Elaine Trosino was 36 years old when she received the diagnosis of secondary Raynaud’s. It all started with a finger or two changing colors and going numb. Eventually, most of her fingers were affected, and she knew it was time to seek medical advice.
She visited her primary doctor, who she says easily diagnosed her with Raynaud’s (an uncommon occurrence for most Frosties!). Further blood work revealed a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) leading to a referral to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist confirmed Elaine’s Raynaud’s diagnosis and mentioned markers for lupus, scleroderma, and thyroid disease and predicted that lupus or scleroderma would develop within the next 9 to 18 months. The doctor’s seriousness about the situation left Elaine feeling overwhelmed and anxious, rather than hopeful.
When Elaine received her diagnosis, she had never heard of Raynaud’s. Online resources were limited twenty years ago, but her husband took it upon himself to gather information and share only what she needed to know, trying to keep the picture as positive as possible. His support during this challenging time meant the world to her.
As her Raynaud’s symptoms worsened, they started to impact Elaine’s everyday life. Swollen fingers, changing colors, and numbness made her self-conscious, longing to hide her hands. She withdrew from activities, fatigued and overwhelmed. As a stay-at-home mother with three young children, she felt like her world was shrinking and she was losing her identity as a vibrant, positive person always ready for the next adventure. Instead of enjoying life, she felt like she was just going through the motions to get through each day.
At first, she only shared her diagnosis with a select inner circle, as the emotional toll was just as challenging as the physical symptoms. However, she was fortunate to have the loving support of her family and close friends. Elaine’s husband became “her rock,” ensuring that the car was always preheated, providing an ample supply of hand and foot warmers, and offering the warmth of his body when needed to help her cope.
As time went on, Elaine realized that her symptoms were getting worse, and she felt like a bystander in her own life, just waiting for a formal diagnosis of a serious autoimmune disorder as originally predicted. Determined to take control, she delved into research, consulted nutritionists and alternative practitioners, and explored various therapies and diets. When she learned that through diet, some people were positively impacting their health and reducing inflammatory conditions, she embraced this strategy, even though it was a new concept for her. The notion that she could positively and proactively impact her health with food was exciting and empowering – most importantly, it gave her hope.
She started out experimenting with raw, vegan and vegetarian diets. Once she felt a little better and had more energy, she abandoned the victim mindset and began focusing on any small improvement.
But she knew diet wasn’t enough, she needed to do more. So Elaine started connecting with doctors and practitioners of varying disciplines, including hypnotherapy, reiki, acupuncture, and more. Together she believes they all made a significant difference.
Elaine has learned that autoimmunity is a layered puzzle, and every person is unique, there is no one magical answer. She attributes the lessening of her symptoms (and NOT developing lupus, scleroderma, or thyroid disease) to the shift in her diet/nutrition, lifestyle and maybe most importantly, her mindset. Addressing and managing her stress in a comprehensive and holistic way has been a game changer. She’s now become a confident advocate and master of her health.
Elaine continues to manage her Raynaud’s through comprehensive lifestyle changes and stress management. Her symptoms have lessened, and she no longer feels restricted by Raynaud’s. She can enjoy outdoor activities, even in colder temperatures, without needing gloves or warmers. While she occasionally experiences flare-ups, they are mostly in response to cold temperatures rather than stress.
Elaine discovered the Raynaud’s Association through Facebook, and she’s found being part of this supportive community has been invaluable. Elaine’s advice to fellow Frosties is to never give up in improving your health. Seek answers, find a healthcare team that supports a holistic approach, and become your own advocate.
Living with Raynaud’s has been a challenge, but through perseverance and a proactive approach, Elaine regained control over her life. She’s committed to continually seeking ways to enhance her health and support others in their own journey with Raynaud’s.
These profiles are part of our ongoing Member Spotlight series. For more information about our Member Spotlight feature and stories like this one from Elaine Trosino, here’s the original post: Introducing Member Spotlight! To tell us your story for possible publication, please share it on our Tell Us About You Form.
