Raynauds - any advice please

[bernardh]

Where I work,the temperature rarely reaches 60f.My hands/fingers are blue and painful.Yesterday,the doc diagnosed Raynauds and told me to wear 2 pairs of gloves to prevent the pain.
At work,as a sales asst in a garage,I use heat-sensitive tills which I am sure will not work with gloves,so I doubt if I can continue with that post.
I will ask to see my manager to see if anything can be done,but does the company have to find me an alternate post?
Raising the temp to 16c (min I think) would not solve the glove problem.
Please move to another category if I have posted in the wrong place.
Thanks.

[bailey]

I sympathise with your condition as i too suffer and its horrible. I'm sorry i can't suggest anything right now except have you been to www.raynauds.co.uk for some extra useful tips and advice. I saw it in a magazine the other day but haven't been there yet. Do your feet suffer as well, all my extremities do. Best wishes.

[bailey]

Sorry this is the addess http://www.raynauds.org.uk/flash_content.html, if you google raynauds there is a lot of information. There might be somethere there to help with your job situation.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

RAYNAULDS and Omega 3 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=2536517) it takes 6 to 12 weeks to reach maximum effect and the dose was nearly 4 g of EPA which would mean about 12 high strength capsules or 3 teaspoons of the Omega Juice below.

The amounts of EPA in the fish oil capsules used would be more easily consumed by using the high EPA OMEGA JUICE from ZIPVIT (http://www.zipvit.co.uk)

EPA but not DHA, reduces platelet activation, an early step in platelet aggregation, so making the blood thinner and more easily pumped through restricted capillaries.

Also found this The most important instruction to the patient is abstinence from any smoking, offending drugs should be discontinued, and abrupt changes in temperature.

In researching the use of Omega3's for other reasons I have found that L'carnitine is fundamental to it's metabolism and transport through the body. It is as effective as Viagra in enabling blood to flow to the extremities and so you may find it worth experimenting with. Again Zipvit are the cheapest suppliers I have found and you can be assured that both Omega and L'carnitine are totally safe and will only improve the efficiency of any other medication you may be prescribed.

[bernardh]

Thanks bailey and ted. I also have severe heart failure (the joys of alcoholism) so i already take drugs to widen my capilliaries,lower BP etc.
Just spoke to my manager who has passed this up to personnel.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Both the Omega and Carnitine will therefore be even more beneficial.
See Effects of dietary fat intake in sudden death: reduction of death with omega-3 fatty acids. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15306094)

Substantiation of the use of L-carnitine for the treatment of alcoholism (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&DB=pubmed)

[mussgo]

Hi

I have found the best thing is being prepared. I wear layer upon layer, starting with thermals! I wear gloves whilst outside and fingerless gloves whilst inside....perhaps that would help with the tills. I also keep extra fleeces at work should I get cold (well before anyone else feels it!!).

However the real answer is to live and work in warmth, so if Spain is not a reality, see if the temperature can get raised or work in a warmer room.

Its no fun being cold. Feet are far worse than hands, and harder to heat up again!! (IMHO)

take care and keep warm

[jeryth]

(Borderline Reynauds person here) I sympathise, and hope your personnel dept can sort something out. At least they sound as if they want to help?

I was advised to keep my wrists covered/warm to provide warmer blood supply to hands and fingers.

May I ask a question for myself? I have always had bad circulation, and used to be prone to chillblains in winter when I was a child. My main problems now are that my fingers (and feet too sometimes) get so cold they go completely numb. It happens when I spend too long on't'internet, or driving (even in gloves), for example. I don't feel the cold, and don't notice the numbness until I start moving again and realize that my fingertips have no feeling, or my heels feel as if they aren't there. Any ideas would be most helpful, as I have just remembered it's motorcycling season again soon, and that is another bad situation.

[mussgo]

(Borderline Reynauds person here) I sympathise, and hope your personnel dept can sort something out. At least they sound as if they want to help?

I was advised to keep my wrists covered/warm to provide warmer blood supply to hands and fingers.

May I ask a question for myself? I have always had bad circulation, and used to be prone to chillblains in winter when I was a child. My main problems now are that my fingers (and feet too sometimes) get so cold they go completely numb. It happens when I spend too long on't'internet, or driving (even in gloves), for example. I don't feel the cold, and don't notice the numbness until I start moving again and realize that my fingertips have no feeling, or my heels feel as if they aren't there. Any ideas would be most helpful, as I have just remembered it's motorcycling season again soon, and that is another bad situation.


Hi, I have had frostbite, so am seasoned sufferer! My advice is ..... Be prepared. Try not to get in situations that will lead you to be cold.
Try all the herbal stuff the is suggested...(great if it works for you). If it gets bad see the doctor, try the tablets.
For me prevention is the key....I am layered . Also see when you are vulnerable..... motorcycling..ok wear extra layers, my cashmere vest is WONDERFUL !!! Understand if your hands are extended for that they will get cold, easier at the computer ... go and get a hot cuppa!! Not so sure about driving...is the car warm enough, wear a bonnet??? What ever it takes, do it!
I have found 'listeneing' to my body gives me greater control.
eg..I have to race through the chilll section in supermarkets as I soon start to shiver! I have to put milk into the basket as soon as possible or my fingers will go white! nothing beats a bath for getting warm if you get too cold.

