Aurora hunting in Norway in November - Scleroderma & Ray...

Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK (SRUK)

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Aurora hunting in Norway in November

hollymcr profile image
6 Replies

My wife has Raynauds. We've just booked to go out to Norway next November in the hope of seeing the aurora; the trip will include husky rides, snow shoe walks, etc.

Are we being incredibly stupid to even consider it, or can anyone offer practical advice to help her cope?

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hollymcr profile image
hollymcr
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6 Replies
zenabb profile image
zenabb

It does seem very bold to me but on the other hand if the trip is well planned and she is well covered.... And it depends on how bad her Raynaud's is.

Heleno profile image
Heleno

I think only your wife can decide on this as it will be dependent on how bad she gets affected. I still ski but every year I ask myself why! There are things she can do to try and stave off an attack - Take nifedepine, layer up, have the shaky hot packs in gloves, I have heated ski boots but I know you can now get heated socks £160 a pop though!

I love travel & want to do Iceland at some point, I think you should try and do all the things you want to do, at worst she'll have to stay at hotel if things get too bad but I'm sure there'll be some nice spa facilities :-)

edwardian profile image
edwardian

Hi.

We did a similar thing last January - a 6 day trip to Tromso including a 3 day voyage up the coast to Kirkenes and back. I suffer from Scleroderma. All went well and we saw the Northern Lights on 3 occasions. The only problem was missing the husky sledge ride when we were on the voyage as I felt unwell for one day, however we re-booked it when we returned to Tromso, so we did everything on our wish list. The best advice I can give is to get the very best winter gear you can afford including base layers, fleeces, insulated trousers, thermal sock and gloves (plus over-mittens), boots and a good thick wind-proof parka with lined hood. Good luck & bon voyage.

Edwardian

Kelfreem profile image
Kelfreem

I went to Lapland last year and am going again this year. I also have raynauds, but I used thermal under layers and thermal socks, gloves etc. but the best thing that I bought was battery operated re chargeable gloves, which I have spare batteries for if one set run out whilst I'm out and about. I also bought heated insoles, but had to buy a pair of boots a size bigger for them to fit, they are also re charageable and work from a remote control. I really think if it wasn't for the gloves and insoles I would have struggled. They were really expensive, but definately well worth it and I didn't have any raynauds attacks. Also I have ski trousers and a ski jacket to keep warm. I hope this helps.

Bab13 profile image
Bab13

Hi There are some winter boots that the army use in the artic...get a pair of these to help with foot warmth and take hand warmers.. plus silver socks and gloves as these help too. You can get most heated clothing now google it .. Good luck

rosella24 profile image
rosella24

Google 'rechargeable heated gloves and socks'. You'll find a good variety of heated gloves, socks, underwear and even jackets/waistcoats. I've had Raynaud's for 30 years and have to say there's no way I'd risk such an adventure. Good luck!