Battling the Cold: A Young WomanS Experiance with Raynaud’s and Coeliac Disease

Ellen Fitzgibbins, 25, faces a daily struggle against the chilling effects of Raynaud’s disease, a condition exacerbated by her Coeliac disease. For Fitzgibbins,this means enduring burning pain and discoloration in her extremities,often requiring multiple layers of socks and gloves,even indoors.

The Impact of Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition that causes reduced blood flow to the extremities. This can lead to symptoms such as:

• Cold fingers and toes
• Color changes in skin (white, blue, then red)
• Numbness, tingling, or pain
• Stinging or throbbing upon warming

Fitzgibbins vividly describes her experience, “I always found the cold very hard to cope with but a lot of the time, I was told to get on with it and be braver.”

During a particularly severe episode, one of Fitzgibbins’ toes became infected and turned black, prompting a visit to the doctor. “I got antibiotics to treat the infection – they knew it wasn’t deep enough to be permanently damaged and made me come back for a check-up to make sure it was healing,” she recounts.

The challenges were amplified during her time living on the third floor of a building were “the heating didn’t work on that floor.” She explains, “[My housemates and I] became quite unsociable – we would take to staying in bed as opposed to getting out in the cold.”

Her coping mechanisms, such as standing in very hot showers, inadvertently led to further complications. “My way of coping was to stand in very hot showers – but this also led to chill-blains [inflamed skin] as I couldn’t feel how hot the water was and how quickly my skin was heating up,” Fitzgibbins notes.

Coeliac Disease: An Added layer of Complexity

in 2021, Fitzgibbins was diagnosed with Coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. Coeliac disease is frequently enough linked to other autoimmune conditions, and research suggests a potential correlation with Raynaud’s phenomenon ¹.

“I think that stress was the trigger for both my raynaud’s and autoimmune conditions – stress of exams and studying and working at the same time, whilst also being emotionally stressed,” Fitzgibbins explains.

Recognizing the Signs of Raynaud’s

Raynaud’s disease affects millions, with symptoms frequently enough triggered by cold temperatures or stress. The Raynaud’s Association emphasizes early diagnosis and management to prevent complications ². Symptoms include color changes in the skin (white, blue, then red), numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected areas.

Practical Steps and Advice

Fitzgibbins advises anyone suspecting they have Raynaud’s to seek help and find management strategies that work for them. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she urges.”Find what works for you to manage and live with the condition – and it’s okay if this is different to someone else.”

• Stay Warm: Dress in layers,wear gloves and thick socks,and use hand and foot warmers.
• manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Avoid Triggers: Limit exposure to cold temperatures and avoid smoking, as nicotine constricts blood vessels.
• Consult a Doctor: Seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Medication may be prescribed to improve blood flow.

The Financial Strain

Rising energy bills further complicate Fitzgibbins’ situation, forcing her to balance financial constraints with the need to keep her symptoms at bay: “Rising energy bills have also played a role in her ongoing battle with Raynaud’s and she is torn between saving money and keeping her symptoms at bay.”

Conclusion

Ellen Fitzgibbons’ story underscores the daily challenges faced by individuals living with Raynaud’s and coeliac disease. Early diagnosis, proactive management, and a strong support system are crucial for improving the quality of life for those affected, and remember to seek support, consult healthcare professionals, and prioritize well-being to navigate these health challenges effectively. If you suspect you might have Raynaud’s or Coeliac disease, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management strategies.

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Research on Coeliac and Raynaud’s
2. The Raynaud’s Association

What are some coping mechanisms that Ellen uses to manage her Raynaud’s and Coeliac Disease?

Living wiht Raynaud’s and Coeliac Disease: An Interview with Ellen Fitzgibbins

Today, we’re speaking with Ellen Fitzgibbins, a 25-year-old who navigates the daily challenges of living with both raynaud’s disease and Coeliac disease. Ellen shares her personal experiences and offers valuable advice for others dealing with similar conditions.

Understanding the Daily Reality of Raynaud’s

Dr. Anya Sharma (Archyde Medical Correspondent): Ellen, thank you for sharing your story with us.Can you describe a typical day living with Raynaud’s and Coeliac disease?

Ellen Fitzgibbins: It’s a balancing act. raynaud’s means constantly being aware of the temperature. Even indoors, my hands and feet can become incredibly painful and discolored. I often wear multiple layers of gloves and socks. coeliac disease adds another layer of complexity, as I need to be vigilant about my diet to avoid triggering symptoms.

Coping Mechanisms and the Impact of Cold Weather

dr. Sharma: You mentioned struggling with the cold. How has that impacted your daily life, especially during colder months?

ellen: The cold dramatically restricts my activities.Simple things like going outside for a walk become a real challenge. As I said, even heating is not always enough. When I lived in that third-floor apartment, without heating my housemates and I would stay in bed as opposed to getting out in the cold. I used to take very hot showers as a coping strategy, which inadvertently led to chillblains as I couldn’t feel how hot the water was.

The Link Between stress, Raynaud’s, and Coeliac Disease

Dr. Sharma: You mentioned a possible link between stress and the onset of both Raynaud’s and Coeliac disease. Can you elaborate on that?

Ellen: I believe the stress related to exams, studying, and working simultaneously played a significant role. autoimmune conditions are often triggered by stress,and in my case,I think intense periods of stress weakened my system and contributed to both diagnoses.

Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help

Dr. Sharma: What advice would you give to someone who suspects they might have Raynaud’s or Coeliac disease?

Ellen: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Early diagnosis is crucial. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and push for testing if necessary. Also, it’s okay to find what works for you to manage this condition. If it looks different from what someone else is doing, don’t worry.

Financial Strain and Healthcare access

Dr. Sharma: Rising energy bills are a concern for many. How have these costs impacted your ability to manage your condition?

Ellen: Rising energy bills have definitely added another layer of stress. It’s a constant struggle to balance the need to keep warm and manage my symptoms with the financial strain of higher heating costs. It would be transformative for those with conditions worsened by the cold to receive some type of support for the home, but alas, that is not always the case.

A Final Word of Advice

Dr. Sharma: what’s the most vital thing you’ve learned from living with Raynaud’s and Coeliac disease?

Ellen: The most important thing is to advocate for yourself and find a strong support system. Don’t underestimate the power of connecting with others who understand what you’re going through. it makes a huge difference to know you’re not alone.

Dr. Sharma: Thank you, Ellen, for your openness and insights.Your story is sure to resonate with many of our readers. For more data on Raynaud’s disease, visit the Raynaud’s Association website, and consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options.

Dr. Sharma: Readers,what are your experiences with Raynaud’s or Coeliac disease? What coping mechanisms have you found helpful? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below!