RAYNAUD'S AWARENESS MONTH

The Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association is a national charity supporting sufferers of these conditions and raising funds for research and welfare projects. Did you know that Raynaud’s affects over 10 million people in Britain, a huge number compared with around 85,000 multiple sclerosis victims and an estimated 5.1 million eczema sufferers. Scleroderma is much more rare affecting approximately 7,000 sufferers in the UK (see, I AM special). Raynaud’s is a distressing condition in which the blood is temporarily prevented from reaching the fingers and toes. In its most severe form it is very painful, and in secondary Raynaud’s ulcerations can occur which may become gangrenous and lead to amputation (otherwise, in my case, they just take a good 6 months to disappear, normally with the help of some sunshine and salty sea... it could be worse!). Scleroderma is a disease affecting the connective tissue. Scleroderma means hard skin but the hardness is not limited to the skin - the internal organs and their blood supply may become damaged. The cause is still unknown and treatment is inadequate.

http://www.raynauds.org.uk/
Hope that's cheered you all up!