| RAYNAUD'S:
MAIN MENU |
|
| Raynaud's:
Rewarming Tips |
| This page was written
by Shelley Ensz,
and has not yet been medically edited. Scleroderma (SD) affects
everyone differently. Just because something is listed here
does not mean an individual patient will ever experience it.
See Disclaimer. |
|
| Respond to Raynaud's
ASAP |
| Even with great precautions, Raynaud's
may happen anyway. It is vital to respond to Raynaud's as soon
as possible with re-warming efforts, and to keep using the
methods below until circulation is properly restored. |
| Avoid Amputations |
| Just one prolonged instance of
untended Raynaud's can lead to necrosis, gangrene, and possibly
even amputation, so it should hold the status of an "emergency" and
should never be ignored or postponed. |
| Create Arsenal of
Rewarming Methods |
| Create a whole arsenal of re-warming
methods since what works at home (arm swirling or microwave
grain bags) might not work in the grocery store (gloves or
instant hand warmers), or in the office (where holding a warm
mug might help.) |
| Don't Bang Your Hands |
| Learn proper re-warming techniques,
and stock your home, car, and office with warm clothing and
rewarmers. do not bang your hands against a hard surface, or
rub them vigorously, because this further damages blood vessels. |
| Don't Overheat |
| Use moderate warmth: don't overheat!
Too much heat also shuts down blood vessels and will
prolong the attack. |
| Try Motion First |
| Try motion first (simply
because you can do this immediately, perhaps averting the need
for further measures), and moist heat second. |
| Moist Heat is Best |
| Moist heat is always better than
dry heat, so if you are trying a dry heat method without success, "upgrade" to
warm, moist heat for improved results. |
Think W-W-W-W-W-Warm!
Wiggle - Windmills - Warmpits - Warm Water - Warmers
- Wax |
| Wiggle |
| If you respond instantly to Raynaud's,
just wiggling the hands or toes might be all it takes to restore
circulation. |
| Windmills: Warning
for Scleroderma Patients |
| Swirl your arms around in the air,
in large circles, until circulation returns. This can be very
effective ! If causing a public scene bothers you, duck into
a restroom to fling 'em around. Also use this method
when other ones fail. |
| But only do windmills after
your doctor has examined you and ruled out underlying problems. If
you have damaged blood vessels caused by Scleroderma,
for example, this type of activity can aggravate the problem,
according to Dr. Wigley.(1) |
| Warm Water |
| Run hands under warm (not hot)
water, or hold feet under running water in the bathtub, or
soak them in a pan of water. |
| Warmpits |
| Hold hands under your armpits,
or between your legs. Cup them over your mouth and breath into
them. Have your partner hold your hands (but not rub them,
as this can be damaging.) |
| Warmers |
| Used with care, microwave grain
bags or hand warmers work great. You can buy grain bags (such
as Bed Buddy) in drugstores or easily make your own Heatsock. Fill a sock or cloth bag with dried beans, corn or rice. Microwave for about 30 second. |
| Disposable hand warmers are small
packets which when activated stay warm for 7 hours. They are
very inexpensive and can usually be found in sporting goods
stores or drug stores. |
 Interstol
Trading Company (www.warmersite.com) Distributors of
Grabber MyCoal Hand Warmers, Foot Warmers, Body Warmers,
Heated Headbands, Cozy Muffs, and Back Wraps, etc.) Photo:
Dave Stoltenberg and Shelley Ensz. |
| Heatsock:
Directions For Making Microwavable Warming Bags ISN |
| Wax |
| If you have a doctor-prescribed
paraffin (hot wax) machine and have been trained in its use
by a physical therapist, this might also work for Raynaud's.
However, for some people it may be too hot, and thus prolong
the attack. |
| Related Books |
| Raynaud's
Phenomenon by Jay D. Coffman Get the most up-to-date
knowledge concerning Raynaud's! "If you, or someone
you know, has been diagnosed I (a fellow Raynaud's "sufferer")
absolutely recommend it!" —Stephen |
| References |
| (1) Windmills not advised for
Scleroderma patients with Raynaud's. Source: "Hopkins:
Is Raynaud's a Predictor of Heart Disease?" by Fredrick
M. Wigley, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Director of Molecular
and Clinical Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine,
August 19, 1998, Aetna InteliHealth. |
