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I just wanted to ask, do any of you notice that when your core temp is higher it reduces or eliminates your attacks?
It has been much warmer lately and I don't seem to have the reactions as much any more. I still do if I reach into a refrigerator/freezer and get something (pain!) and if floors are cold and I am barefoot.
But for the most part I don't feel cold in my hands and feet any more UNLESS, my core temp drops, then my hands and feet start to become cold.

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Warmest wishes (pun intended )
MountainRose

Yes, but for me it has more to do with core temps than outside temps.

After playing an hour of tennis (indoors!) I can walk out to my car in shorts and a t-shirt in the middle of winter and not get an attack. If I've been sitting on the couch watching TV, I can't go get something out of the garage without getting an attack.

Of course, when the weather is warmer I get less attacks. This winter has seemed worse for me (even though the winter was mild) but now that warm weather is here I've all but forgotten about Raynauds!

I agree. It's all about core temp. If you're body thinks your core temp is dropping it quite rightly diverts blood away from limbs where heat is lost and gives it to your vital organs. This is a normal response but in RS sufferers this response is overdone and even the slightest hint of temp drop causes the peripheral blood vessels to constrict. Ever since i have made an even core temp my prioity I have been better. Vest on in october not to be removed till end of april and always an extra cardi when you go in the supermrket! Seriously, load on the clothes BEFORE you go outside to keep your core temp up.

Definitely yes for me on the core body temp. I've taken to wearing those tight fitting camisoles almost all of the time now. Keeping my body trunk warm increases my tolerance for a little breeze or chilliness. I also wear socks most of the time, even in summer and I live in Florida.

My basal body temp (get a special thermometer) read around 96 degrees for me. Always has. As a child, any illnes would trigger a temp, resulting in febrile seizures. My mom said at age 5-6, my seizures stopped happening, and that was the first sub normal temps started showing up.

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Joyce, MN

Boy, never thought about the core temp idea. I have been dealing with raynaud's, hashimoto's and migraines for a while never putting it all together. I have red blisters on my toes that takes months to go away. My fingers turn white, then flame-red from cold temps and getting upset. My body temp is usually around 96 or 97 degrees. When I get cold....it hurts. I then start shaking and my teeth clench. I am managing my migraines with MaxAlt and Tenormin (blood pressure is 102 over 68). I also read that those meds are not great for people with raynaud's but the doctor told me- migraine or Raynaud's pain.............hmmmmm not a hard choice. Anyone who has spent the day/night holding on to the toilet- puking, laid in total darkness with every sound feeling like it is a drum banging knows that taking the migraines medications is a must. Stop the migraines meds, raynaud's improves but you can't get out of bed. Now the migraines make sense to me, along with everything else...............it's great to know I am not alone.

Mountain Rose,

I agree that a warm core temp. is important. However, sometimes stress can make it even harder to stay warm. Or even a breeze or ceiling fan can cause an attack.
For me, it is impossible to completely prevent Raynaud's attacks, unless I stay home everyday and can control the environment. They are a part of my daily life and I do what I can to help get the blood flowing.
When I get a Raynaud's attack, I franantically find ways to get warm FAST.

Drinking something hot
Jumping up and down
Walk up/down stairs
Layer up on clothes
Heating pad...at work, I place a heating pad on my lap (desk job)

You'll have to find what works for you. The important thing is to KEEP THOSE DIGITS WARM.

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Raynaud's is secondary to Scleroderma, Post DVT Blood Clot and blood disorders.

I agree Lucy. I guess I should have said do core temps help control symptoms. If I am in a room that is just right and someone turns on a fan I will started to hurt even if I am dressed warmly.

Shopping in the refrigerator section of the store is NO fun at ALL!!! And cutting vegetables or fruits that have been in the refrigerator hurts so much.

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Warmest wishes (pun intended )
MountainRose