Diagnosing primary or secondary reynauds?

Allergies, blood and immune system
1

Hi all just looking for information. I have had reynauds for about 2-3 years now but progressively getting worse. When at home I need to run my hands under hot water as they turn white and go numb/sometimes need gloves on indoors too. It's mainly only one side of the body that's affected. Right hand can get res itchy and painful and occasionally the skin starts to crack. Is this secondary reynaud's? I also have a positive ANA.

2

Hi, when you mention that you have a positive ANA what is it positive with? Usually this would mean a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition or disease. i have Raynaud's secondary to Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) I have Scl-70 auto antibodies ANA x

3

It's still under investigation. Possibly Lupus. Being re referred back to rheumatology.

4

Hopefully rheumatology will be able to give you the answers you are looking for. Have you been waiting long for the referral?

5

I saw a rheumatologist in September who initially ruled out lupus but i saw an endocrinologist due to other symptoms and he suspects lupus. So I have been referred which isn't until may now.

6

HI Jenn, I've posted this before, I've had Renaud's for years and what really works well for me indoors are surgical gloves
They might help for now

7

Hi the Dr is going to try some medication to see if it helps. What is weird is that it's mainly just one side of my body. Not sure if that means it's secondary or not.

8
  • hope you make out okThis condition really is life changing
9

There are lots of ways to cope with your raynaud's. Have you looked on the SRUK website? It has lots of suggestions and there are several medications you can try to see if it can cut down on spasms and help with you cope with the symptoms. Sorry I can't help with whether your raynauds is primary or secondary but hopefully it won't be so severe once the weather improves. I wear thin natural fibre gloves and either sheepskin mittens or merino wool ones. I have also bought sheepskin lined boots as my feet are bad too.

10

Hi thanks for the tips. I have read that secondary mainly affects one side. That's why i thought it was secondary. I will ask the Dr if she knows.

11

secondary raynnauds affects both sides and tends to be more severe than primary. usually affects hands and feet, sometimes nose and nipples. Primary is normally less serious.

12

Hi the Dr said it is primary just now. She has given me a prescription for nifedipine. So will see if that helps a bit.

13

That's very good news Jennifer. I have used nifedipine for 7 years. It will help with the pain and spasms. You may get a headache with it for a few weeks, as it dilates the blood vessels. This is completely normal. If you can afford to invest in some thermal vests and leggings to wear as a base layer, it's important to keep a warm core. I like m&s heat gen ones, they are fine and pretty. Stay warm and cosy 😊

14

Hi the Dr says it could lower blood pressure too so to have that checked in a few weeks. The problem with layers is i have unbearable hot spells now. Even in winter. So I need a fan on and windy as open yet my hands are still cold.