Beyond Cold: Reynaud’s

My fingers, post-5-mile run in 40-degree weather.

So, it’s been over a month since I last posted. Shame on me. Although, in my defense, I write/edit blogs for a living, so this is like a car mechanic working on his own vehicle…or not. Whatever. Don’t judge.

I’m going to stray a bit and talk about a different condition I live with everyday: Reynaud’s. See below for all its beautiful glory.

My fingers, post-5-mile run in 40-degree weather.

Here’s what happens: my fingers and toes go numb in the same way they go numb after you hit yourself in the thumb with a hammer. It hurts. They don’t work. But they still feel “numb.”

Then…the real pain.

I warm up and start to regain sensation. They begin to turn blackish.

It happens when I go from a hot summer day into an air-conditioned building. It happens when I go from a heated-building into a cool winter day. I happens…all. the. time. It’s getting worse as I get older. And before you ask, no…gloves don’t help much.

Anyway, this is a complaining post. And really, I shouldn’t complain. I have much to be grateful for, like the fact that this is probably primary Reynaud’s and not an indication that I have a more serious and debilitating or fatal condition.

I’m curious: how many of you have experienced something like this?

Tarah Neujahr Bryan

I'm from Montana and despite living in six different states, Montana is still my heart's home. I have passion for many things in life, including my beautiful daughter and son, my amazing husband, Nebraska Football, playing softball, hiking, healthcare policy, aviation, running, yoga, reading, outdoor life, animals, hiking, sports, and so much more. It's always growing and changing. I have a BA in History, with a minor in Sociology from Montana State- Billings and an MA in Journalism and Mass Communications (specialization in Marketing, Communications, and Advertising) from the University of Nebraska.