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.
The worst attacks Carol experiences are generally when she is shopping in the supermarket.
“It’s awful,” she said, “even when I am wearing gloves often I get to the till and can’t get my card out of my purse. It can be really embarrassing.”
While there is medication available designed to ease the symptoms, Carol no longer takes it as it gave her severe headaches and nosebleeds.
“The answer is trying to keep the whole body warm and not just in the winter. I have been sitting on a beach before with friends on a summer’s day and have had an attack. In some ways it is easier in the winter because you don’t stand out when you are all wrapped up.”
Even simple activities like swimming Carol has to beware of in case the water is too cold.
She added: “Luckily on a Friday morning the leisure centre opens its pool to disabled people and heats the water specially. It’s a brilliant facility.”
Photograph and article courtesy of the Surrey Advertiser
