Many Twitter users were confused and concerned when Julie O’Mahony posted a picture of her mother’s hand with two of the fingers white and completely drained of color. However, while some were confused, others immediately noticed that Julie’s mother Monica had Raynaud’s syndrome. Many of these people were affected by the blood vessel disorder as well and went on to share their own pictures and stories.

About Raynaud’s Syndrome

Raynaud’s syndrome, also referred to as Raynaud’s disease, is a rare blood vessel disorder that typically affects the fingers and toes. When an affected individual is stressed or cold, the blood vessels shrink and stop blood flow. This results in white or blue skin in the impacted area. After the trigger is gone, the blood vessels will return to normal, often making the skin red. It may also throb or tingle. In very severe cases, this restricted blood flow can lead to complications like tissue death or sores.

In most cases, medical professionals are unsure of the cause. In others, Raynaud’s syndrome is the result of another condition, certain medications, or an injury. Risk factors include being female, living in a cold climate, being over age 30, and having a family history of the condition. To treat this syndrome, doctors may prescribe medications to prevent the blood vessels from narrowing. There are a number of home remedies that may help patients as well, such as keeping extremities warm in the cold weather, avoiding triggers, and soaking feet/hands in warm water if an attack is coming on.

Monica’s Story

Monica has lived with Raynaud’s syndrome for about 20 years. She says that her condition is at its worst during the wintertime, especially during January. If she doesn’t wear gloves, her fingers turn white and tingle with “horrendous pins and needles.” The pain typically disappears after an hour.

Because she has been experienced attacks for the past two decades, Monica usually knows when one is coming on. To prevent them, she soaks her hands in warm water, but this isn’t always possible. Her attacks often happen outside, where she has no access to water. When this happens, there is nothing to do but wait them out.

Online Connections

After her daughter posted a photo of her hands on Twitter, Monica was overwhelmed by the number of people who shared photos of their own hands and told their own Raynaud’s stories. One user wrote, “I feel like I’ve found my family on this thread.”

Monica has gone on to become a sort of local celebrity; people will approach her in town to talk about her Raynaud’s syndrome experience! The post has now racked up over 30,000 likes as well.

You can find more on her story here.