Raynaud's Syndrome

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

sydned — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 06:55:52 GMT

Hi Tickletoe, Which makes me giggle just to write. :) I wish that I had something great to tell you about having found an amazing solution to the Raynaud's issue. Sadly, I have not. I have been continuing to swim, of course, and try to acclimate myself as best as possible. That said, I am generally cold and the hand can totally become a claw. I do hot feeds and have continued to use Miso soup, both for immersing my hands and for drinking. That seems to help a bit, but it's a crap shoot with every swim. I've also been taking Fish Oil and some other supplements. Not sure they actually help, but the placebo effect is good. :) What have you been trying? Happy to talk strategy. Good luck! Sydne

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Former Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:31:46 GMT

Hi Sydned, I know this is an old post but I was wondering if you found something that worked for the raynauds? In the last two years mine has got worse and is now threatening to stop me swimming in cold water without a wetsuit. I've tried most things but nothing seems to help. Any advice would be much appreciated.

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

MAH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:48:20 GMT

I have dissolved vanilla GU's in warm/hot water- approx 1 per 6-8 oz. and they were tolerable. Tried the espresso and the chocolate- my favorites taken straight on a run or ride, but in warm water, they look and taste like MUD!

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Former Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:23:11 GMT

I don't have Raynaud's syndrome...but Perpetuum mixes fine with hot water and works for me on cold swims to stay warm inside. Also hot chicken broth is great but I usually dilute it to about half strength. I also thought I might try miso but haven't done so yet.

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Former Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:04:26 GMT

The word is that Lake Memphremagog is over 70. At what temps do you begin to experience symptoms?

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Former Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:16:09 GMT

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.

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Former Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:34:03 GMT

I don't know Perpetuum. Do you get it online? www.hammernutrition.com/

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

ourswimmer — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:49:30 GMT

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.

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

sydned — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:21:45 GMT

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?

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Former Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:25:14 GMT

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.

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Former Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:05:44 GMT

sydne just a thought... have you tried drinking warm liquids during long swims

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

sydned — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:27:45 GMT

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.

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

sydned — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:57:06 GMT

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.

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Bobinator — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:35:11 GMT

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.

RE: Raynaud's Syndrome

Rykno — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:12:21 GMT

it might not be fun to adjust your goggles but you could try rubbing fat on your hands and feet.