By Mike Kemble

July 17 2002 Update: 1 Sep 2004

Quite a while ago I noticed that, mainly in cold weather, that my fingers would turn white in the upper two thirds.  This was painfully numbing.  As my circulation returned, the severe tingling gave way to sharp pain before returning the circulation to my fingers.  Then I began to note that this was also occurring during the summer months too.  Last summer I was playing darts in a club, the temperature was stifling to say the least.  My watch was on my left wrist and, due to the heat, my arm had expanded somewhat.  During the game I saw that the whiteness was returning and my fingers were going numb, then cold.  I could not hold my darts properly never mind throw them!  I tried to keep going but lost all sense of feeling and ended up losing the game. I removed my watch and slowly but surely the feeling came back, but with the same severe tingle and pain as before.  At that time I removed my watch, replacing it on my right wrist, and looser too.  My feet had suffered the same strange feelings for some time too.

I decided to do something about it and contacted an organisation that I found on the internet - they confirmed my fears - that I was almost certainly suffering from Raynaud's Disease or White Finger Syndrome.  Their web site is at:

http://www.raynauds.demon.co.uk

After receiving their pamphlets giving little information but many tips on the problem I decided to attempt a solution.  I contacted my doctor and arranged an appointment.  After an examination and blood test (I hate needles!!) I was referred to a specialist and it slipped from my mind.  On Monday 15th July 2002 I received a phone call asking if I could attend the specialist on Wed 17th July at 0930 hrs.  I agreed and, this morning, went along to the Good Hope Hospital here in Sutton Coldfield expecting a brief examination and go home. No chance!  More blood tests consisting of 3 separate bottles (I was a wreck!) and then X Rays of my chest and hands - all in all, it took 3 hours.  I have to go to another hospital in the future to have nerve tests conducted on my hands; whatever that entails?  Then its back to the specialist to see the results and then probably back to my own doctor. And if they want anymore blood they can ask a bloody vampire! These tests will determine if I am suffering from Primary or Secondary Raynaud's Disease (see below). I went for the tests and apparently the man conducting the test, tested for the wrong thing!! I am not going back - it was not pleasant! As at Feb 2003; I still have not heard anything back from the hospital.

This is a copy of one of their leaflets, the image is scarcely an exaggeration, believe me!

I decided to do some research on my own and checked all available sources on the internet. Apparently, the brain is sending spurious messages to my hands saying "cut the circulation"!  According to medical science this is apparently incurable but one remedy was suggested - that of the use of high strength ginkgo biloba. I ordered a years supply of 1000mg capsules and have been taking them now for just about 2 months.  The makers claim that continuous use will begin to become effective over 3 months; so I should feel some results soon I hope.  However, the night before the hospital appointment, last night, I was again playing darts and my hands became a little frosty, nothing too much but apparent to me.  This time, however, I had my watch on the right arm. again loose.

Should anyone reading this be suffering from this awkward, sometimes painful disease - go get help.  I won't claim that the ginkgo biloba works as it has yet to show its effects on me. However, should it prove a boon, I shall release the news on here.

From the above url:

Raynaud's is a condition in which the blood supply to the extremities, usually the fingers and toes, but sometimes also the ears and nose, is interrupted. During an attack they first become white and dead looking then red and burning. There may be considerable pain, numbness or tingling.

These symptoms are due to an intermittent lack of blood in the affected parts when the arteries normally supplying them spasmodically contract. An attack will often be triggered by touching cold objects or exposure to cold of any kind. Emotions, such as anxiety, also play a part, as can smoking. People who work with vibratory tools are prone to Raynaud's and this appears to be permanent even when the work is stopped. This condition is known as Vibration Induced White Finger and is recognised as an industrial disease eligible for compensation. The condition can range in severity from minor discomfort to the onset of ulcers or even gangrene. The disease often starts in the very young or during the early teens and progresses slowly over a period of thirty years or more.

Primary Raynaud's occurs spontaneously, without any underlying condition being present. It can be hereditary, in which case it is usually fairly mild. Women are affected nine times more than men.

Secondary Raynaud's is less common and is associated with underlying diseases such as Scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögrens syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. This is more serious and early and accurate diagnosis is essential.

UK enquiries

If you live in the UK and would like to receive further information about Raynaud's please complete the electronic form on the 'Contact Us' page.

Overseas enquiries

Due to the high cost of postage we do not mail out our leaflets overseas but we are happy to send the text as an attachment. Please send your request to webmaster@raynauds.demon.co.uk

Progress Report

May 2004, I have been using 1000mg Ginko Biloba capsules for over a year now and have found an improvement, not cured by any means, but at least an improvement!!

September 2004: I have been using Ginko Biloba every day now and last winter I think I can safely say the capsules worked. I do not recall feeling the terrible pains suffered in the previous winter. Now, its autumn, this winter should be the telling time - do they work, or not? I will keep you posted.......... I also gave up smoking beginning of August.

November 2007: I have to admit that, over the past three years I have not really noticed the same painful hands as in previous winters BUT, it is getting warmer in our winters.