Hello All
As this is my first blog I fell I ought to say something about myself. I've now had Raynaud's for 11 years coming on in my late 30s and have attended my local Rheumatology clinic since then. My father had Lupus and I now see the consultant who treated my father. The consultant doesn’t think I will get lupus though. I have been taking nifedipine for most winters since then. I did stop taking it for a couple of winters as the initial dose gave me hot flushes, but my dose has now been lowered. With the recent warmer weather I have come off it until the autumn at least. Still looking forward to the few months I can get away without wearing gloves.
Three years ago I hobbled in to see the Rheumatologist with swollen hands and discomfort in my feet and shoulders, it seems they had been expecting this from my blood test results and promptly diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have been on azathioprine since then, which has made it manageable. My immune system however can’t tolerate the amount my consultant wants me to take. The lower dose doesn’t seem to combat RA totally however; with my RA worsening last winter I am now also taking Hydroxychloroquine.
My RA and Raynaud’s is fairly manageable and fortunately doesn’t as yet control my life too much. I dislike the cold with a passion though and it needs to be 20 deg C before I feel comfortable outside. I enjoy cycling and watching Derby County, even in cold weather, if that can be called enjoyable.
I hope everybody feels better with the recent warm weather.