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Hi,
My name is Jared, I am a 23 year old male who has been experiencing Raynaud's phenomenon for about 2 years now, and was just diagnosed last fall. I joined this forum because I have accumulated a lot of questions, and unfortunately there is not a lot of information involving the disease in men, outside of research I have found dating back to 1945.

When I initially met a rheumatologist, I knew I wanted to have blood test run, because the little information I read suggested that primary Raynaud's does not occur in males. To my surprise my blood test came back completely clear, I was left to assume maybe my Raynaud's was a result of a few years of smoking and genetic predisposition.

I have had lots of joint problems, I have Patellofemoral syndrome, some level of carpal tunnel, although it only manifest its self by popping and snapping in my wrist, and both of my shoulders also pop a lot. All of these problems I assumed to be from years of studying classical guitar, and maybe pushing myself too hard with exercise. However, I still don't feel like someone my age would normally have all of these problems.

I guess I should probably post my questions, rather than just rant.

Does primary Raynaud's actually occur in men?

Can Raynaud's occur before a positive ANA or RA factor blood test (or any of the normal test a doctor would prescribe)?

My doctor suggested I take calcium channel blockers starting in fall, does anyone have any experience with these?

My Raynaud's occurs in my fingers and toes. It starts first in my right pointer and middle finger, then my right ring, and left pointer and middle. These changes occur within about 5-7 minutes, but usually I get to a sink before it gets past my first two. Does this constitute a symmetric or asymmetric attack?

I think that's about all I can think of for now, I am especially interested in if Raynaud's can precede positive blood test for different autoimmune disease.

Also I deleted and reposted this after finding a few grammatical errors, if there are anymore, sorry.

Hello, Jad1020, and welcome to the forum.

A fair number of men who seem to have primary Raynaud's are members of this forum. I hope some of them reply to your post.

As you appear to have done research on Raynaud's, you probably already know that the relationship between blood markers (ANA, RA factor, etc.) and the disorders that can have Raynaud's as a secondary component isn't clearly understood. In establishing a diagnosis, doctors will use blood test results along with medical history and clinical symptoms. But, if I understand your question, yes, Raynaud's can be the first symptom to appear; that is often the case with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are the meds most often prescribed for Raynaud's. There are quite a few drugs in this category and it sometimes takes time and patience to find the specific drug and dosage to best control Raynaud's for an individual. Members of this forum have often posted their experiences (both positive and negative) with various CCBs.

I hope you find this forum helpful.

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Judith
Secondary Raynaud's with underlying systemic sclerosis

Hi Jared. Judith's observations are good ones. One additional factor you might consider is I see you've played classical guitar for many years.

There is literature supporting the use of vibrating tools or equipment resulting in Raynaud's. Raynaud's is also common among people whose occupations or hobbies subject their hands/fingers to unusual wear and tear, such as typists, dentists, stenographers and pianists. In these situations, the primary ailment is called Vibration White Finger (VWF) and is one of the few situations where a direct causal relationship to Raynaud's has been found.

You might want to ask your doctor if it's possible your guitar activity could be involved. In any case, the treatment options remain the same. Calcium channel blockers are the most commonly prescribed drugs for Raynaud's sufferers.

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Frostie