Some of you guys know that in 2009, I was diagnosed with Scleroderma. It is a disease that actually runs in my family but because it is so rare, no one was ever worried or watchful. I developed some strange medical issues and finally went to a dermatologist who immediately said he thought I had it. After some testing I was told that I do have the disease but I have a limited form of it.

My body makes too much collagen. And although that is a good thing for looking youthful and healthy,and at 41 years old, I pass for a 29 year old- that hardening is not good for your organs. My organs are hardening, but the ones that are, seem to be doing so in a slower pace than predicted.

I have not found any blogs about my specific form of Scleroderma, just chatter on message boards. I hope to start one soon and include the photos of my damaged organs that were taken in laproscopy procedures. It is sooooo scary to get this diagnosis and to hear what your lifespan can be. I hope I can communicate with other people who are in the same situation.

Some links:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001465/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crest-syndrome/ds00580/dsection=symptoms

On a side note there are several 43T’ers that have Reynaud’s Phenomena too and who have Autoimmune Diseases. If you read long enough you will find that there are many of us sharing a common issue. It’s scary, alot of people here could use support and some of them won’t ask for it. Please message me if you need to talk or come to my FB page, which I have made almost public :)

Much <3.

C