Thats my hap'ence.... perhaps others have different ideas
M

[bernardh]

Thaks for all replies. Personnel are to provide gloves and see if the heat-sensitive touch screens will work.If not,think again.Till work is the major part of my job.
Ted - very interesting about the natural remedies.I was taught in rehab not to take anything that was not prescribed (i.e no self-medication) so I`ll check with my doc next month.
I will also investigate heated grips for the motorbike - if my old MZ can produce enough power to run them.Anyone got experience of these?

[jeryth]

Yes, my fella has heated grips on his bike. Not because he suffers with the cold (he is actually a warm person), but because he likes to use his bike on colder days. A recent test (might have been in Ride magazine) showed that being cold is more dangerous to a rider's reactions than being tired or even drunk. I'm not sure what brand he uses, but Oxford are a recognized manufacturer, and the heated grips are surprisingly affordable. HTH

[jeryth]

I've just read the info regarding this board, and how it is really supposed to be about moneysaving with regard to Health issues; and NOT for discussion of health conditions.
I'm sorry for not really sticking to the spirit of the purpose of the board, by asking for advice for myself.

[Fran]

I've just read the info regarding this board, and how it is really supposed to be about moneysaving with regard to Health issues; and NOT for discussion of health conditions.
I'm sorry for not really sticking to the spirit of the purpose of the board, by asking for advice for myself.

Hi jeryth,

Yes, you are right! People go off track a lot of the time (human nature!), so no need to apologise. You've drawn attention to the nature of this thread though, so I'm moving it to the Health Board as people who read that might be interested too. :)

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Hi jeryth,

Yes, you are right! People go off track a lot of the time (human nature!), so no need to apologise. You've drawn attention to the nature of this thread though, so I'm moving it to the Health Board as people who read that might be interested too. :)

That might not work as the Thought police are trying to keep the health forum focussed on the moneysaving aspects of health issues rather than a general discussion of the symptoms and possible treatments.

[Galtizz]

OK, here is a money saving tip related to keeping hands warm (sort of ;) )

I used to work in a cold shop and had to use a till. I suffered with my hands, they used to go numb and I would get pins and needles until they had fully warmed up - they were very painful.
Instead of buying expensive specialist gloves buy some tight fitting thermal gloves (2 pairs if necessary) and just chop the very top part of the finger off the finger you use to press the till with I cut about 1cm off the thumb and forefinger and left all the other fingers intact (the finger of the glove that is). . I also had a pair of big mittens for when I wasn't using the till. When you take mittens off you are less likely to pull the gloves off at the same time.
I still had problems with the fingers that where exposed but it wasn't as bad. Another money saving tips is to search charity shops for the thermal gloves. I got some old fashioned Damart ones for a couple of quid.

[dbs]

Has anyone tried warming creams for the hands, are they any good?which are the best?

[Nile]

Ginko Biloba improves blood flow and helps Raynaud's sufferers. Ginkyo is £9.95 for 30 tablets, available from health stores, pharmacies and supermarkets.

Avoid caffeine, nicotine and excessive alcohol as these cause the blood vessels to contract. Eating foods rich in Vitamin C will help because they're important for healthy blood vessels.

I've seen special woollen gloves on sale in Fishing/Angling shops. The gloves are fingerless but with a fold over mitten which can be opened when operating the till. Ask your company to reimburse you for any warm clothing you purchase.

Go to your local library to get details of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Regulation 7 states, Ventilation (31)

Workers should not be subject to uncomfortable draughts etc. Workstations should be re-sited or screened if necessary.

Temperature in indoor workplaces.

(1) During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.

(3) A sufficient number of thermometers shall be provided to enable persons at work to determine the temperature in any workplace inside a building.

(43) The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16 degrees Celcius unless much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celcius.


If your company is unsympathetic, get a copy of the document and show it to them. I was in a similar position at work, in a draughty warehouse type environment. We were provided with body warmers, fleece jackets, woolly hats, woolly gloves.......and the company improved the heating to a comfortable level. Do not suffer in silence.

Hope this is useful.

[JayS]

OK, here is a money saving tip related to keeping hands warm (sort of ;) )

I used to work in a cold shop and had to use a till. I suffered with my hands, they used to go numb and I would get pins and needles until they had fully warmed up - they were very painful.
Instead of buying expensive specialist gloves buy some tight fitting thermal gloves (2 pairs if necessary) and just chop the very top part of the finger off the finger you use to press the till with I cut about 1cm off the thumb and forefinger and left all the other fingers intact (the finger of the glove that is). . I also had a pair of big mittens for when I wasn't using the till. When you take mittens off you are less likely to pull the gloves off at the same time.
I still had problems with the fingers that where exposed but it wasn't as bad. Another money saving tips is to search charity shops for the thermal gloves. I got some old fashioned Damart ones for a couple of quid.

