Raynaud's Disease

[crosstweed]

Over the last year or two I've started developing symptoms similar to primary Raynaud's disease (i.e. cold hands, fingernails turning white and then sometimes blue - like, dead person hands - caused by physical and/or emotional triggers). I haven't been formally diagnosed, but I have similar symptoms and I'm in the demographic most likely to develop it. I'd like to know if anyone here has any experience with it, or input/advice on it.

 

[blue_ladybug]

Sounds like that for some reason, your hands aren't getting enough blood flow to them. Have you had your blood oxygen level checked? If not, you should, and ask them to check your hemoglobin A1C (iron) level also.

 

[Colt45Bullet]

It is treatable, so thats a good thing. Also, self-diagnosable

 

[crosstweed]

Sounds like that for some reason, your hands aren't getting enough blood flow to them. Have you had your blood oxygen level checked? If not, you should, and ask them to check your hemoglobin A1C (iron) level also.

I've thought about going in and getting some blood work done, but that's going to have to wait due to finances. I went through a phase where I was a bit sick and thought I might be a little anemic, too, but I was very wary of taking an iron supplement without knowing for sure, so I simply switched to a higher iron food intake.

Yes, Raynaud's has an effect on blood flow to the hands and fingers especially. It normally only happens under certain circumstances, though, and is not a constant thing. It can be triggered either by physical things (I've noticed it happens a lot when I go out to eat), and emotional shock. Even in a warm room and with a coat or a blanket, my hands will go cold and my fingers go white and then blue. On some rare occasions, I develop severe shivers with it. Raynaud's can be symptomatic of other things (heart troubles, diabetes, etc. This is called secondary Raynaud's), but I don't have symptoms of anything else and it appears to maybe be Raynaud's by itself (primary Raynaud's). They don't know what causes primary Raynaud's. I'm just kind of self-diagnosing LOL

 

[Colt45Bullet]

Uh, I think you have a Doctorate in Medicine. Im a Paramedic, but jeez

 

[Depleted]

I've thought about going in and getting some blood work done, but that's going to have to wait due to finances. I went through a phase where I was a bit sick and thought I might be a little anemic, too, but I was very wary of taking an iron supplement without knowing for sure, so I simply switched to a higher iron food intake.

Yes, Raynaud's has an effect on blood flow to the hands and fingers especially. It normally only happens under certain circumstances, though, and is not a constant thing. It can be triggered either by physical things (I've noticed it happens a lot when I go out to eat), and emotional shock. Even in a warm room and with a coat or a blanket, my hands will go cold and my fingers go white and then blue. On some rare occasions, I develop severe shivers with it. Raynaud's can be symptomatic of other things (heart troubles, diabetes, etc. This is called secondary Raynaud's), but I don't have symptoms of anything else and it appears to maybe be Raynaud's by itself (primary Raynaud's). They don't know what causes primary Raynaud's. I'm just kind of self-diagnosing LOL

I know a free way to find out if you're anemic. Give blood at a blood drive. They have to test it for anemia, and they do it right in front of you. If the blood drops, you're not. If it floats, you are. Added benefit, if you can, you're giving the gift of life to someone else.

Also, hands go cold like that for most people in emotional shock. They usually get warm when eating, so it probably is something, but at least you know you don't have to bring up the emotional shock part. That means you're like most people in that case.

 

[crosstweed]

Uh, I think you have a Doctorate in Medicine. Im a Paramedic, but jeez

LOL Naw, not at all. I just started Googling my symptoms and reading about it extensively and that's what I learned.

I know a free way to find out if you're anemic. Give blood at a blood drive. They have to test it for anemia, and they do it right in front of you. If the blood drops, you're not. If it floats, you are. Added benefit, if you can, you're giving the gift of life to someone else.

Also, hands go cold like that for most people in emotional shock. They usually get warm when eating, so it probably is something, but at least you know you don't have to bring up the emotional shock part. That means you're like most people in that case.

Ooh! That's a good idea! Thanks!

 

[Depleted]

LOL Naw, not at all. I just started Googling my symptoms and reading about it extensively and that's what I learned.

Ooh! That's a good idea! Thanks!

Heads up on using Google for diagnosing. Hubby did that and came away sure he had heartburn or indigestion, not a heart attack. Four days later it took me telling the second doctor that story and watching his perplexed reaction before it dawned on me John checking out his symptoms didn't work so well. He had a heart attack for four days, because we both believed he diagnosed himself correctly.

Sometimes it just better not accepting what Google searches get telling you you have.

 

[crosstweed]

Heads up on using Google for diagnosing. Hubby did that and came away sure he had heartburn or indigestion, not a heart attack. Four days later it took me telling the second doctor that story and watching his perplexed reaction before it dawned on me John checking out his symptoms didn't work so well. He had a heart attack for four days, because we both believed he diagnosed himself correctly.

Sometimes it just better not accepting what Google searches get telling you you have.

Well, fortunately searching my symptoms on Google did not, to my recollection, turn up anything feasible that was much more serious than Raynaud's. Blue nails can be a symptom of heart troubles, but my nails are not consistently blue, and so far as I have researched I lack the symptoms of the more serious conditions associated with it.

On that note... anyone have any thoughts on ways of improving circulation?

