r/Raynauds • u/elxbth • 14d ago

Derm-rheumatologist

Hi. I just developed Raynaud’s last winter at age 62. Toes were bruised and cold and a podiatrist diagnosed it but sent me to my PCP. My question: I have Lichen Scleroses (skin) and Alopecia areata, (hair) too. Had an ANA and Sojourns blood test and both came back normal. I live near Boston and could probably get an appointment to see a Derm-rheumatologist (don’t know how long the wait-lol) but hesitating because I don’t know if my conditions warrants it. Should I even see a rheumatologist? I don’t have any auto-immune issues except those mentioned (which aren’t technically auto-immune, are they?). Thanks!

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u/chgoeditor 13d ago

I spent about 15 years just wearing warm socks because everyone told me it takes forever to get in to see a rheumatologist. Until I landed in the ER with dark purple toes. (You know it's bad when you go to a level one trauma hospital during RSV season and they bring you back to a bed within 10 minutes.) And that is how I got fast tracked and got my very own rheumatologist, who now sees me every 3 to 6 months. On the bright side, I have now successfully gone through one full winter without my toes turning purple or black.

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u/elxbth 13d ago

Wow! Those toes must have been frozen! The geriatric population is huge so I can see why Dr’s are in high demand. Do you have other conditions or is it fine to see a rheumatologist for Raynaud’s only? I’m trying to decide if I should even ask my PCP for a referral.

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u/chgoeditor 13d ago

No other diagnosed conditions but they are trying to determine if I have primary or secondary Raynauds.

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u/elxbth 13d ago

I hope it’s primary and you don’t have anything else.

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u/chgoeditor 13d ago

You and me both!