How many Raynaud's attacks per day is safe?

[Naomi1]

Hello all. I am on Nifedipine for Raynaud's (secondary to rheumatoid arthritis). I was getting about 15 attacks per day before going on medication. I still get 2 or 3 attacks per day. Is this safe or should I seek further treatment? Please advise me.

[zenabb]

I am on Nifedipine, quite a large dose, 90mg, but I still have to make sure I am warm and all the rest. And I have Iloprost. Nifedipine does not stop the attacks completely. I am not sure what you mean by safe. I do what I can. I could still have ulcers if I don't take precautions.

[Naomi1]

Thanks for the reply Zenabb. What I mean is, could this lead to ulcers again? I am not sure if I should ask for further treatment such as Iloprost or just wait and see how it goes. I am only on 15mg per day of Nifedipine by the way. How bad does this condition have to get before you get put forward for further treatment beyond Nifedipine?

[BarbJ]

Hi Naomi - I'm lucky not to have had any digital ulcers, but have had them on my lower legs as a result of minor cuts, so am not sure whether digital ulcers can 'just develop' ... otherwise I'd say just take extra care, which I'm sure you arelady do! What I have read though is that when we get a Raynauds attack it is not only happening in our extremities but it is also happening inside our bodies. The body heals the damage caused by the lack of oxygen etc., during an attack by producing collagen: in those of us with Scleroderma symptoms the body keeps on producing collagen even when the damage is healed, and this is what hardens the skin, organs, etc. So, in that way it might be 'safer' to have no Raynaud's attacks?? I'm glad you asked the question actually, as Scleroderma has affected my oesophagus and it's made me think that maybe I should be trying another medication for my Raynaud's (which isn't too bad) this winter (had to stop taking the ordinary Nifedipine as I started to become very out of breath and dizzy not long after taking it).