Krystal

Let me tell you a little about myself. I am now 38yrs.old. I have three wonderful children, Jonathan age 17yrs. daughter Joanna 16yrs. and a daughter Jessica 13yrs. My children have just been wonderful. It was very hard for them when I was at the worst point. I was divorced also in 1994 so they were still going through that. Since then I have met a great man. We just got married in Sept.5,1998.

In the beginning the first signs of scleroderma were in my hands. One morning at work I noticed my hands were swollen and the next day it was gone, but then they became very sensitive to cold, began to itch very badly and had a rash. I went to four different doctors and then I went to a rheumatologist. My hands began to stiffen.I was diagnosed real fast in comparison to others, so I have been told. I have systemic sclerosis. It was Dec.10,1995 when I was diagnosed. The symptoms started in July of 1995. It went really fast after that. I had to quit my job (of ten years) in Feb. of 1995. It was spreading throughout my body. I got to where I could not use my hands. It was in arms, neck, chest, face, legs, and feet. I had gotten were I could not dress myself or clean myself very good.

Then at the last part of May of 1996 my blood pressure went sky high. I was put in ICU my kidneys began to fail. They got the blood pressure under control,then they had to deal with my kidneys. The day before I was going to be put on kidney machine it turned around for me. My kidneys were showing small improvements. It was great! When I was at my lowest point I never wondered "WHY ME". I guess I felt if not me it would be someone else and I could not wish that on anyone. That is one of the hardest things I have had to try to help my children with. They went through a lot of bitterness and fear, and just not understanding. We are still working on that one. But now I can tell you the good news - since I was so ill, I am doing really well. The only effects I have now is in my hands and toes, and I also am on blood pressure meds.

I feel I am living proof to never give up. I know it is still with me, but I can accept that and just love each day. Having this, I think, has made me a much better person. I am more understanding. I value everything much more in life, all the wonderful little things in life. The simple things! Well this has truly been wonderful for me.

Sincerely, Krystal Weber

Krystal died suddenly Feb. 21, 1999