My rheumatologist diagnosed me with secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (sometimes called Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud’s syndrome) two months ago, but I’ve clearly had it for many years. I just didn’t know what it was called. The diseases most often linked with Raynaud’s are autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. I have both.
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a problem that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. In some cases, it also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, knees, or nose. This happens due to spasms of blood vessels in those areas. The spasms happen in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset.
I’ve clearly had this issue for years, and it has affected my ears, nose, fingers, and toes over the course of time. I had no idea it could affect the knees – until two weeks ago when I found myself with white, pale knees each day that were cold to the touch.
The blood is unable to reach the affected areas because the nerves and blood vessels are constricted. Cold climates, repetitive vibrations, or simple chills can bring on the symptoms. Fortunately for me, I now live in the warm state of Florida. However, stress and emotional upset can bring on symptoms, often even more seriously than exposure to the cold. I have to avoid simple things like putting my hands in cold water or taking cold items out of the freezer. Any little bit of cold air or water can trigger an attack.
Physical symptoms of Raynaud’s don’t require extreme circumstances to be triggered. Relatively minor conditions, like holding a really cold drink or being in an air-conditioned room can bring on an episode of Raynaud’s. Because emotional stress can also be a trigger, managing or avoiding anxiety-producing situations can also help to reduce episodes of Raynaud’s.
In my case, the trigger always seems to be emotional stress and anxiety-producing situations. The stress and anxiety are caused mostly by my many medical treatments, and the constant battles with the insurance company to get or continue the treatments that I need. These endless battles take a serious toll on my health and my emotional well-being.
In my case, my fingers and toes (and sometimes my ears, nose, and knees) turn color from white to blue, and sometimes red. This change of color is due to reduced blood flow. When the skin turns white it is called pallor. As blood remaining in the tissues of an affected area loses oxygen it turns blue and is referred to as cyanotic. When warm, oxygenated blood returns to the area it may turn red. There can also be pain or discomfort including a tingling or “pins and needles” sensation, followed by throbbing.
