Jenni Falconer’s TV career has been both unpredictable and exhilarating; having started out as a TV contest on ITV’s Blind Date back in 1994. Jenni turned out to be no flash in the pan. She forged a hugely successful television and radio career off the back of her initial TV appearance. Some of her highlights so far include presenting Heart FM and regularly appearing on the ITV daytime show This Morning as a regular travel reporter.
While ascending in the industry, Jenni has lived with Raynaud’s phenomenon, a painful condition that affects the hands and feet.
Speaking to The Mirror, she opened about her journey with the painful condition.
She said: “I’ve suffered from it in my fingers and toes since I was 17, and it can be so painful that it brings tears to my eyes.
“I first had it at school during a sports science lesson. I’d just finished some exercise and returned to class when my right index finger went completely white, almost fluorescent.”
In the intervening years, Jenni’s condition has worsened, she revealed.
“I get it in all my fingers and toes and an attack can last up to 30 minutes,” said Jenni.
When blood comes rushing back, she gets pins and needles and a burning sensation, she said.
Jenni has shared updates about living with Raynaud’s phenomenon on social media too.
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Jenni showed her fans the effects Raynaud’s has on her fingers after running.
The TV presenter, 43, shared a picture of her colourless fingers, adding that the cold and damp weather “literally chills my bones”.
She said in her Instragram post: “Yesterday it was perfect; a relatively warm, sunny day with little breeze.
“Today in comparison is so cold and damp that it literally chills my bones. If you suffer from Raynaud’s Phenomenon, then this sight will be something you might totally relate to.”
What causes Raynaud’s?
Raynaud’s affects your blood circulation – when you’re cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour, explains the NHS.
In addition to fingers and toes, some people also find their ears, nose, lips or nipples are affected, says the health body.
Fortunately, there are simple self-help tips that can help to alleviate the symptoms.
The NHS says to:
- Keep your home warm
- Wear warm clothes during cold weather – especially on your hands and feet
- Exercise regularly – this helps improve circulation
- Try breathing exercises or yoga to help you relax
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
“If your symptoms are very bad or getting worse, a GP may prescribe a medicine called nifedipine to help improve your circulation,” says the NHS.
According to the health body, some people need to take nifedipine every day.
Others only use it to prevent Raynaud’s – for example, during cold weather.
Sometimes a GP will examine you and suggest a blood test to check for an underlying cause, such as lupus, adds the NHS.
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