Hi, I post on another forum but am new here.

[Sophiebun11]

I was diagnosed with Raynaud's and Scleroderma about 40 years ago. Now I have Scleroderma related kidney disease. I mostly post on the CKD forum but thought I should post here too.

Now that winters here I know we are all having worsened Raynaud's. I did find one thing this year that is helping a bit more. My Dr. told me to wear compression socks for my edema so it would help the circulation in my legs. Well, it helps the circulation so I don't have quite as much pain from my Raynaud's since my blood flow is moving better.

I have super cute compressions socks, not like the old beige or black ones. Mine are knee high and I have every animal you could think of monkeys, kitties, dogs, foxes, raccoons, chickens, donkeys, zebras, giraffes, bunnies, flowers and holiday socks for Halloween and Christmas. They not only help a little more with my Raynaud's, but are super cute too.

When I go to bed I put knit leg warmers over my compression socks and then wear a couple other pairs of regular socks as well. Then pile on flannel pajamas over thermal long johns and top it off with gloves then mittens.

My best tip for when the pain and spasms set in is to turn on my blow dryer and aim it at the worst spot like my foot, arch or wherever and blow hot air on the area. It really helps. It's easier than using really warm water which only works for hands at the spare of the moment.

I also try to keep my water tap at the same warm setting I use to wash my hands during the summer, because when my hands are so cold I want the water hotter but then my hands start cracking and peeling from the hot water, more than the cold weather.

My heart goes out to those of you who live in the snow. I live in "sunny" California and still freeze if the temp goes under 72. I have trouble with my Scleroderma too if I don't stay in temps between 78 - 82. Luckily where I live the gas and electric company has a special bill for people with medical conditions. Scleroderma was on their list along with heart problems. My Dr. signed me up. You might want to check with your power company to see if they have a discount. It saves about 20% off my bill which is substantial.

Does anyone else have any winter survival tips to share?

I love learning new things to help cope with my autoimmune diseases.

[MissusTee]

Hi,I’m from the U.K, where the winters can be quite chilly, I’ve had raynauds/scleroderma for about 35 years and have also gathered 3 other autoimmune conditions and severe osteoarthritis. I’m having difficulties from the menopause in that I’m soaking the bed with sweat at night despite hrt, and then when I wake I get very cold. It’s not a good mix with raynauds and I’m having to leave the bedroom window open, I really hope that it doesn’t go on for much longer! Welcome here!

Lisa

[Sophiebun11 in reply to MissusTee]

Thanks for the Welcome!! That does sound like a pickle with the sweating (wait, don't we women perspire) and then freezing. I hope you don't have an electric blanket that could be dangerous!!

I was lucky I never had any menopause symptoms. I just turned 67 in Oct. so I think they'd have hit me by now. I am a vegetarian and I've heard that it helps with not having symptoms so maybe it's true.

Good luck, I hope you get through the other side of menopause soon.

[Maybescleroderma]

Hot tub for me regardless of the outside temp. Minnesota resident. Thanks for the compression sock suggestion. I doubt we have any help available on our gas bill but will be checking. God Bless.

[Sophiebun11]

Hi, I bet a hot tub feels great!!! I envy you having one : ) I don't envy you in the freezing MN winters though. Wow I don't know how you stand going outside. The state's with snow really need a power bill adjustment for those with diseases affected by heat and cold.

Stay warm : )