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I have lived in Alaska for 35 years! I was diagnosed with primary Raynaud's about 7 years ago...starting with just one finger. Now it's hands, feet, nose, ears, etc., but not all the time.

This year I actually left my entire family in Oct. and came to the desert in Calif. because I was so miserable last year. I am missing them so much, but not ready to suffer for months again.

There is no rheumy in Anchorage, so I called when I got here in Palm Springs. Can't get in until February!! I just wanted to get an appt to see if my stayig in Alaska and getting 5 to 10 attacks a day would cause irreversible damage.

Anyway, I am reading everything written here and no longer feeling like the only one who has even heard of this.

Hope to hear from anyone who has comments.

Linda

Hi Linda, and welcome to the Raynaud's Association forum. I'm sorry that your Raynaud's symptoms are so uncomfortable that you've opted to separate yourself from your family.

Having frequent Raynaud's attacks can certainly cause tissue damage, so you're wise to seek medical attention. There are medications available that can control Raynaud's symptoms; the most commonly prescribed drugs are calcium channel blockers (Norvasc, Procardia, etc.) but there are others as well.

It's unfortunate that you can't see a specialist until February. Perhaps you can find a general practitioner in the meantime who can prescribe some medication to help you get through the winter.

I hope you're successful in finding an effective treatment plan. Please let us know how you're doing.

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Judith
Secondary Raynaud's with underlying systemic sclerosis

I live in North Pole, Alaska and stumbled upon a "cure" for my problems. I was prescribed a RX for heart & high blood pressure med, which I really didn't need for that problem but it worked for my Reynauds.

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I have a suggestion, it works for me here in North Pole, Alaska even @ -60

Hi all. I know this is a long shot since these posts are so old, but just came across this thread and wondered how you guys are doing.

Linda, hope it worked out for you in Palm Springs, or that you obtained treatment that allowed you to return to Alaska.

Moose, I love the general Fairbanks area though haven't visited North Pole yet. If you ever check back in I would be interested to hear how you are faring as well. If I can ever swing it financially I am considering living in the North Star Borough area someday. I've visited twice (March 2011 and February 2012), and plan to visit again in January 2013 to sample the REALLY cold temps, which I have missed so far.