Hi I'm new, have Reynauds and am. Exhausted

[Bashfulwhite]

I've suffered from Reynauds symptoms for as long as I can remember. I'm 40 and have finally found a gp willing to listen who has prescribed nifedipine.

Just over a year ago bloods showed I'm deficient in vitamin d.

I'm exhausted, cold, itchy, have on and off heart burn and constipation. Also suffering from migraines.

I believe I may have scleroderma from symptoms and what I can read on line.

Can anyone offer advice please. How is scleroderma diagnosed?

I've never taken a day off work but am reaching point break with it.

I lie in bed at night either freezing and sore or burning and itchy.

[amd21]

hi there, hope you are ok today. first thing to say is that much of what you are describing is common in middle life can have many causes and not be any type of disease process and be resolved with lifestyle changes.

adalat helped me whilst i tolrrated it eventually i got fed up with side effects and switched to amlodipine (less control but less side effects) i hope it helps you, resolving Rays was life improving for me.

to get a diagnosis of SSc (scleroderma) there are several criteria to meet. most important are blood tests to see that you have the biomarkers. SSc is caused by your body developing antibodies to your own cell proteins so it is normal to have blood tests to asses this, your gp can arrange this, they should have for completeness when they started the nifedipine. a guide to diagnosis here shows which ones. bestpractice.bmj.com/topics...

if you do have auto antibodies then referral to rheumatologist is indicated.

if you do turn out to have SSc (and i hope you dont as its horrible and changed my life in a way i didnt want) then this is a great place for advice.

the latest medical guidance is here

ard.bmj.com/content/76/8/1327

[Bashfulwhite in reply to amd21]

Thanks for replying. Maybe I should have added that I've had all these things for over 20 years. Up until a few years ago I worked outside doing shifts but since wotking in am office during regular hours it's actually got worse.

[Kingfisherblue2009 in reply to Bashfulwhite]

Yes I was the same suffering with Raynaud's for over 20 years, until the blood tests for Scleroderma. Please see if you can get the test done. I too hope you have not got this life-changing illness. Go and find out, for your own peace of mind. take care.

[Intimeslikethese]

I also had low VitD. RX ergocal VitD2 helps me tremendously with fatigue and gives me energy. For the itchy sensation, I avoided garlic in my diet as well as sugar and caffeine intake decrease. More water and decaffeinated green tea with honey and lemon or lime.

Yes, it’s awful not being able to decide if I’m hot or cold, so I have both a fan and a heater in the bedroom. Have you checked your blood pressure, kidney functions and platelet count. Our bodies are complex. I hope this doesn’t keep you from working. For me, to secure life insurance at a reasonable cost is null now. I wish I had been told to purchase such before I saw a rheumatologist or was put on hypertension or inflammatory meds. The one from my job can now no longer be converted to an affordable private one. See your doctor, feel better soon and keep up with this website for support and information.

[Intimeslikethese]

I forgot to mention especially to avoid alcohol or smoking. This, as well as caffeine like in coffee or chocolate candy will constrict your blood vessels and capillaries which may be a reason for the migraines. If you find you have low platelet, avoid all mentioned as well as sulfates in wines and processed deli meats and instead of taking aspirin or ibuprofen, take acetaminophen (Tylenol). For your heartburn, ask your doctor if Zantac before bedtime is ok. For regularity, I take 2 Digestive Advantage probiotic gummies daily. Oatmeal, pears, raisins, apples and water will keep you naturally flushed.