| Skeletal Involvement |
| This page was written by Shelley Ensz, and has not yet been medically edited. Scleroderma (SD) affects everyone differently. Just because something is listed here does not mean an individual patient will ever experience it. See Disclaimer. |
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| Overview of Musculoskeletal Involvement in Scleroderma |
| Determinants of Reduced Walking Speed in People with Musculoskeletal Pain. Comorbidities, age, female sex, and lower socioeconomic position determine walking speed in people with joint pain. Issues such as poor vision and social-economic disadvantage may add to the effect of musculoskeletal disease, suggesting the need for a holistic approach to management of these patients. J Rheumatol 2007;34:1905-12. |
| Organ Involvement-Induced Disability In Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) . SSc-related disability is clinically significant and is mostly related to joint, cutaneous and cardio-pulmonary involvement, as well as to the disease-induced fatigue. C. Mihai. AB0514 EULAR 2007. (Also see: Skin, Cardiac and Pulmonary Involvement ) |
| Musculoskeletal involvement in scleroderma. Scleroderma can be accompanied by arthralgias, inflammatory arthritis, flexion contractures, nerve entrapment, myositis, or myopathy. Musculoskeletal manifestations are a major cause of morbidity and disability in scleroderma. PubMed. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2003 May;29(2):391-408. |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Hand in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The visualization of pathology of hands was better with MRI and detailed lesions which were difficult to interpretate with clinical investigation or not visible with X-ray. M. N. Starovoytova. SAT0240 EULAR 2006. (Also see: Common Medical Tests ) |
| Surgical treatment of destructive calcific lesions of the cervical spine in scleroderma. Destructive, calcific masses in the cervical spine associated with scleroderma and an indication for surgical treatment are rare. Treatment is complex and not without significant risk to the patient. PubMed. Spine. 2006 Aug 1;31(17):2002-8. (Also see: Calcinosis ) |
| Use of antibodies recognizing cyclic citrullinated peptide in the differential diagnosis of joint involvement in systemic sclerosis. Anti-CCP antibodies can be detected in patients with SSc, but less commonly present than in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2006 May 3. (Also see: Antibodies, and Rheumatoid Arthritis) |
| Clinical and laboratory features of scleroderma patients developing skeletal myopathy. These findings suggested that the SSc patients with severe internal organ involvement, such as pulmonary fibrosis and heart disease, and some other complications were prone to develop skeletal myopathy during their clinical course of the disease. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Aug 20. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis and Cardiac Involvement) |
| Musculoskeletal ultrasound--a state of the art review in rheumatology. Part 2: Clinical indications for musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatology. There is exciting evidence that MSUS may potentially be used by rheumatologists to non-invasively diagnose and monitor not just joint and muscle disease but also nerve compression syndromes, scleroderma, vasculitis and Sjogren's syndrome. PubMed. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2004 May 25. |
| Body Fat Composition |
| On average, systemic scleroderma patients do not differ from healthy people, in terms of total body fat, despite the ravages of illness and frequent complications of gastrointestinal difficulties. Another unusual finding in the following study is that scleroderma patients had significantly better cholesterol profiles than healthy people. |
| Body Composition Analysis in Patients with Scleroderma. Total body fat and fat distribution seems not to be influenced in scleroderma patients when compared to healthy controls. However, high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly higher and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly lower in the patient group. O. Gurler. AB0289 EULAR 2006. (Also see: Systemic Scleroderma, and Cardiac Involvement) |
| Bone Reabsorption |
| Bone reabsorption may occur, in which the bones at the tips of the fingers are literally reabsorbed into the body. In some cases, the tips of the fingernails may become attached to the skin. See Scleroderma Photos. |
| Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone And Acro-Osteolysis (AO) In Systemic Sclerosis. In this group of Mediterranean SSc patients, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism was surprisingly high. This finding correlated with the occurrence of AO and calcinosis. Low levels of vit D may reflect silent malabsorption and might be a risk factor for secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone resorption. Y. Braun-Moscovici. AB0497 EULAR 2007. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Vitamin D Difficiency and Thyroid Disease ) |
| The Effects of Medications on Bone. Corticosteroids and cancer chemotherapeutic agents generally affect bone adversely and increase fracture. J Am Acad Orthop Surg, Vol 15, No 8, August 2007, 450-460. (Also see: Medications ) |
| Radiological Hand Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis. Flexion contracture (27%), calcinosis (23%), acroosteolysis (22%), arthritis (18%) were the main features of radiological hand involvement in this series of patients with SSc. Calcinosis and acroosteolysis were together associated with vascular digital and systemic complications, which emphasize the implications of vascular injury in such lesions. J. Avouac. FRI0095 EULAR 2005. (Also see: Calcinosis) |
