Raynaud's syndrome is a rather rare disease, for the treatment of which specific techniques are required. The success of treatment largely depends on a timely visit to a doctor. And if you have been diagnosed with this, you can undergo treatment for Raynaud's syndrome in clinics in Germany, where experienced doctors will conduct a full examination and diagnosis. The latest equipment, the best specialists, medicines of the latest generation - all this will help to cope with the disease and forget about its manifestations for a long time.
Features of medicine and treatment in Germany
Healthcare in the Federal Republic of Germany operates as clearly and smoothly as other German systems. It is based on the principles of accessibility and equality: it is believed that all residents of Germany are entitled to health care through insurance premiums. Foreigners are treated by paying the corresponding sums for the services provided according to the price list. Thanks to this approach, German medicine is considered one of the most secure and effective in the world.
Most of the clinics are state-owned, university clinics are recognized as having a special status, where the best medical forces in the country are concentrated, although the quality of services is high everywhere. The state monitors the price policy for the provision of medical care, therefore, in almost all medical institutions - private and public - the amount for treatment is approximately the same.
What is Raynaud's disease
Raynaud's disease is manifested by impaired microcirculation of blood in the extremities. In the cold, as well as in stressful situations, the tips of the fingers and toes become numb, change color - turn blue, then turn red, spasm of peripheral blood vessels begins, blood circulation is disturbed, which causes unpleasant painful sensations. Sometimes the spasm affects the tip of the tongue, nose, ears, scleroderma appears, which manifests itself as symptoms of peripheral vascular ischemia in the form of Raynaud's syndrome. The attack lasts 15-20 minutes.
The causes of the disease have not yet been reliably studied, although scientists call multiple reasons for the development of this disease:
- hereditary predisposition;
- stress, constant excitement, anxiety;
- vascular and rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis;
- some blood diseases;
- harmful working conditions;
- frequent finger injuries and some other reasons.
The disease can be mild or more severe. Sometimes, treatment requires not only medical treatment, but also surgery, the release of the nerve that causes the spasm.
If untreated, spasms become more prolonged, ulcers may appear on the limbs, and their infection leads to undesirable consequences. The neglected isolated cases lead to necrosis of the fingers and extremities.
Methods for diagnosing the disease
Diagnosis of Raynaud's disease takes place in several stages and requires several expert consultations, as well as laboratory examination.
- After admission to the clinic, the attending physician finds out the symptoms, data on previous diseases, draws up a medical history, pre-determines the cause of the syndrome and directs the patient to a consultation with a vascular surgeon and a rheumatologist.
- Capillaroscopy detects changes in the structure of blood vessels.
- Laser Doppler flowmetry helps to find the pathology of blood circulation, a decrease in reactions in the veins and arteries.
- If necessary, doctors can prescribe an additional examination, including computed tomography, ultrasound, analyzes of protein, fat, carbohydrate metabolism.
After 3-4 days, already with the results of the research, the patient comes to the attending physician, who draws up an individual treatment plan for him.
Methods of treating the disease in clinics in Germany
Raynaud's disease requires complex treatment - both drug therapy and physiotherapy, and possibly surgery.
- The first stage of treatment - vasodilator drugs and antiplatelet agents are prescribed.
- The drug therapy is supplemented by physiotherapy procedures that improve blood circulation in the vessels: balneotherapy, laser use, acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygenation. acupuncture.
- In many cases, sympathectomy is used, which "turns off" the nerves that provoke the spasm. German doctors use a low-traumatic endoscopy method for this, which gives a minimum of complications.
- A new effective method of outpatient therapy in German clinics is the use of the patient's own stem cells.
Clinics specializing in the treatment of this disease
There are several clinics in Germany that accept patients of this profile and professionally treat them:
- the Charite clinic in Berlin;
- the university clinic in Essen;
- clinic "Helios" in Erfurt, Berlin.
All these clinics cooperate with other vascular centers, and doctors use the most modern methods of treatment. Those who have undergone a course of treatment and rehabilitation in German clinics note the attention and tact of all staff.
When choosing a clinic and a doctor, pay attention to the following factors:
- Private or public clinic. In a private one, you will receive a larger volume of personal services, but also pay more.
- Equipment of the clinic: where and what examinations, consultations are carried out by this institution. It is better if everything can be done on the spot without leaving the clinic.
- Physician category: This can be a general physician or someone with a scientific degree, scientific literature, relevant experience and recognition.
- Reviews: you can find them on the websites of the respective medical institutions.
- Pricing policy: you choose the form of payment and the level of the amount depending on your capabilities.
Approximate prices for diagnostics and treatment
It is clear that the exact cost of diagnostics is calculated individually, depending on the volume of examinations, the number of consultations and their level. The price of treatment can also fluctuate: it is determined by the number of prescriptions, medications, the choice of methods - from forms of physiotherapy to surgery.
In addition, prices may be different in private and public clinics, they depend on the complexity of the disease itself and the category of the doctor. You will need approximately the following amounts:
- three-day outpatient diagnostics cost from 1,800 to 2,500 euros;
- diagnostics and conservative treatment - from 5 to 6 thousand euros;
- treatment by the method of thoracic sympathectomy stationary for 9 days - 8-10 thousand euros.
How to go for treatment and what is needed for this
If you are diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome and want to treat the disease in Germany, select a clinic and agree with it about treatment. You will be given a preliminary invoice to be paid. After prepayment, you will receive a call, which is considered an invitation to Germany.
You need a Schengen visa to travel. Apply for a special medical visa - it's faster and more reliable.
To apply for a visa, contact the German consulate or visa center in your district, find out what package of documents you need. You will be required to:
- international passport
- tickets to Germany
- internal passport,
- certificate from work, bank statement at the rate of 100 € per day,
- an invitation from the clinic.
At the consulate you present:
- Hotel reservation,
- medical insurance policy for the entire stay in Germany for 30 thousand euros.
Raynaud's syndrome prevention and rehabilitation
Prevention plays a huge role in preventing the development of Raynaud's syndrome.If you have had patients with such a diagnosis in your family, if you have frequent migraine attacks, you are at risk.
Pay attention to the following points:
- it is worth excluding contact with chemicals on unprotected skin;
- avoid prolonged hypothermia of the hands and feet;
- constant vibration in the workplace contributes to the development of the disease;
- smoking and alcoholic beverages are also risk factors.
The basis of successful treatment is a healthy lifestyle, often a change of profession, which is recommended by doctors in order to avoid relapse of the disease. Sanatoriums and health resorts in Germany also contribute to recovery. We advise you to pay attention to the wellness in Baden-Baden, which is known for its pleasant mild climate, excellent hotels and resorts. They provide a full range of health-restoring services.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of the treatment of Raynaud's syndrome largely depends on how timely you see a doctor. Therefore, feeling the periodic numbness of the fingers and toes, especially in cold weather, blood flow disturbances, noticing the "marbling" of the skin, do not waste time. Healthcare in Germany can work miracles, and German doctors will do everything they can for your complete recovery.
