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Judith
Secondary Raynaud's with underlying systemic sclerosis

Edited: 06/17/2012 at 04:26 PM by Judith

Hello everyone,
I have had raynauds for about 4 years. It has progressed very quickly in the last year. I am now having much trouble with my mobility in my hands. My wrists are very weak. My arms are very fatigued. I am a florist so my hands are constantly cold and wet. I have not started the channel blockers that my doctor has prescribed. Do you think they will help my symptoms? It has become very painful to do my job that I love and need desperatly.
I went to the doctor and he had ordered many tests. They had a very difficult time drawing blood. My veins in my arms and hands would just shut down. Anyone else have this happen?
Thanks

Edited: 06/17/2012 at 02:53 PM by destiny3

Hi, I have the same problem as you. The veins in my arms and hands are shutting down. It is getting worse as I am getting older. I am only 35. It is impossible for them to do blood draws and to get I.V.'s started also. It sort of helps when they pack my arms full of heating pads and hot blankets, but then they have to get the ultrasound and look for a vein that way. They also have to numb me because they have to dig very deep when they go for the blood also. I always makes sure I am well hydrated because I never know when I will have to go to the E.R because of another medical condition I have (not too serious).

You never know if the calcium channel blockers will work unless you take them. In my opinion they are worth a shot. I took them for a long time, they did nothing for me.

On the days I have to work with cold and dampness at work I like to drink something hot. Just hot water with cayenne pepper in it. I learned that trick from a seminar I went to. I am a cook and when I have to spend the day peeling cold potatoes or in a cold walk-in freezer. It really helps me.

Cayenne pepper's a good one. Works to improve flow.

I'm 33 and was diagnosed with this thing at 11. Things are getting worse but I ignore them as best I can, but I did wonder why it was difficult for people to draw blood from me sometimes.

The hands in cold water is a definite no-no. Have you tried used gloves, even rubber gloves, just to protect your hands and give them a bit of insulation? Might be cumbersome at first but you'll get used to it.