Raynauld's disease-numb fingers/toes

[shootingstar]

It was disappointing tonight. I had my numb fingers episode...so much that I could not join my partner to cycle home ...who cycled to meet me half way enroute at my bike locker when I get off the train during part of the trek home. I just couldn't feel my bike brake levers, barely snap on my helmet straps, etc.

It bothers me when this happens. It's only about 10-15 degrees above freezing. Same temp. as last night but I was fine and rode home...first bike work commute in past few ...wks.!

So I jumped onto the commuter train with bike because I couldn't cycle safely with such numb fingers (it would have been a 20 kms. ride in the dark, different turns /detours not just 1 straight road homeward.)


This worries me. Feels like a mild unpredictable disability.

[shootingstar]

Just to give an idea how disabling this 'temporary' numbing can be...I was in a near panic a few days ago.

I was wearing a dress long coat...I was dressed for a job interview. I seldom wear this coat since I work in a rougher workplace.

And there I was struggling to unbutton my coat in the washroom cubicle half an hr. before the interview meet time.

It took me nearly 5 min. to unbutton my whole coat. I could barely feel my fingertips.

and it was about 8 degrees or so above freezing that day.

[flash]

It's a stereotype, but my Dr. says keeping your CORE warm (fleece vests and such) is key to keeping Reynaud's controlled. It seems to be working for me ... I never have problems during exercise, but have problems immediately after a workout (especially in cold weather, but not always), the blood flow to hands and feet just shuts down...even with a proper cooldown and everything. A hat & a fuzzy vest seem to work to minimize this ... which is good. Purple popsicle fingers are understandable in January ... but in June???? That's a little much.

[makbike]

I was initially diagnosed with this but it turned out to be thyroid disease (hypo). You might have your thyroid levels checked.

[ginny]

I have it too! I didn't know I had it until I was about 26. I moved to Co from Fl. I have found (through many self experiments - I'm a scientist, what can I say), that if I keep my core warm, I'm okay. I haven't had the horrible pain in the fingers/toes in a couple of years... I hear women are 30% more likely to have it than men...and it gets worse as one gets older.... that's my two cents...