raynauds syndrome

[lady jane]

does anyone know if this disease qualifies for disability living allowance . thanks

[daffy654]

It isn't the actual condition you get assessed on,it is the extent that your condition affects your day to day life.etc
Try applying and see what happens.If they turn you down then definitely appeal as you may find they award it after an examination by one of their own doctors.

[lady jane]

ok thanks

[Ethel]

I have it and wouldn't qualify, even though at times it is very severe.

My optician has it too and she wouldn't qualify either.

Have a go though - what medication do you take?

[lady jane]

i take adalat,

[Ethel]

Me too. :)

[lady jane]

think it very unfair , it not taken as a disability, as the weather dictates when i can go out , i can cover most of my body but get it bad in my face and ears, look very stupid in summer cos have to wear lots of clothes . so i just say in house.

[Ethel]

Those heated socks help the whole body, for me anyway, they are a great help. And a woolen beanie hat is a must - it keeps the ears covered. I have usb heated fingerless gloves for when I'm using the pc.

Keeping out of air conditioning and draughts is a must, and I have to rush through the chilled cabinets area of the supermarket.

I use insulated cups and glasses so my hands don't get colder or hotter than the rest of my body. I use insulated oven gloves to handle frozen food.

Rubber gloves for working with hot or cold water is essential.

Even so, I can be in a lot of pain at times.

However, it doesn't stop me walking, carrying, or looking after myself. I plan ahead and keep home cooked food in the freezer (shepherds pies, bologneses, pies, curries etc) for when I can't manipulate a vegetable peeler. I do the housework when I can and ignore it when I can't.

It was difficult when I was working, at times, but not impossible. I had no more time off with Reynaud's than somebody who suffered migraines or monthly stomach cramps.

Attitude is very important.

[tazz]

ethel ive just been diognoised with it to. im a full time mum of 2 young one at mo n i manage to so i agree with u. i find housework a sruggle at times. do u find u cant wear certain clothes to? i mean alot of the stuff out today hurts either the backs of my knees n my hips. i take tabs called nifedipine.

[Ethel]

I take nifedipine too - it is the generic name of the drug lady jane takes.

I don't have a problem with clothes, but it is a learning curve - what works for me may not work for you. Trial and error.

It can be VERY painful for me at times, but not as bad as the neuralgia I get thankfully infrequently.

Somehow you adjust to living with it. Get your family to understand you will need help with things at times

Good luck. :)

[lady jane]

hi, does anybody have this too, if i have a really bad bout of it , for days afterwards i am so tired no energy ,

[DrFilth]

i get it bad in my hands but i don't take any tablets for it as i am on to many at present, i just drink lots of tea and try to keep warm. it effects me the most in winter when going from one room to another

[tazz]

thanx ethel ill try n get my partner to understand but at mo he just calls me lazy when i have a bad day. yes lady jane i got it to n i know what u mean about the tired thing. i feel drained most days. cant even peel veg prop anymore. sometimes it feels like its taking over my life. n since i have become very depressed

[lady jane]

i am on happy pills , example. y,day it was a lovely day, but had to have my coat on , hubby was roasting cos car windows closed cos draught is enough to set it off, cant plan anything till that day. lot easier to stay in house.

[terambulan]

I have this one too....mainly in my fingers. I blow into my fists to warm them up. Have electric blanket (heaven) on cold nights. No medicine but warm up and energise on old fashioned porridge.

The more active you are the warmer you will be. Forget the pills and move! Be glad you got up today!

Oh, forgot.....fags and tea - staple diet!