Hi, my name is Judy and I was diagnosed with CREST just
yesterday (May 1, 2002). As it turns out, I've had some of the symptoms
for years and never realized what all was happening. And I had never heard
of Scleroderma. I am trying to obtain as much information as possible
about this disease and what I might expect. Although I know the disease
effects people differently, I would like to get an idea of what lies
ahead.
I am currently 45 years old, the mother of 4 (25, 21, 17, & 11), married,
and work as a Legal Secretary. So far the illness has caused my hands to
swell and ache which is not easy to deal with in the line of work I'm in.
At home my husband has tried to step up to the plate and help out as much
as possible but he is very scared of what may happen to me and when. The
not knowing is the worst part right now.
My doctor provided me with some information but I am curious as to how
fast this may spread and what other symptoms I should look for. At this
point I am only on Nexium and am scheduled to go in for a lung function
test next week. I am a cancer survivor of 1 1/2 years but this disease
scares me much more then the cancer did. I felt that I had hope for a cure
with the cancer and with this I feel almost hopeless. I know research can
produce miracles in a short period of time and I try to always think
positive but I'm just so unsure of things now.
I would greatly appreciate ANY news, advice, etc., that you could provide
me with. I would like to hear about what happens as this progresses. I
have never met any one with this disease nor seen pictures, movies, etc.,
that I could draw from. Thank you for any help you can offer.
Judy - tjlonborg@yahoo.com
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