Need advice please...

Bit of background, I'm 29 yr. old female.  Have huge level of anxiety and obessive complusive disorder.  Anyway, over a year ago I noticed when it was winter time that sometimes my fingers would turn white and be numb so I would have to run my hands under cold water and they would turn back red and be tingly. Also, certain toes would feel numb as well but they returned back to normal once I got inside.  It seemed to only happen when I would go get the mail at the post office when I was at work and when I was wearing mid heel boots. I didn't think to much about, just thought it was related to the cold temperatures.  It was very sporiadic. I do type all day at work too, don't know if that makes a difference or not. I have also noticed that sometimes when I grip something really hard, it can trigger it too but I can just pop my fingers or move my wrist in circular motions and it goes back to normal. Have no tingly or numbness on ears, cheeks, tongue.  Well yesterday I was looking on the internet and I came across Raynaud's disease, I can deal with that.  But after looking some more I came across Sclerodema and I am freakin out!  I have no symptoms of Sclerodema, no thickening of the skin or curling on my fingers, no puffiness, no trouble making a fist, no calicum deposit under skin,no red spots, no heartburn, nothing that they describe.  My questions are:  Since its been a little over a year since this started what are my chances of having this deadly Sclerodema?  Can one have only Raynaud's symptom and still have Sclerodema? Should one exhibit the tightening of the skin, curling, etc... first and then Raynaud's when having Sclerodema? Should I consult my doctor right away, we just changed insurance and waiting on that to take effect?  I am so scared, I'm only 29 and my husband and I are trying to get pregnant too.  Please advise and thank you for your time.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The symptoms can be consistent with Raynaud's.  If scleroderma is considered, there are several blood tests that can help.  This can include the anti-centromere, anti-topoisomerase-I (Scl-70), anti-RNA polymerase, or U3-RNP antibodies.

I would also consider an ANA level and rheumatoid factor as well.  

A rheumatologist can be considered to further evaluate these possibilities.  I would discuss these options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[tw27]

Also forgot to included that I'm not sure if I even have Raynaud's since I haven't really had the problem since this past winter and I haven't been to my doctor.  Also, related to my feet, after thinking about it, when I wear boots and walk alot thats when my toes and sometimes the heel on my feet feel numb but once I get off my feet the numbness goes away.  I'm so confused.

[crazycanuck]

i would look into testing for cryoglobulenemia as well.