Mary

My name is Mary. I was diagnosed with scleroderma when I was 10 years old. At that time medical science did not have a difference between the types of scleroderma. I now know at age 42 that it was linear scleroderma. It started in my left hand and traveled up my left shoulder. I also had some in my right hand, elbow and legs. It was in progression for two years. I went through many skin grafts,physical therapy with hot wax and took an experimental drug called Amacar

Only after two years of fear and thinking my whole body was going to turn to stone I went to a church to be prayed over for a healing. Soon after my parents were told I was in remission. This remission has lasted 32 years and I now claim the Lord healed me. Nobody can take that away.

Since then, I grew up a pretty normal life. I went to college, became a teacher of special education students for 20 years. I got married. I had two children. Both were premature, but are now healthy at 18 and 13. Both boys have some learning difficulties, but no other health problems. As you can see I've lead a full life. The Lord has been good to me. But now I'm having some problems again. No, the scleroderma has not come back. All blood tests, CAT, and MRI tests are clear from active scleroderma. But I have found out I have calcifications in my shoulder and elbow that are causing me pain. They are old calcifications. I started working with handicapped children 2 years ago and from lifting, feeding, and pushing their wheelchairs I have caused the muscle and tendons to become inflamed. In January, I was told I tore the rotator cuff, had tendonitis, and found the calcifications. I've been through physical therapy land and water. The physical therapy has brought on more pain in the muscles and tendons that were stunted. My left arm is 2 inches shorter than my right. A rheumatologist has told me I should have never been lifting over 10 lbs on a continual basis.

After 6 weeks off of work, I went back to work from February to June with a lifting restriction. Now I'm off work for 5 weeks vacation and I will return for summer school in July. I take Relafen an antinflammatory drug. At work they say I may have to go on disability, if I continue to have trouble. I developed Costochronditis, Tendonitis, Tennis Elbow, and next the doctor is going to check my nerve endings to see if they are pinched. I have heard of reconstructive hand surgery, is there shoulder surgery to remove the calification? I know the Lord will provide the answer. If anybody who read this and has any experience here, please write.