Hello all,

It is getting to that time of the year where some people are out in shorts and t-shirts, some are still wearing a jacket. I am still in my big coat.

One thing I have done today though is to put my big socks away for the summer. I normally wear two pairs because it is cold and I have Raynaud’s. Even in the summer my toes go purple or my fingers go a very pale white.

‘Raynaud’s affects your blood circulation. When you’re cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour.’ If you want to find out more please follow this NHS link.

Here is a photo of my fingers, you can see the contrast between where the blood is flowing and where it is not. When this happens my fingers go numb. If I bite one of them its difficult to feel the pressure.

People living with circulatory disease may feel the cold more than others and it is particularly frustrating when the weather is on the turn. You never know how to dress. Do I need a coat or do I just need a jumper? What kind of shoes should I wear? Will I be too hot or too cold?

I normally take a jumper wherever I go because you can always take a layer off. I you don’t have the layer to begin with then you’re stuck being cold.

One of the items I tend to invest in is a good pair of slippers. I have lambswool slippers because they are very comfortable and very warm. It is always a good investment for me as I wear them more or less all year round. Even in the summer if it is cooler on an evening just to keep them warm enough so that my feet do not get chilly. 

If you are interested in reading more about Raynaud’s or Circulatory disease please take a look at the British Heart Foundations website.

Or check out my other posts about Circulatory Disease.