Despite the lack of posts I'm doing my submersion technique pretty regularly. And the results have been fantastic! Raynaud's really hasn't been a problem for me at all this winter. In addition to the submersion I've been taking Ginkgo Biloba twice a day, and I've been trying to run and exercise a lot more to improve my circulation. I still wear gloves and boots outside if it's cold just incase, but even if I forget them my symptoms have been very limited.
I thought this was an interesting video feature on the Philadelphia news. http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/01/24/health-watch-cold-hands-treatment/. I had heard of using Botox and Viagra to treat Raynaud's, but I hadn't seen such good results. I try to use medications as little as possible, so drugs and injections are not quite my style. But I was wondering if any of you have tried them. Do they work?
Your blog is very interesting to me. I am 41. I developed Raynaud's when I was about 23. I think mine is really psychological because it started after I moved back to Arkansas after living in Hawaii for 3 years. When winter came, the episodes started. My solution? Stay warm. I am impressed with your project and your attitude toward Raynaud's. I also wonder what you are going to choose for your career someday? You'd make a great physician and/or medical researcher.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! Sorry for the delay I moved to Chapel Hill and haven't been checking this very much since it is so warm here.
ReplyDeleteRaynaud's is fascinating to me. There are so many different things that affect it and there really isn't that much research on the subject. I recently found out via an acupuncturist that my Raynaud's is most likely cause by a deficiency in my adrenal gland. But there is definitely a psychological aspect to it. I tend to get it the worst when I am under a lot of exam stress.
I am tickled pink that about the researcher/physician comment. I am currently studying Biology and Medical Anthropology at UNC, and I'm planning on going into integrative/alternative medicine. Hopefully in the next year or so I will be able to get a university sponsored study going on Raynaud's that is a little bit more professional than sitting outside with a cooler of water!