Kathy

I was diagnosed with scleroderma in 1993. I was referred to a rheumy because I was getting really bad pain in my in my knee, which lasted about 3 days, then as soon as it stopped it went to my other knee for about 3 days and so forth with both my ankles and elbows. As soon as the pain would stop in one part of my body it would jump to the next. Needless to say, by the time I had my Dr. app't. all the pain was gone, it just stopped, bu the Dr. believed me and wanted to keep an eye on me.

About 6 months later I developed sores on my fingers and went to family doctor who diagnosed me right away with scleroderma. He took ANA tests which confirmed it. I have systemic, limited, crest. They say I'm a classic crest case. I'm taking methotrexate, dynacirc and meds for stomach and digestive tract. I have very bad weakness in my legs and arms and neck, which kept getting worse.

I then had biopsies done on my muscles and nerves in my legs. Now I also have polyneuropathy and dermatomyositis. I was put on IVIG treatments of hemunoglobulin once a month for 7 months, it didn't help. Neurologist kept me on so long thinking it wa preventing me from getting worse.As of today I was old to stop IVIG and tomorrow I start on prednisone I hope they help, cause I could wind up in wheelchair. If anyone is taking minocycline could you tell me about it?

Right now about all I can do is watch TV, use the internet and play games. I like word games if I can get someone to play them with me. I used to love to dance but I can't anymore, I fall down and can't get up.

I have a wonderful husband, Joe, twin sons, 22yrs. old, 2 stepdaughters, 22 and 19, a stepson, 25 and 3 step grandchildren. My family and friends are very supportive of it. They help me in every way they can. My immediate family keeps me laughing by calling me spot (cause of the spots all over my face from crest.) HA HA.

I think it's hard on my husband knowing i'm this sick and he feels helpless because he can't make me better, thats why all the jokes. It's how he deals with it, but I love it, they all keep my spirits up. I feel and people tell me that i've been dealing with it pretty well . I'm getting scared now that nothing's working and my weakness.

I forgot to tell you I have a cocker spaniel named Sparky and a turtle named Timmy. I'd love to here from other people. COULD YOU PLEASE WRITE ME IN CAPS, MY EYES ARE BLURRY.

Thanks for listening, Kathy kitkat350@webtv.net