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Hi,

My name is Paul. I am almost 54 and I have recently been diagnosed with Raynaud's (about a month ago). I have had symptoms since around mid-May.

Not entirely certain if some of my symptoms are atypical. I do get the white fingers and and almost burning sensation when I get ice out of the freezer or grab a cold drink from the fridge. The cold drink seems to induce temporary symptoms while the ice lasts as long as I hold it. Then the fingers resume their normal colour. What I have not heard elsewhere (haven't looked too hard yet) is when the hands are cold (or the core "thinks" it's cold - like when I sweat while running at moderate temperatures or on windy days), the backs of my hands get paraesthesia (that pins and needles feeling). Often there is no colour change associated with the paraesthesia. I seem to have pretty mild RS symptoms compared to others.

A final note is my RS seems to be casually associated with a rather quick weight loss while I was exposed to a cold environment (both indoors at the air-conditioned office) and outdoors (cool spring in my part of the world). So, it seems to be primary Raynaud's, although given the recent diagnosis, that is hardly certain at this point.

Cheers,
Paul

Hello, prwatson701, and welcome to the forum.

Others with Raynaud's report having numbness or tingling during an attack, along with the change in color. Could that perhaps be what you're describing as "pins and needles?"

It seems to me we had a long discussion thread several years ago in which members talked about weight loss prior to the onset of Raynaud's .... but I've not seen any scientific documentation of an association between the two.

I hope you will find this site helpful.

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Judith
Secondary Raynaud's with underlying systemic sclerosis

I have had Raynaud's for about 3 years. I have had the pins and neddles with my hands and feet. I am glad to hear someone else has linked loosing weight and the start of the Raynaud's. I also have sjogens and Fibromyalgia. I had Gastric Bypass in Feb. 02. I lost right at 200lbs. In the last 5 years I have gotten sicker and sicker. Started with pain in my back and legs and arms. I have had PT for over a year. Have used a Tens Unit for over 5 years now. And pain patches as well. If I am not using one or the other I have problems getting out of bed or walking. I worked with most of the symptoms for over 3 years but finally collapesed at work when my insomnia along with the pain overrode my body. The Raynaud's has got worse in my hands and feet especially on either really cold or hot days and I have a treamor in my hands and feet. This causes me to be unsteaded on feet so I have to use a cane to keep from falling down. At 47 it is irretatng. I also have syogen's so the dry eyes and mouth are very irritating. I have had all kinds of test ran. I have absorbtion issues. Along with chronic migraines that I have had for 20+ years as well as changes in my eyes. My glasses has changed 3 times in the last 3 years. I have a doctor that wants to treat my migraines with Botox. I am all for it but have been out of work for 3 years in Sept. and just lost my LTD case through work so I have no income or insurance at this time. I am working to get my SSI. I am trying to keep my symptoms in check and doing what my doctor tells me but I am getting worse not better. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appriciated.
Oh yeah I did have my thyroid removed in July/AUG 10 due to cancer and am having ongoing problems, cognitive, fibro fog, and all over pain. The last 3 years have brought me to the end of my rope. I take a handful of meds a day and just don't know whether there is help out here or if I should just give up. I never thought I would be giving up at 47 but I am mentally and physically drained. Please help or suggest a path if you have an idea. I am up to try almost anything. I have just started reading through this but I have not seen anyone say how this has effected life between husband and wife. I know I am in pain to be touched just makes me flinch. I do not mean to pull away from my husband but on the days my skin even hurts I really don't liked to be touched. How has anyone else delt with this part of this problem?
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Edited: 08/05/2012 at 10:05 PM by Raynaud's Association Moderator