Raynaud's connected to iron levels?

[June85]

Recently my doctor noticed my ferritin levels have been rising and are double what they should be, I'd been getting a lot of pins and needles in my hands, arms and even face which was terrifying, this was put down to panic attacks (which I do suffer from) After tests, all my organs are functioning well but high iron and enlarged red blood cells but no reason why....then last night my middle finger on my left hand just turned completely white, lost all feeling and blood, I had to suck it to get blood back in it.

Wondering if anyone else has a correlation with high iron or enlarged red blood cells and if Raynaud's is worth mentioning to the doctors?

[MissusTee]

I don't think that there's any correlation, it sounds like a completely different disorder, you could probably do with a referral to a haematologist to check it out.

[frillyhilly]

Hi, firstly just to say I don't have any medical training. I know a lady who was diagnosed with high iron after having similar symptoms that you are describing, It was a long time ago but as far as I remember she had to go through a series of tests to determine the cause. I guess your GP has either referred you or you're due another blood test to see if things are returning to normal ?

With regards to your white finger - last evening the weather changed dramatically. I was surprised by how fast parts of my house got cold and my hands started to react to a cupboard door handle (and it was away from the windows !). Perhaps the drop in temperature bought on the attack in your finger? it is so easy to miss sudden changes in the temperature, I am very lucky because my husband keeps and eye on me - classic phrase in our house: "your hands are TOO cold".

It is supposed to be significantly colder for the next few days - so please take extra care. xx

[June85]

Thanks both, really useful, I'm currently in a three month period of monitoring and my doctor said I should call if I notice anything different. I'd never heard of Raynaud's but originally went to the doctor because of the pins and needles and dramatic drop in energy at time so maybe I'll give them a call anyway and mention it.

[Intimeslikethese in reply to June85]

My vitamin D was low with my Raynauds. My doctor prescribed Ergocal Vit D gel capsules once a week for the fatigue and energy and low dose amlodopine pill daily for the pins, needles, cold white fingertips. Both are working well for me. I take Digestive Advantage probiotic gummie and a daily multivitamin to supplement. However, you may want to ask your doctor if any of that will work for you or be adverse to your iron levels

[June85]

They have checked all my vitamin levels, and blood sugar, all fine. Just been on a good walk, do you guys get fat bloated fingers when you walk, all the blood goes to them so much so, they hurt? then I often have to wave them around above my head to get the swelling down

[Jen3131 in reply to June85]

I always have bloated fingers but even more so after a walk. Swollen fingers when walking started long before Raynauds/scleroderma was diagnosed. Then, the swelling used to go completely away but not now 🤔. I never went to the Doctors at the time because it went away so I didn’t think it anything important.

[Fishie1 in reply to June85]

I get this too but goes away after I cool down. I just thought it is heat that brought it on.