Welcome to the Raynaud's Sufferer's Information Website!

Welcome to the website for Raynaud's sufferer's,  and those wanting more information on Raynaud's. I hope you will be able to find what you're after.

I was required, in a college course, to write a thesis on a health related subject.  As a Raynaud's sufferer of at least 3 years, I decided to take this opportunity to  learn more about my disease; and hopefully uncover a natural way to alleviate the symptoms.  My number one goal was successful - I learned things my doctor didn't know.   As far as number two goes ... well I haven't tried the one that requires killing a snake and swinging it over your head counter-clockwise under a full moon...but I am using a few herbs with moderately significant results.  

Please feel free to email me with questions, suggestions, and, most of all, your own story.

Quinton Hamp


Recent Updates:

Alternative Therapy .... Long promised, finally here - a listing of herbs for those with Raynaud's. 4-09-02

Do You have Raynaud's?  A list of symptons, and typical procedures for diagnosing Raynaud's. 4-09-02

Raynaud's Report:  A layman's look at Raynaud's - and a great place to start. 2-02  

Raynaud's Links:  Other sites concerning Raynaud's.  6-16-02


What is Raynaud's?
          Ask a Raynaud's sufferer "just what is Raynaud's?" and you will most likely get an explanation along the lines of "something that makes my hands cold".  

In a sense that's it, cold hands.

    Raynuad's affects 5-10% of the entire population, primarily women ages 15-40 (although a few men, like me, are affected).  Raynaud's is typified by its "attacks" known as vasospasms, which are usually triggered by cold, excitement, and stress.  Although an attack is usually most noticed by the pale, blue, or red flush of the hands, accompanied by a tingling, or hurting sensation, it can also affect the feet and cause migraine headaches or abnormal chest pains.  Although unsure as to the actual cause of Raynaud's, it is suspected to be an imbalance of the sympathetic nervous system.
    In a typical attack affecting the hands, the blood vessels constrict, cutting off the circulation, resulting in "cold hands".  As the attack, which may last a few moments or several hours, wears off, the hands will go through any number of the three typical colors mentioned above.    
    There are two types of Raynaud's; Primary and Secondary. To put it simply, Primary Raynaud's is a disease by itself, while Secondary Raynaud's is a sympton of another disease, such as lupus, arthritis, or C.R.E.S.T.

    I an nutshell, that's Raynaud's. If you have specific questions concerning Raynaud's, please email me.  And for all you Raynaud's sufferers, just remember:
        
        Cold Hands...But a Warm Heart!            

Updated 1/31/02