I am wondering if any other open water folks deal with Raynaud's Syndrome--extremely cold hands and feet that becomes almost debilitating. Mine has gotten worse in the last two years or so, and with open water swimming in cold conditions, it's been just awful. I deal with color change and pain on an almost daily basis. Sometimes, even after a summer run, I'll be almost unable to use my hands for an hour or so.
With a 10-mile swim coming up, in less than Caribbean conditions up in Vermont, I am getting extremely nervous. This summer, I've been having massive Raynaud's issues because of the crazy weather.
Has anyone else dealt with this? One recommendation is to stay out of cold water--not so much an option!
Thanks.
i had a student(freshman) in summer school P.E. who was under treatment for it with a Doctor. Basically the treatment was to stop whatever he was doing that caused it to happen. Lucky for him it really didn't bother him during summer school.
Do they make tight lycra type gloves you could swim in? I really don't know if that would help or not.
I haven't yet. I'm thinking about what I might drink. Do you have any recommendations? I've read about people doing chicken broth but I'm not sure I could stomach it.
I'm open to any suggestions for hot beverages! Maybe a St. Bernard could swim out with one of those small kegs of hot buttered rum?
Also, I just happened to check out the blog section of this site--finally--and I have to say, I am very inspired by your determination, especially after your last year. So glad you are healthy and swimming.
The issue is that it's not so much about keeping the extremities warm as it is about an internal issue. When my core gets even slightly chilled, that's when the Raynaud's gets worst. In fact, in some ways, Spring and Fall are the hardest because it's those in-between temperatures.
Gloves and other external fixes don't really help--unless it's those hand warmer things when I ski, which wouldn't really work for swimming!
I've heard about a supplement called L-Arginine that I'd like to try but want to see if anyone has tried it.
thanks, it has been a journey.
i use hammer perpetuem for long swims. i haven't tried it warm yet (but i will soon) i find the neutral flavor tolerable.... i can't stand sweet stuff, especially when swimming in salt water. i watched a friend do an 8 hour swim in sub 60 degree water "feeding" on warm gatorade. it worked for him, but i say yuck!
i hope you have this figured out by the kingdom swim.
Thanks to everyone. For some reason, Miso sounds good to me.
The water temperature can be reasonably warm and I still have symptoms. Last night, after practice in an 80 degree pool, I left the pool and had instant color change, numbness, and stiffness. Luckily, I happen to swim with my doctor and she got to see what happens to my fingers and toes.
Now, she's determined to help me before the Vermont swim.
I don't know Perpetuum. Do you get it online?
I also thought I might try miso but haven't done so yet.
One of my friends really likes dilute miso broth for just this situation, where she wants the warm drink primarily for warmth and hydration and not for calories. I prefer weak peppermint tea. I haven't tried any warm sugary drinks.
On the Swimtrek tours they told us to eat a good-size breakfast and lunch every day before the swims. Something about the enzyme action of digestion creating heat internally. I don't know if this would work specifically for Raynauds, but it did seem to keep most of us from getting hypothermia.
