Discussion
Hi all, hopefully someone here will be able to help a bit.
My Mum turns 70 next year, and for as long as I can remember has suffered from poor circulation, chill blains on her feet in winter etc.
For the last few years she has suffered with her hands. During winter her fingers are constantly blue. They are so bad that it looks like frostbite, her fingers are constantly ulcerated and have open sores.
This year is the worst I have ever seen. She has already lost 2 finger nails , spends her life in gloves, and just can't get the open wounds to heal at all. It's having a massive impact on her life, and they look sore as hell. She has picked up an infection this week and I am genuinly worried she will loose fingers this winter, since it's not really been cold yet.
The Dr suggested it may be Raynaud's but didn't really suggest anything other than some medication which has made her really sick, and depressed.
Has anyone any idea of other things she could try? She walks at least 5 miles everyday and is otherwise fit as the proverbial butchers dog, but the inability to use her hands from September to April, and the pain, is really getting her down, as well as being a massive hindrance in day to day life.
Unfortunately I don't know the name of the medication, and she wouldn't respond well to me taking photos of her hands to post on line. I can only say that having seen them, I am amazed she can use them at all, and personally don't think I could stand the pain if roles were switched.
Cheers
My Mum turns 70 next year, and for as long as I can remember has suffered from poor circulation, chill blains on her feet in winter etc.
For the last few years she has suffered with her hands. During winter her fingers are constantly blue. They are so bad that it looks like frostbite, her fingers are constantly ulcerated and have open sores.
This year is the worst I have ever seen. She has already lost 2 finger nails , spends her life in gloves, and just can't get the open wounds to heal at all. It's having a massive impact on her life, and they look sore as hell. She has picked up an infection this week and I am genuinly worried she will loose fingers this winter, since it's not really been cold yet.
The Dr suggested it may be Raynaud's but didn't really suggest anything other than some medication which has made her really sick, and depressed.
Has anyone any idea of other things she could try? She walks at least 5 miles everyday and is otherwise fit as the proverbial butchers dog, but the inability to use her hands from September to April, and the pain, is really getting her down, as well as being a massive hindrance in day to day life.
Unfortunately I don't know the name of the medication, and she wouldn't respond well to me taking photos of her hands to post on line. I can only say that having seen them, I am amazed she can use them at all, and personally don't think I could stand the pain if roles were switched.
Cheers
one of my friends hasraynauds, and she always carries those gel hand warmer pad things that you can get, which you can pop inside gloves. Also know that you can get slippers that are similar to those heat pack things, not sure whether you pop them in the microwave to heat them up like the heat packs. would have to be really careful with any open sores and things, but the hand warmers may be of use possibly.. sorry know it's not a massive help..
There is (or at least used to be) a support group for sufferers. I had in comparison to your Mum a very mild form in my teens and mid twenties and I remember my aunt giving me a booklet by them. I wish I knew their proper name but I'm sure a google search would work.
Hope your finds some answers. I still get occ symptoms now but nothing like I did and I know I was a mild case so your Mum really does have my sympathies.
Hope your finds some answers. I still get occ symptoms now but nothing like I did and I know I was a mild case so your Mum really does have my sympathies.
If she doesn't do the double-gloves thing, she should try it (first layer fine, fairly thin, second layer good quality ‘normal’ gloves).
Her circulation and blood clotting need checking, do you have anybody in your family with Sickle Cell? With problems this severe most GPs would need to refer on to a specialist although I've no idea whose remit that sort of problem falls under - neuro, plastics, rheumatology maybe?
A tissue viability nurse may be able to advise on trying to get them to heal up, GP can refer to District Nursing team. Your mum also might seriously benefit from talking to an occupational therapist for access to gadgetry, ways of coping with limited hand function and maybe help with finding the best gloves and other ways to keep her hands warm.
Her circulation and blood clotting need checking, do you have anybody in your family with Sickle Cell? With problems this severe most GPs would need to refer on to a specialist although I've no idea whose remit that sort of problem falls under - neuro, plastics, rheumatology maybe?
A tissue viability nurse may be able to advise on trying to get them to heal up, GP can refer to District Nursing team. Your mum also might seriously benefit from talking to an occupational therapist for access to gadgetry, ways of coping with limited hand function and maybe help with finding the best gloves and other ways to keep her hands warm.
http://www.raynauds.org.uk/
I think these were the guys, obviously they weren't online when I heard about them. It looks very informative, well worth a read though.
I think these were the guys, obviously they weren't online when I heard about them. It looks very informative, well worth a read though.
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