Winter sports

[clockwatcher]

I have recently been diagnosed with Raynaud's, with numb toes most of the time and fingers affected by the cold. My concern is that I enjoy skiing and wish to continue. Would that be a safe or stupid thing to do? I am sure that with sensible management such as enhanced clothing and short exposure that I can cope with the cold but I do not want to do myself any harm.

[Hidden]

If it's primary raynauds (not caused by a secondary factor e.g. Scleroderma) the raynauds attacks aren't doing any damage to the capillaries; id live your life and enjoy your sport

[clockwatcher in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that information. It was a concern that I had; would cold exposure cause permanent damage? Last year, prior to my diagnosis, I thought I must have frost bite and could not understand why my friends were not suffering the same pain after skiing.

[pipesflies]

I have the same type of issues and hands can be a real problem in the cold. I went skiing earlier this year.and used a mix of electric gloves which are very expensive and some quite cheap hand warmers that you can put in your gloves/ socks or anywhere else! I found the cheap hand warmers, such as 'little hotties' to be very effective. I also use them when cycling during the colder months. They stay hot for a long time and are cheap enough that you could try for yourself. I think it's important to keep doing what you enjoy, but take sensible precautions. This was the advice from my consultant, but I guess there are so many individual complexities you should also ask for your doc's advice. Good luck and I hope you get to enjoy your skiing.

[clockwatcher in reply to pipesflies]

I have sourced some 'little hotties'. Thanks for the tip. Won't be asking my doctor any questions as he is not very supportive. Expert advice from this community seems much more worthwhile.

[zenabb]

You need to be well equipped. Get advice from the Raynauds and Sleroderma Association.

[LucyJean]

Hey Clockwatcher...I think you gave yourself some very sensible advice...sensible management, enhanced clothing...short exposure. Remember that keeping your core warm (i.e. your main torso) is just as important as your hands, feet and nose. Lots of thermal layers, some impressive gloves and regular breaks from the extreme temperatures and have a fantastic holiday

All my best

Lucy x

[clockwatcher in reply to LucyJean]

Thanks for the tip about keeping my core warm. I had not considered that as I tend to get quite warm and tend to open my jacket to let the heat out. I was just going to focus on the affected areas.

[Noni1]

I've had scleroderma and raynauds for 10 years and still do skiing - last 2 years in Norway and didn't have a single attack - have really good ski gloves and socks. go for it!

[clockwatcher in reply to Noni1]

I had bought some good ski gloves this year and was disappointed with their performance until I received my diagnosis. Going to buy some extra gloves to wear as an under layer for next time. Any suggestions for quality socks? My feet were badly affected. I thought I may have frostbite!

[clockwatcher]

Thanks for the great advice. Thought I might have to miss out on the skiing but you have boosted my confidence. I have decided to do a few hours at a uk indoor ski school before I book another holiday. They keep the temperature at minus ten so it should be a good test!

[marie5454]

Anything that boosts the circulation is good, just keep warm and keep moving!

[clockwatcher in reply to marie5454]

I certainly intend to do just that, with the addition of regular stops to warm up in the hillside cafes and bars. I might shorten my day by missing the first hour or so of each session. I am planning a visit to a UK indoor ski centre where the temperature is kept at minus 10 degrees just to test things out.

[marie5454 in reply to clockwatcher]

Nice one, do some warm ups first, you'll be fine, have to carry on doing what you enjoy, helps with the positive thinking!

[Heleno]

I ski and use really good gloves, think the best investment I made was the gloves but as others have said I also put the little hot packs in them. I also have heated boots and wear the silver liner socks under ski socks and layer up on clothing. I wear a little back pack so I can take layers off if I get too hot. There are heated socks on the market now but I haven't invested in them yet. On saying all that I have still had attacks on the mountain where I have been in tears with the pain and I have considered giving up skiing but this has usually been if it has been a particularly cold windy day with no sun and my core has got chilled. Nowadays I take more notice of the weather and just don't go on the slopes if it's looking too bad. Do try to continue, just take extra care with preparing for the slopes.

[clockwatcher in reply to Heleno]

Thanks for the tips Heleno. I do not want to experience the painful toes that I had last time ever again; I really thought I had frostbite. I will have to search for heated ski boots. Are they easily available? I am in the process of testing out heated pads for hands and feet; any recommendations would be appreciated.

[Heleno in reply to clockwatcher]

If you have your own ski boots you can buy the heated insoles, they have a battery that attaches to back of boot. Or the boots I have came with heated insoles. Thermic is one make or try any good ski shop. They aren't cheap but worth the investment if you ski regularly, I'm still considering the heated socks but they really aren't cheap at about £100 a pair and I can't bring myself to fork out that for 1 pair of socks and you would need more than 1 pair!

[Heleno in reply to Heleno]

Forgot to say the gloves I have are made by Hestra, again not cheap but the best investment I made for skiing and still going 5 years later with these

[clockwatcher in reply to Heleno]

Having had a look at these on-line, I am going to have to give some serious thought to a solution and just how much I am able to invest on my 'problem'. Thank you so much for your advice.