphospholipid antibodies can be detected in the blood for a brief period occasionally in association with a wide variety of conditions, including bacterial, viral (hepatitis, HIV), and parasite (malaria) infections. Certain drugs can cause antiphospholipid antibodies to be produced in the blood, including antibiotics, cocaine, hydralazine, procainamide, and quinine.
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beccs1
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I too have Raynauds, its usually not too bad, but starts if the weathers cold, out with the pets, in the garden, travelling a distance or on computr too long!
Reynauds was among the first clues I had something going on with my immune system, I have one thumb on which the nailbed gots the colour of a corpse from time to time, but thats all.
In itself Reynaulds normally only has nuisance value, but has been said it often arises as a secondary condition to an auto immune disorder,
Hi Beccie Raynauds Disease and Raynauds Phenonemon are slightly different. Disease is usually the bad circulation etc on its own. Phenonemon is usually with other (auto immune included) added problems. Why not join the Raynauds Association they send quarterly magazines that are full of information and help. You will learn a lot more about your problem and how to help your self cope with it.You can also get in touch with people in your area who also suffer from it. Hope this has been of help to you I have been a member for twenty odd years now. Love Carole-J
I've got it too, but I have just come back from Iceland - weirdly I have found that if i keep my wrists wrapped up warm I can mostly avoid the dreaded lost fingers! The worse is getting into a cold car in the morning and losing a finger or two on the steering wheel!! so my advice is wristwarmers - i have wooly onces that are fleece lined they only cost £10 ish and they are fabulous - and you can still operate a touch screen phone!!
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Any success stories out there? Newly diagnosed.
Finding doctors who know how to help
aps positive and feeling like an old man I am 37
Pregnant and frightened
Could I have Hughes Syndrome and can it be reversed?
