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Raynaud's Case Studies

Jenni Falconer

Most people dislike the cold, but Raynaud's makes it sheer agony for TV presenter Jenni Falconer

122-JenniFaulkner Most people would envy Jenni Falconer’s job on GMTV’s Entertainment Today, inter-viewing some of the biggest stars in showbiz at red carpet events. But when that premiere is taking place on a cold, wintry evening, it’s not quite as much fun for Jenni as she makes it appear, for she suffers from a circulatory condition that means just a gust of wind can temporarily cut off circulation to her fingers and feet, causing agonising pain.

Janet

35-JanetGuiel Janet Guiel from Broadwater, has had Raynaud’s for more than 30 years and says even simple, everyday tasks can be difficult for sufferers.
The 63 year old grandmother said: “I can’t really go in the freezer aisle at the supermarket because it can bring on an attack. Places with air conditioning can do the same, so I have to plan ahead about where I go. I always carry two pairs of gloves, and I find layering my clothes really helps. I also always wear socks in bed, I’d just to too cold otherwise.”

Carol

35-Carol Werrett Carol Werrett from Merrow does not need to delve into the wardrobe to dig out her winter essentials. It is not that she is superhuman and can withstand the most severe weather conditions without the aid of woollen garments, but in fact the opposite. Carol has been wearing her hat and gloves on and off practically all year in an effort to combat the symptoms of Raynaud’s.

Barbara

35-Barbara_Griffiths Barbara Griffiths, 36, reveals what it’s like to live with Raynaud’s:
‘I first realised something wasn’t right when I was 17, and I lost all feeling in my fingers during a driving lesson with my dad. My doctor diagnosed Raynaud’s. It can be triggered easily - if I just walk into a slightly colder room than I was previously in, my entire body can overreact and go into shutdown mode. My hands become numb to the point where I literally can’t use them - if i put them into a fire, I wouldn’t feel a thing! Needless to say, using zips or getting money out of my purse can be impossible.

Suzanne

35-heasman-web Suzanne Heasman battles with Raynaud’s which can leave her hands cold, numb and bright white all year round. She takes no medication to ease the symptoms because the ones she has tried didn't agree with her. All she can do is manage as best she can.

She comments: “It’s important to wear layers. It’s got to be very hot for me to be wearing just a t-shirt. My hands are cold all year round and I can suffer as much in the summer as in the winter. On holiday in Majorca I still had to wear a coat to try and prevent a severe reaction to the change temperature.”

newcover

To celebrate the charity’s 30th Anniversary in 2012, the RSA is aiming to raise a total of one million pounds for research over the next two years. The money will be used to fund several projects into Raynaud's and scleroderma. People with these conditions will be given an opportunity to send in suggestions as to what they feel are the most important areas of research that they would like to see funded. These ideas will then be considered by the trustees and medical advisers. One of the aims is to generate enthusiasm amongst the medical profession throughout the UK, in order to help find better treatments and ultimately a cure. To find out more click here.

Raynaud's Case Studies

Jenni Falconer

Janet

Carol

Barbara

Suzanne

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