 

[Ultimatum77]

Well, fortunately searching my symptoms on Google did not, to my recollection, turn up anything feasible that was much more serious than Raynaud's. Blue nails can be a symptom of heart troubles, but my nails are not consistently blue, and so far as I have researched I lack the symptoms of the more serious conditions associated with it.

On that note... anyone have any thoughts on ways of improving circulation?

I sent you some links in your inbox.....for others who could use it...

Foods That Dialate Blood Vessels (with Pictures) | eHow

Spices like chilli peppers, paprika etc are natural vasodilators and useful for your blood vessels to dilate (get bigger to allow more blood flow)

Note* Please do not change your diet if you are using warfarin/blood thinning medications it can dangerously affect your blood clotting levels and you could bleed out always consult your physician/dietician before doing any diet change on these type of meds...

Exercise your fingers (pretend your playing an imaginary keyboard/typing) and rapidly move your fingers/limbs it will increase blood perfusion in that area.

Drink more water....it will increase your blood volume (more blood to go to your body parts).

Don't smoke! smoking causes vasoconstriction (blood vessels gets smaller allowing less blood to go through).

 

[oldethennew]

1. fresh air, meaning REAL air, not fake...
2. sunshine, REAL sunshine, not fake....
3. pure water, not fake or chemicalized....
4. fresh and real, not adulterated FOOD....
5. exercise, applicable to the individual, BUT, try to push beyond your comfort-zone...
6. is the Spiritual-Key - which is to Trust in The Lord with all of your heart and lean not
unto your own understanding.' - In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct
thy paths....Be not wise in thy own eyes, fear The Lord, and depart from evil, it shall be
health to thy naval and marrow to thy bones'.......

 

[JosephsDreams]

When I was counseling people nutritionally, I would tell them to get a diagnosis for anything that seemed to be of a serious nature. Not being a doctor, I can't diagnose. I could have been sued. Sometimes something innocuous can be something serious. Probably not the case with you, your young, and it seems like a relatively minor issue. But you don't know. You should get it checked out.
That being said, I don't know your diet, but it would probably be beneficial if you cleaned it up a bit.
Also, oxygen supplements, CoQ10, aged Garlic, Prime Rose oil, Goldenrod are all supplements that help increase oxygen blood flow. Miror EPF, you can get it on Amazon, has been helping people with circulation issues.
Food grade 35% H2o2 can increase Oxygen flow, but you have to carefully read the instructions and build up to a therapeutic dosage.
Also many Americans are deficient in magnesium which helps regulate heart rhythm; so it can influence blood and oxygen flow.
Essential oils that may be used for clogged, hardened arteries include Rosemary and Juniper.Essential oils that aid circulation include: basil, geranium, lavender, neroli, pine, thyme, and vetiver.
There is a small chance it could be a mold or yeast issue.
As far as the emotional and stress issues, that is something you may want to look into.

 

[crosstweed]

When I was counseling people nutritionally, I would tell them to get a diagnosis for anything that seemed to be of a serious nature. Not being a doctor, I can't diagnose. I could have been sued. Sometimes something innocuous can be something serious. Probably not the case with you, your young, and it seems like a relatively minor issue. But you don't know. You should get it checked out.
That being said, I don't know your diet, but it would probably be beneficial if you cleaned it up a bit.
Also, oxygen supplements, CoQ10, aged Garlic, Prime Rose oil, Goldenrod are all supplements that help increase oxygen blood flow. Miror EPF, you can get it on Amazon, has been helping people with circulation issues.
Food grade 35% H2o2 can increase Oxygen flow, but you have to carefully read the instructions and build up to a therapeutic dosage.
Also many Americans are deficient in magnesium which helps regulate heart rhythm; so it can influence blood and oxygen flow.
Essential oils that may be used for clogged, hardened arteries include Rosemary and Juniper.Essential oils that aid circulation include: basil, geranium, lavender, neroli, pine, thyme, and vetiver.
There is a small chance it could be a mold or yeast issue.
As far as the emotional and stress issues, that is something you may want to look into.

Thanks for the advice!

Question: what about peppermint oil applied topically?

 

[JosephsDreams]

May help a little, but not probably not much. What peppermint is good for, besides the more well known elements, is that it is a driver or carrier type oil. So it helps embed the other oils that it is mixed with.
On essential oils, they have to be therapeutic grade, or your wasting your money.
Young Living and DotTerra have some of the best.

 

[blue_ladybug]

Thanks for the advice!

Question: what about peppermint oil applied topically?

You'd smell real sweet and people would try to eat you.

 

[Magenta]

Niacin helps open small capillaries and blood vessels, which will help improve blood circulation. Make sure to get the kind that is real niacin (so not the non-flushing kind), meaning not niacinamide. Niacinamide is often substituted in supplements because niacin can cause a burning sensation when your blood vessels open. It can even cause a temporary rashing effect on the surface of the skin, and the burning sensation could be fairly severe if you take the niacin on an empty stomach. You may feel it mostly as a creeping sensation around your ears and the nape of your neck, but can also be on your torso and major limbs. The discomfort, if any, will pass, and there are no ill effects. Niacin is part of the B complex of vitamins, usually best taken all together. Best of luck, and God bless!

 

[oldethennew]

great advice, Magenta,

hubby and I have used it for years...the flushing-effect is amazing in maintaining
good health by getting rid of the bad-stuff that accumulates over time...