Raynauds - aibu to see GP? Any point?

[tinysnickersaremyfavourite]

Hi all. I am pretty sure I have Raynauds. I've never talked to a doctor about it but I have the typical blanching and numb fingers when they get too cold.
I've always just put up with it but the last few years it has got significantly worse during the winter. It now happens almost every time I drive even with gloves on, heating full blast etc. It often happens outdoors even if I am wearing gloves. Increasingly it is happening even indoors if I do something like getting food out of the freezer. Yesterday I spent much of the day (indoors!!) with my fingers either numb or with that horrible throbbing as they come back to life.
Has anyone here been to GP about it and come away with anything useful?
I have read about nifedipine being helpful - does anyone have experience of that?
My siblings and mum also suffer the same.

Thanks in advance

I suffer but find I get it worse when I feel cold rather than just when it is cold outside so I try to drink lots of hot drinks, porridge etc and find keeping warm internally helps! Splashing out on some expensive leather gloves and thick wool socks has helped massively to.

I think this is what I have as my fingers look just like yours when they're cold. I could draw a line around my fingers where it goes white. I used to get chilblains as a child, so painful.

I suffer from this in my nipples......if o get cold they go white and the pain is crippling. I’ve had it for years and breastfeeding through it is horrible.

I couldn’t imagine my hands and feet suffering like this.

I’m a doctor. Your symptoms are severe and you should definitely see your GP. Looks of good ideas here. I would suggest an autoimmune screen and trial of nifedipine.
There is a useful website for people with Raynauds with electrically heated gloves, pocket warmers etc

I’m not sure I’m convinced this is something that warrants a plethora of rheumatology bloods. From ops posts there is familial tendency and she’s had it a long time. With this plus no pitting ulcer scars or blue phase it is likely a primary Raynauds at worst or even just cold intolerance. A rheumatologist will look at your nailfold capillaries to rule out any secondary cause. I think the fact it’s got worse definitely warrants a trip to the GP to discuss rheumatology referral and to try medication.

So I went to the GP this morning and I now have a prescription for Nifedipine. Hopefully that will improve the symptoms until the weather warms up.
They asked a couple of questions about other symptoms relating to Crest (scleroderma) but didn't mention a blood test or referral to Rheumatology.

That's good news OP. Glad you've got a prescription. Good luck. Keep cosy.x

That sounds like a good outcome and now you're on the radar if you feel you need further attention.