My name is Barbara. For most of my life I have been the energizer bunny but on June, 2001 I had a heart attack & had a stent put in. During the following 7 months I was in the hospital 8 times with no clear diagnosis.

I was forced to retire from my work as a psychologist when I could barely get from my office to the nursing station. The docs said go to warm weather for the winter so I began to travel to Las Vegas. In Tucumcari, NM I ended up in the hospital for 5 days. My daughter in law flew to Albuquerque & drove me to my destination. I was put on oxygen 24/7 & spent l8 to 20 hrs sleeping per day when I wasn't seeing docs or getting tests. The plus side was got to see every minute of the olympics & read a zillion books.

Finally in July of 2002 I was diagnosed with Scleroderma. I had no idea what it was but relieved to have a name for whatever was going on. In Aug I began taking a very new drug called Tracleer.  Still sleep more than I would like but I am doing much better than anyone ever believe I would be. I have been off O2 for over a year, actually danced twice at a multi class reunion last fall & have driven to Gulf Shore, AL for the past 2 winters to avoid the cold. I am not back to being the energizer bunny yet, but I am no longer a slug. Love being around positive, life long learners. I have even begun to have a rather interesting social life again.

I am blessed by loving children, grandchildren & friends. Think that I will get involved in the political scene when I get home. Maybe I can even convince some people to focus on the issues instead of wasting all of their energy name calling.....do you think?? Would love to hear how others are managing this illness. I wish each of you a life of expectation & the lesson my grandchildren are being taught: an attitude of gratitude.