Kevin Taylor, who discovered his Raynaud’s at the age of 50, revealed that he has not seen a doctor about his condition. Being familiar with the term Raynaud’s and knowing a few people who suffer from it, Kevin turned to the Internet and friends for more information about the disorder. He believes that his Raynaud’s is primary, as he’s not aware of any other medical issues that could be causing it.
Raynaud’s has significantly impacted Kevin’s daily life, particularly his ability to continue running, which has been one of his passions since 2007. He experiences color changes and numbness in his left foot and toes, as well as in one finger on each hand. Because of his symptoms, he now feels nervous and wary during runs, even in slightly warmer weather. His left foot was cold and white during a recent race, causing pain at various points throughout the day.
In his line of work producing facades and facias for new buildings he is on his feet most of the day in safety boots walking around the factory and steering a forklift truck. Raynaud’s poses challenges as his left foot in particular is often cold, making him fairly uncomfortable standing and walking so much throughout the day.
Friends, family, and some colleagues are aware of Kevin’s Raynaud’s and have been supportive, suggesting various remedies, such as compression socks and foot cream. Kevin has tried different methods to prevent or alleviate his Raynaud’s episodes, including wearing thicker walking socks, using foot warmer pads, applying deep heat and foot warming creams. He’s also seeing podiatrists and massage specialists for exercises aimed at boosting his circulation.
He’s also aware that stress from personal challenges such as a recent divorce and multiple home relocations may also be contributing to Kevin’s Raynaud’s symptoms.
Kevin learned about the Raynaud’s Association through Internet searches and found some helpful information and resources. He advises other Raynaud’s sufferers to keep their fingers and toes warm using foot and hand warmer pads. Despite only experiencing Raynaud’s for the past two years, he laments how the condition has significantly impacted his life socially, at work, and especially his running. Like many of us Frosties, he’d love to find a product that could help him manage his condition to a more manageable level. Amen Kevin!
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Editor’s Note: Given the asymmetrical pattern of Kevin’s symptoms (only one foot, and only certain fingers) and the fact that Raynaud’s surfaced at an older age, these may be signs that his Raynaud’s could potentially be the secondary form, and we’ve suggested to Kevin that he consult with a rheumatologist to get tested just to confirm that his is, in fact, primary Raynaud’s.
