Hand and toe warmers used for hunting and outdoors work well.

I have permanent nerve damage from the RA...in fact it was what prevented me from getting the correct diagnosis. I was put on all sort of psyche meds that they use to treat nerve pain, and of course they don't work. Well, they did cover up the joint and muscle pain but the nerve pain remained. We thought it was neurological and everyone was stumped. After I went off all the meds, I thought I was dying. Every single joint in my body hurt and I could barely walk. Every muscle hurt, gosh, even my eyelashes hurt it was so bad. But I was finally diagnosed because of the incredible joint pain that had been covered up for so long. The nerve damage is permanent since nerves don't regenerate, and the joint damage is getting worse, but I am also severely reactive to cold. I have to keep my bedroom at 85 degrees or I have burning/stabbing nerve pain. Grocery shopping and air conditioned businesses are a nightmare for me. Are you positive it's Raynauds and not nerve damage from the RA? RA is a systemic autoimmune disease and in some people it loves nerves even more than joints, muscles or other organs. I feel your pain...I can't even swim in a pool anymore, but the hot tub sure feels like heaven!

Hoping you find something that helps!

MPHM, thanks! I'll try to find some foot warmers. Sedmonds...Wow that is so horrible! I'm not in as near of pain as you are. I get cold but it comes and goes and mostly if I'm sitting or having a flare is when my feet and hands become so horribly cold. I've never heard of nerve damage from RA...I'll have to look into that. Have you been diagnosed with fibromyalgia? I have that too and they prescribe nerve medications for that (neurontin is one). I am so sorry though, I hurt just reading your post and pray that you have better days ahead of you! Take care!

I also have been diagnosed with Raynauds and winter is a nightmare for me just like for you! I also have MCTD and Vasculitis which just aggravates the Raynauds.
Last winter I got blood clots at the ends of all my toes and had to be put on high doses of blood thinners to dissolve the clots and stop them from traveling up my legs towards my heart. This of course caused its own problems because then I would bleed at the drop of a hat!
My toes were so red and swollen they looked like big fat sausages. They were so painful and I was so very very miserable! The only thing that gave some relief was massaging them until they were warm and toasty.
Sorry I am not much help but this disease is just so ridiculous and seems to get worse all the time! I shake my head in wonder.
Winter is on its way here now in South Africa and I am already feeling my poor toes are not happy. Never mind the rest of my body!
Oh Lord give us strength!
Hope you find a solution really soon to help with your pain.
Blessings
Sheila

Hi, I also have Reynauds - almost lost my index finger to it - they gave me procardia (they use it as a blood pressure med) and it let up but every time I get cold I get the same dead fingers and toes. I also would suggest the hand and feet warmers used for hunting/outdoor activity, I wear only wool mittens and socks in the cold months the warmth of real wool is amazing!

You can get Raynaud's with autoimmune and without it! Severe cases have purple to black fingers and blisters on the fingers. The procardia/blood thinner drugs dont work for everyone. My daughter who has this has been offered a special intraveneous infusion this coming May in time for our S. hemisphere winter but is not sure if going to try it as finds idea scary but hopefully your case not so severe. Possum fingerless gloves help her a lot and good quality thermal underwear in the winter. Summer less of an issue - just mild white, purpleness occasionaly.... Good luck.