Please check with your GP if you have Reynard's syndrome before you try 'tight fitting thermal gloves'. Reynards is a circulatory problem, by restricting your blood vessels further (which you would do in tight fitting gloves, even with the fingers cut off) you could end up with further complications, including gangrene. Sorry, not trying to frighten anyone here, but this is very important.

Best wishes

Jay.

[JayS]

(Borderline Reynauds person here) I sympathise, and hope your personnel dept can sort something out. At least they sound as if they want to help?

I was advised to keep my wrists covered/warm to provide warmer blood supply to hands and fingers.

May I ask a question for myself? I have always had bad circulation, and used to be prone to chillblains in winter when I was a child. My main problems now are that my fingers (and feet too sometimes) get so cold they go completely numb. It happens when I spend too long on't'internet, or driving (even in gloves), for example. I don't feel the cold, and don't notice the numbness until I start moving again and realize that my fingertips have no feeling, or my heels feel as if they aren't there. Any ideas would be most helpful, as I have just remembered it's motorcycling season again soon, and that is another bad situation.

Your problem here is similar to the cause of DVT on long flights or coach trips. The cold and numbness is because your blood circulatory system has effectively stopped in your legs. When you walk, the blood is circulated from your feet back to your heart and lungs, the action of walking works like a pump to circulate the blood; therefore, if you keep still for too long at the computer, on a car journey, coach trip, flight etc this pump is not activated.

You should plan to have a break every half hour to walk around until your circulation has got going again, thereby reducing your cold and risk of DVT.

Best wishes

Jay

[jeryth]

D'you know, I'd never though of that, and my being overweight (slightly!) won't help either, I guess. My birth father had a DVT last year; I will be careful. Thanks.

[JayS]

Found this http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/en.asp?TopicID=383&AreaID=2598&LinkID=2004
on NHS Direct, should answer any questions you have and point you in the right direction for treatment.

Best wishes

Jay

[Glad]

Please can I draw attention to the announcement at the top of the health board,

Warning! This board is about Health MoneySaving. This is not a place for discussion/ treatment of medical issues. (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/announcement.html?f=81)

10-02-2005



MSE Andrea (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.html?u=12016) (Official Administrator)



The original poster is already seeing his GP regarding treatment and needed advice on wether the company he works for is obliged to alter his working conditions or find him alternative work,
although it's easy to go off track slightly and start suggesting treatments to help people it is important to remember that we are not always given the full picture re someones health, and no-one should start any treatment/medication without consulting their GP first.

[Savvy_Sue]

I am not offering any advice here, except to listen to Radio 4's Casenotes (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/casenotes.shtml) this week: Tuesday 21:00-21:30, Repeat Wednesday 16:30. I heard a trailer saying they would be covering Raynaud's and their programmes have always seemed quite useful when I've had some experience of the subject they are covering. If you miss it, there will be stuff on the website once the programme has been aired.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I am not offering any advice here, except to listen to Radio 4's Casenotes (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/casenotes.shtml) this week: Tuesday 21:00-21:30, Repeat Wednesday 16:30. I heard a trailer saying they would be covering Raynaud's and their programmes have always seemed quite useful when I've had some experience of the subject they are covering. If you miss it, there will be stuff on the website once the programme has been aired.

I think maybe you misheard the trailer.

Case Notes isn't on this week it's "All in the Mind" about ageing, the mental health bill and jury profiling.

I expect you heard a trail for Check Up which is on THURSDAY Radio 4 at 15:00

Barbara Myers presents the health phone-in. This edition looks at Raynaud's phenomenon, a distressing and uncomfortable condition in which the hands and toes can turn blue or red.

Call 08700 100 444 [national rates] or email checkup@bbc.co.uk

[Savvy_Sue]

I think maybe you misheard the trailer.

Case Notes isn't on this week it's "All in the Mind" about ageing, the mental health bill and jury profiling.

I expect you heard a trail for Check Up which is on THURSDAY Radio 4 at 15:00

Barbara Myers presents the health phone-in. This edition looks at Raynaud's phenomenon, a distressing and uncomfortable condition in which the hands and toes can turn blue or red.

Call 08700 100 444 [national rates] or email checkup@bbc.co.uk
I misheard the trailer! I THOUGHT the woman's voice didn't sound like the Case Notes chap but I missed the distinction on the webpage. Sorry to mislead anyone!

OK, this is the Check Up (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/checkup.shtml)website, so if you miss the programme go and see what they had to say later!

Now you see this is why we mustn't give medical advice on this board. Half of us don't have fully functioning brains, and we mean very well but we sometimes just get confused! :D