I am now 29 and have been very fortunate to only suffer so far with Raynaud's Phenomenon causing ulcers or sores on my fingertips. My pointer and index fingers on both hands are slightly stiff and deformed, but I haven't had an attacked for 18 months now. I have of late started to experience intestinal and digestive problems, and have sought help from a gastroenterologist. We are not sure what the future holds. But, I know since I have read these stories of late, about others who suffer from this dreadful disease, it gives me some comfort that I am not alone.

I must say though, it is only since I have sort help from a general practioner who perscribes naturapathic medicines to help the immune system that I have improved tremendously. My husband was very skeptical at first, but I had no life left in me after only taking the drug 'Adalat' for circulation.

The side affects where horrible, and I felt like I was always drained of energy. So I sought help from this man who a friend said had helped other patients with scleroderma. I have now been taking these trace minerals called 'Celliods', which a lot of naturapaths use here.

I have not had to use the Adalat this past winter at all, but have used the certain tablets he has set down to take when I am having problems, like - cold fingers, constipation, heart-burn, having a cold, the list goes on. I have never felt so energetic in all my life since I saw him, he got me to assess all my body functions for six months. Now I am in the process of arranging to see him again, after I get the results from the gastroenterologist.

I have more faith in natural medicines now than before, as I am living proof. That is not to say I will not take the other drugs if necessary, I have common sense to know this disease is nothing to fool around with. I just hope this will encourage others that alternative medicines can help in many ways, it is worth a go. What have you got to lose through it? Many doctors though will say otherwise, but it is your life and body, you have a right to do all you can to gain a quality life through this horrible degenerative disorder.

They say I have 40 years from the time I was diagnosed; I intend to live it to the fullest before I go down hill. I have enough faith in God to know I will only suffer as much as he will allow me to bear. And maybe, just maybe, my miracle may happen.

I have read an article from a Christian book, Kathryn Kulman. It talks about a couple who were Baptist, his wife had scleroderma at its full stage. She was told three years but after eleven, she progressively deteriorated. On January 23, 1965 she went to a healing ministry where they taught of the Holy Spirit. She reached out to God in the meeting that day and knew something had happened.. On February 22, 1965, the doctor called and asked to see her. He opened her medical folder and said "these last tests from the lab are all negative. Now tell me what happened." Naurine asked, "Do you believe in miracles? Four weeks ago I was healed."

He declared that Naurine's healing can be classified under one category only: miracle. He added, "Do not try to explain it - just accept it and live a normal life." So I do believe and have seen enough to know that God is REAL!!!!!!

My email address is: spockc@fast.net.au