Has anyone else with an underactive thyroid developed raynauds symptoms and how do they manage it?

[EmJB]

[shaws Administrator]

I haven't, thank goodness, but this is a link which may be helpful.

thyroid.about.com/od/relate...

[EmJB in reply to shaws]

Thank you

[Cinnamon]

I had Reynaud's before developing hypothyroidism. Family history of both (mum). I'm not sure what you mean by 'manage it'. Please explain further.

[EmJB in reply to Cinnamon]

Hi Cinnamon, by "manage" I meant has anyone else developed raynauds after and possibly caused by an underactive thyroid. If so, have they found an increase in thyroxine useful or have they tried herbs or other complementary approaches useful.

[Cinnamon in reply to EmJB]

Ah, I see. Well I'm on a very low dose of levo (25ug) which I'd like to see raised, as I think it might help with the Reynaud's. However, so far my GP has said 'no'. I've finally been referred to an endo (I also have elevated BP -- which I believe is due to being borderline hypo for years and unmedicated) because GP can't figure out what to do with me. She's basically thrown all my symptoms at the endo in a letter and we'll see what happens. I'll report back (won't see endo till earliest mid-March).

[EmJB in reply to Cinnamon]

thank you, it will be interesting to find out what the endo thinks. 25 is a very low dose, I'm on 75mg and wondering if it needs increasing or if there is something else I can try first.

[PinkBear]

Yes my hands are always frozen & are really painful when they warm up dr says Raynauds & the treatment isn't suitable for me as it lowers blood pressure & mine is already low & advised to try & keep my hands warm at all times..easier said than done tho! x

[EmJB in reply to PinkBear]

Definitely easier said than done! Even with double gloves on my fingers go "dead" when I'm out.

[Jackie]

Hi If auto immune thyroid disease common to have loads of other auto immune diseases in time. My Hepeatologist always says " They like to hang around together", a good description. Regarding Raynaulds, I have always had it and daughter and grand daughter. There is treatment now but unpleasant side effects of the drugs. GOSH put my grand on these years ago, they only help marginally with that and migraine ( also auto immune). We find the best answer is to try and avoid situations that make it worse, always wear gloves etc etc.Unfortunately chilblains become a fact of life.

Jackie

[EmJB in reply to Jackie]

Thank you Jackie, yes I do have antibodies to my thyroid so that could be what is happening. Useful to have another way of looking at it.

[RedApple Administrator]

In case you are not aware, there is a Raynaud's support group here on HealthUnlocked. Might be people there who also have thyroid issues. Here's the link raynauds.healthunlocked.com...

[EmJB in reply to RedApple]

I didn't realise that so thank you, I'll check it out

[emma_marie]

I also developed Raynaud's before being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I was medicated for a while but had VERY bad side effects and so have just been self-managing for some time now. I do think that since I have begun taking Levo my Raynaud's has improved but it's still a daily battle. Will be raising this with my endo tomorrow.

[EmJB in reply to emma_marie]

Will be interested to hear what your endo thinks about it.

[kazzyhoo]

Hi I self manage my chilblains (or try to when I remember), I trained in Aromatherapy so often experiment on myself to find things that actually work, the best recipe I have made is this....

Base lotion

Jojoba oil (carrier)

Evening primrose oil (carrier)

Essential Oils;-

Ginger

Black Pepper

Marjoram

Rosemary

Lavender

Thyme

Lemon

It is fairly easy to make this yourself but you must be very careful with the amounts of essential oils used, or you could find a local aromatherapist to make it for you (recommended).

It only cost me a few quid to make it myself, but I have all of the stuff needed, I wouldn't expect to pay more than £5 from someone else making it though,a 60ml jar usually lasts me a few months and it really does help

[EmJB in reply to kazzyhoo]

That is really helpful Kazzyhoo, I will try that out.

[jayne63]

yes i have and i hate it...i was a street homeless outreach worker but that is something i would not ever be able to do again as i am unable to tolerate such cold x

[EmJB in reply to jayne63]

It's horrid isn't it! I have 2 young dogs to walk and yesterday one of the leads slipped through my numb fingers and thick gloves and one of my dogs ran and got hit by a van. She's alive and in hospital. I don't know yet the extent of her injuries but I am so worried about how dangerous the numbness can be.