I was first diagnosed with Raynaud's about fifteen years ago. I had little success with calcium channel blockers and blood thinners because I have other heart problems and these medications just caused more problems (mainly lower blood pressure). I was taken off of these medications and tried to avoid cold and wear layers of clothing. I would still get chillblains on my fingers and toes in the winter, no matter what. These are very painful.

About a year ago, I made a discovery that made a major difference for me. I had gone to Boston, Massachusetts, for a conference. I had numerous chillblains on my feet and fingers. The hotel that I was staying in had a heated pool. I thought that it would help me to take a relaxing swim. I went down to the pool. It was just barely tepid. I decided to go for a short swim anyway. Within just a few minutes of vigorous swimming all of the chillblains had disappeared.

The next day after walking outside some, I had more blisters. This time, I decided that since the pool had not been that warm the night before that I would just get in the spa. I did and nothing happened. I got in the pool and began to swim and after just a few minutes again, the chillblains were gone.

A few months later, I went to south Georgia for a meeting. I had numerous chillblains on my feet when I left. The temperature was eighty degrees when I got to Valdosta, Georgia. I was tired that night so I decided to be lazy and get in the spa instead of swimming. Even though the temperature was eighty degrees, the spa did nothing to relieve my symptoms. I got in the pool and again after a short swim, the chillblains were gone.

I have been searching for information on Raynaud's and aquatic therapy for the last year and have not found any articles or clinical research studies. Has anyone else heard of any research on this topic?

I would also be interested to know if anyone else has had similar experiences.