We were happy to see an article in a UK nursing magazine, Nursing in Practice, with advice on diagnosing and treating Raynaud’s phenomenon. More knowledgeable medical professionals will result in better treatment for Frosties across the globe.
The article contains a good overview of the condition, including:
- The history of Raynaud’s discovery in 1862 by French physician Maurice Raynaud
- Description of what occurs during attacks, key triggers and color changes
- Typical symptoms
- Differences between primary vs. secondary Raynaud’s and the tests used to detect an underlying medical condition
- Treatment and management of Raynaud’s
In addition to the scientific side of the condition, the author does a nice job of reporting the type of everyday activities Frosties can find difficult. For example, “Going to the supermarket especially in the refrigerated or freezer aisles can be a real challenge, turning keys in locks on a cold day, putting hands on a cold steering wheel or holding a cold glass of drink on a summer day all present hurdles that are often taken for granted. The increasing prevalence of air conditioning can also be a test of endurance.” It’s important for medical professionals to understand the challenges facing Raynaud’s patients that non-sufferers take for granted. We’re not imagining the pain and discomfort, it’s real!”
Another good point is how the author recognizes that each case is unique: “…severity of symptoms can vary from person to person…some patients will only need some of these