Dolly

I was 37 years old when my scleroderma got diagnosed in India.i was shattered at first when i found out that my disease is uncurable, i wept a lot but then when i saw the family support i got at home from my husband and two sons i didn't have the heart to even shed a tear. i decided to be strong and fight the disease, i went to yale medical college in new haven connecticut U.S.A to get treated. Dr. Irwin Braverman who was a dermatologist treated me, i was put on very strong doses of prednisone 40 mg a day which made me feel very fit but i was so bloated put on 60 pounds of weight looked ghastly hated myself everytime i looked at the mirror but had no choice. i just had to get well i was initially going to the U.S every year then every 2-3 years i was taking methotrexate as well had to be on painkillers as well. for 12 years i was on prednisone then slowly started tapering it down as the doctors told me that steroids can not be taken for so many years at a stretch. Now for the last 3 yrs i've given up steroids it was not easy to do that but my self determination made me do it. i still take methotrexate every week and three painkillers a day. I enjoy life have fun entertain, go out to the movies, love travelling but the worst part now is that my hands are deformed can not do many things hate the sight of my hands, the good thing is i've lost 75 pounds since i gave up the steroids. I love life and my children so will fight till the very end. Scleroderma is not that awful a disease there are many other illnesses far worse. Thank Heavens i had completed my family when i was diagnosed what would i have done without my marvellous boys. My husband has been so kind and patient with me.

Dolly - dollybhagat@yahoo.com