Despite being diagnosed many years ago - i know very little about Raynauds & have never had tests just prescribed Nifedipene!!

[frostyblack]

i have had an ulcer type patch on my index finger for years is this connected?

Does weight effect the condition?

is having a low body temperture connected>

[Blue-Bunny]

O.o Ulcers are usually more associated with Scleroderma rather than Raynauds...however... in very severe cases of Raynauds (usually Secondary) Raynauds can cause Necrosis (very dead skin) which can turn into ulcers. (This is unlikely). Scleroderma sufferers have slightly different reasons for their ulcers. This is generally why there's such a focus on keeping the blood pumping around the body. No blood = No oxygen = Dead cells.

Weight...'can' affect Raynauds but then that would be Secondary Raynauds, for Primary sufferers, simply losing or gaining weight isn't going to help. If you have low blood pressure, you're probably more likely to get it. So lower weight rather than higher weight would be worse. (May be wrong on that, it's just a logical conclusion).

A low body temperature doesn't help...in theory. Raynauds is 'generally' where the extremes start rejecting blood (i.e turning white, going very cold and very numb). Having a low body temperature might encourage an attack. Though I wouldn't say it was 'connected' or a 'symptom' of Raynauds, but it doesn't help. I would ask your doctor more about this but it is very unlikely. Do however wrap up warm, wear thermal base layers as often as you can. The more you keep your body warm the less severe the attacks will be. (Well..not always but it helps).

[frostyblack]

Well last time i saw gp they upped the nifedipene but have never said if i have primary or secondary Raynaulds. ive never had any test done to find out. was first diagnosed about 14 years ago.

Blood pressure has always been slightly lower than normal, but the cold body temp has only been an issue for the last couple of years although the raynaulds has been at its worst for the same amount of time. mentioned it to gp who did the usual blood test thyriod etc but they came back clear.

[Blue-Bunny in reply to frostyblack]

If you have an underlying condition that's causing it. You have Secondary Raynauds. If it is on its own it's Primary. There are no 'real' tests for Raynauds unfortunately, it's still pretty much a mystery. There are some 'indicators' but they are unreliable.

[mrsqwerty11]

Low weight can effect circulation making raynauds worse as veins are narrower in slimmer ppl, when I was 1st diognosed with sclerederma and secondary raynauds I was told this by my gp and also ppl who smoke suffer more..as veins are narrower too... 7yrs bk I stopped smoking and put 3 stones of weight on and feel loads better for it.. Regarding the sclerederma I was given a blood test to check certain antibodies in the blood, mine came bk positive, don't know what antibodies but gp said that to make it simple is that my white blood cells are fighting against the red cells rather than working together as they should.

[graygirl1]

You do need to have a blood test to ascertain wether or not you have Autoimmune disorder which Raynaud's is usually one of the conditions assocciated with it.

Mine was not picked up for years and I'd been going backwards and forward with this complaint and that complaint for ages. Eventually a new GP put two and two together, sent me for a blood test, I was diagnosed with dangerously low thyroid and other things including Raynaud's Phenomenom.

Your ulcer could be due to Raynaud's but ask your doc if you can have a blood test to make sure you get the correct diagnosis and treatment. Make a list of questions you need to ask so you won't forget when you visit your GP next time. Yes, the cold does affect the circulation.

Keep as warm as possible and try not to get too stressed. Hope you'll be fine soon.

Good luck!

[zenabb]

I suggest you contact the Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association for more information on Raynaud's.

[nettie545]

I found some very interesting facts when I went onto a site - Vesculitis - there is a lot of information about Raynaud's on one of their links. I've never had ulcers on my fingers so I don't know about that, but low blood pressure is one of the symptoms isn't it? I would do as much research as you can on this. I am taking one of the reports written by a Dr. to my GP, so you could do that as well. Some GP's don't know much about Raynaud's and haven't really researched it, so I think patients should do it. The Doctors don't have time in the NHS. Keep warm and hope the ulcer gets better. I know this sounds crazy but how about soaking it in salt water for a while every day and also, Bicarbinate of Soda takes the pain of ulcers away, wherever they are, so I would try that. God bless. Lyn

[AHM42]

The Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association have plenty of free leaflets and can offer advice on Raynaud's and associated conditions. You could visit their website raynauds.org.uk or give them a call on 01270 872776 and ask to speak to their welfare officer who has Raynaud's herself.