Numb Fingers

[henry4375]

Posted a question with no replies on 12/22/14 in this community that two fingers on my right hand are cold and painful and blue. Went to a young cardio MD recently and he did an EKG and echocardiogram and pronounce me healthy and suggested more exercise (would be impossible for me to get more---athletic and walk miles every day), a glass of soy milk every day, a glass or red wine every day, oatmeal---raw or cooked every day, and a baby aspirin every day. So far no results with this----thought a cardio guy would do more. Asked about a vascular MD and he said he is cardioVASCULAR. Any other suggestions from th community?     Thanks,   Henry

[henry4375]

Thanks again for your ongoing advice. Will let you know how it goes in FLL---hopefully the warm weather and swimming will help!   Best,  "Henry"

[henry4375]

Thank you, caregiver 222. Will get that book and look into the l'arginine. Thanks again,   Henry

[caregiver222]

What you need is a consult with a good hematologist.

There are a number of blood cell disorders that are caused by problems in manufacturing blood cells in the marrow of the bones.

I suggest you purchase the book "A Second Opinion", by Dr. Jerome Groopman, a hematologist. He discusses variance in opinion regarding blood-cell disorders and the fact that blood smears that are examined under a microscope are often improperly prepared and evaluated.

[jemma116]

I still feel you should see your own doctor for his opinion.  He may know which specialist to refer you to or order some blood tests to check for any autoimmune arthritic conditions.

The doctor may also order imaging of your fingers.

Check the website for symptoms of peripheral vascular disease.
You may have had a small burst vein.  These are quite painful.

Enjoy your break.

[henry4375]

Thank you again, Jemma. I have been going for regular phlebotomies (blood letting) for the past twenty years to deal with the iron but am well aware of the risks of it: hepatoma (main risk), heart problems, diabetes etc. So far so good---66 years old, 6'3", 185 lbs, hiker, camper, swimmer, etc. The cardio guy did an EKG and echocardiogram and pronounced me healthy---maybe too casual. I am thinking this could be some form of peripheral vascular disease.

Leaving NYC for Fort Lauderdale next Wednesday 1/14/15 and will follow up there if necessary. Maybe the weather will help!   Thanks again,  "Henry"

[jemma116]

You will probably be already aware that hemochromatosis is a genetic condition when your body takes in too much iron.

It is highly likely that your finger problem is because of this and having this condition can affect the joints.  You can find more information on hemochromatosis on the web.

As the cardio guy checked your heart condition and all is fine there, you need to see your doctor to check your blood for iron levels and xrays of your hands as it is highly likely that you have arthritis because of your condition.

You do not say whether you receive any help with reducing your high iron levels nor that you get your blood checked regularly to ensure that your iron levels are not too high.  I understand that people with your condition give blood to get the iron levels down.  

You should speak with your doctor urgently.

[henry4375]

Thank you also for your comments. As mentioned above, I suffer from hemochromatosis which might be causing this. Guess he recommended the aspirin because he thought it is possibly a vein problem. Still hurts considerably---blue, cold, and numb. I think he should have a least done some sort of scan of that arm. Thank you kindly again---will let you know how this works out!

[henry4375]

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I am a retired teacher very healthy maybe except for this. I will take your advice and find another doctor. Actually haven't been to a doctor in quite a while and a friend recommended this cardio MD. My only medical condition is hemochromatosis (iron overload) which could possibly cause clogged veins and arteries. Thank you again!   Henry

[jemma116]

I suggest you see your own doctor.

You do not say for how long your fingers have been like this, or how this appeared, whether you had any type of injury before this happened.  

There is a condition called Reynaud's Disease and your symptoms are that of this disease.  The fingers normally start off by getting white before getting blue.  

There is a condition called Vibration White Finger which results from jobs using a pneumatic drill, but that would not make your fingers go blue.

You may notice that your condition is aggravated by the cold or when your are feeling stressed.    Wear gloves when going out into the cold.

As the cardio MD was more concerned with regard to your vascular circulation, he may not be aware of Reynaud's.  Make the appointment with your doctor to get the correct diagnoses.

A small glass of red wine is believed to be beneficial to digestion and for other reasons because of the tannin that it contains.

Take care with use of aspirin as it can cause the stomach to bleed.  Mild doses of aspirin are usually prescribed to people with a heart and vein problem.

Let me know how you get on and what the doctor's diagnosis is.

Best wishes.

[aprilgrace07]

My suggestions are that you at least call and consider another dr, as well as the er or someone who will try to help. You can pay cash for one appointment with another doctor to discuss your symptoms and then see if you want to switch. Tell them your issue when you call so it takes less tim to get scheduled. The other things are that soy is inflammatory, aspirin isn't safe to take unless you need it (some researchers are now saying aspirin causes more harm than help with multiple desired effects but talk to multiple types of practitioners and research yourself and make your own informed decision, idk on this). Almond milk or coconut milk would be better, as well as determining if the aspirin is truly needed. I'd also switch the wine for fresh grapes. Wine being healthy is another lie we always hear, but fresh grapes will do much more for your body. Wine has negative effects on the body's immune system because it's broken down too far and causes blood issues. We hear how soy and wine and aspirin are miracle cures, but we were also told for years fats such as coconut oil and real butter were killing us when infact they help the body and the excess sugar was the cause of increased obesity and decreased function.