RA plus raynauds

lancslass43

I am newly diagnosed with RA. It is thought that it is connected to the raynauds, which I've had for 40+ years. I'm very confused. Does anyone else have this problem?

arfaitis

My wife has had raynauds dor 74 years, and she doesn't have Arthur.
I got raynauds 3 years ago after heart trouble, not from Arthur, but I am not an expert, and suggest you speak to your doctor.
My understanding is that raynauds is a circulation problem.

Arfa

elnafinn

Hi Lancslass,

I am a member of the forum, not the helplines.

I have read that Raynauds is a common problem for people with lupus erythematosus — an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of your body, including your skin, joints, organs and blood vessels and that Raynauds may be an initial sign of rheumatoid arthritis — an inflammatory condition causing pain and stiffness in the joints, often including the hands and feet.

Elna x

helpline_team

Hi lancslass

The booklet we have on RA doesnt specifically mention it being connected to other conditions (see http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Booklets/main_content/RAbookletApril2010.pdf) though in the ARUK booklet on Raynaud's, it does mention that Raynauds can be primary (where it occurs on its own) or secondary, when its linked to another disease or condition (though it doesnt specifically mention RA). See http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/raynauds-phenomenon.aspx.

It may be worth posting this question on the Living with arthritis forum, as well as asking your rheumatologist next time you see them, as they may have more information on this.

All the best

Nick
Helplines Team