| Acroosteolysis is Associated with Vascular Complications of Systemic Sclerosis. Acroosteolysis seems to be associated with vascular complications in systemic sclerosis which suggests a microvascular component in its pathogenesis. C. Rosenberg. AB0183 EULAR 2005. |
| Vertebral Fracture and Bone Mineral Density in Women Receiving High Dose Glucocorticoids for Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases. The pathology of vertebral fracture secondary to high dose glucocorticoid therapy is multifactorial and possibly involves lipid metabolism. J Rheumatol 2005 May;32:863-9. (Also see: Medications) |
| Osteoporosis in scleroderma. Earlier menopause, corticosteroid use in some patients, and other factors secondary to systemic sclerosis (such as malabsorption and inflammation), may be causal factors or may be confounders in studies of osteoporosis (OP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). PubMed. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2005 Feb;34(4):678-82. |
| Low Lean Body Mass is Associated with Osteoporosis in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The low lean mass and the high frequency of hypoalbuminemia in these patients emphasize the need for a nutrition orientation and a physical activity program as appropriate additional therapeutic measures to reduce bone loss in SSc patients. Romy B. Christmann. 1688/511. ACR 2004. |
| Bone Mineral Density in Female Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. The specific immunopathogenesis, the disease duration and activity, early menopause and a long-time immobilisation could be the reasons for increased bone resorption in the systemic sclerosis. Our study has confirmed statistically significant decrease of bone mineral density in scleroderma. B. N. Stamenkovic. FRI0306 EULAR 2004. |
| Clinical determinants of bone mass and bone ultrasonometry in patients with systemic sclerosis. SSc patients had reduced BMD (Bone Mineral Density) and SI (Stiffness Index) that was more marked in the diffuse form and in those with internal organ involvement and that became more marked with age and estrogen deficiency. This demineralisation was not related to the inflammation indices, disease duration, or to the immunological pattern. PubMed. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2004 May-Jun;22(3):313-8. |
| Increased Bone Resorption and Failure to Respond to Antiresorptive Therapy in Progressive Dystrophic Calcification. Bone resorption was increased in patients with connective tissue disease and severe dystrophic calcification. Several antiresorptive agents were shown to be ineffective in limiting either bone turnover or clinical progression in one patient. PubMed. Calcif Tissue Int. 2003 Sep 10 (Also see: Calcinosis) |
| Bone Density and HLA Antigens in Patients with Progressive Systemic Sclerosis. Mineral bone density is effectively reduced in PSS patients and this study confirms the above mentioned analysis; furthermore this study suggest that HLA class I may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PSS, since HLA-B18 is markedly increased in PSS patients compared to the healthy population. M. D'Amore. FRI0083 EULAR 2003 (Also see Types of Scleroderma) |
| Prognostic Factors of Low Bone Mineral Density in Systemic Sclerosis. In the present study, a low BMD and densitometric osteoporosis in SSc patients were associated to menopause, independent of the SSc clinical variants, race and previous use of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. When compared to a control group, a low BMD was observed in the fertile SSc group. Percival D. Sampaio-Barros. AB0106 EULAR 2004. |
| Can Early Diagnosis and Management of Costochondritis Reduce Acute Chest Pain Admissions? Early review may improve patient care and reduce expenditure; in recurrent cases of costochondritis, sulfasalazine may be of additional longterm benefit. J Rheumatol. November 2004;31:2269-71. |
| Erosive Arthropathy |
| Erosive Arthropathy in Systemic Sclerosis. The destructive articular changes seen in our patients are frequently atypical of rheumatoid arthritis, in both their distribution and their radiological appearances. Single, small, discrete lesions are the general rule, and this reflects the relatively non invasive nature of the synovium in SS. F. Allali. FRI0080 EULAR 2003 |
| Joint Contractures |
| Physical and occupational therapies are also very helpful to minimize impairments and disabilities, and should be started at the first stages of hand involvement to prevent or ameliorate finger contractures. Likewise, physical and occupational therapies are also necessary at the first stage of skin tightening on the legs. |
| When the fingers become tight, stretched, wax-like, and hardened it is called Sclerodactyly. (See Scleroderma Photos.) |
| An out-of-print 32-page pamphlet, Scleroderma Caring for Your Hands and Face by Jeanne L. Melvin, MS, OTR, FAOTA, is full of exercises for your hand and face to help maintain mobility. It also shows how to measure your mouth and hands to see how much the exercises are helping. It explains the importance of relaxing the hands before stretching. Also there are general tips for dealing with Scleroderma. It was originally published by the American Occupational Therapy Association, however they no longer distribute it, and it is not available on Amazon even as an out-of-print publication. Some people have been able to find it (sometimes by specially requesting it) through their local library. We highly recommend trying to get it that way. |
| Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in diffuse scleroderma: impact on hand structure and function. ASCT improved hand scleroderma over 12 months and resolved previously refractory tenosynovitis. ASCT secondarily improved hand function (paid employment, followed by self-care, home care, then by sport/hobbies). (PubMed) Intern Med J. 2008 Mar 11. (Also see: SCT, and Sclerodactyly ) |
| Chronic Articular (Joint) Involvement In Systemic Sclerosis. Articular disease appears in almost half of SSc patients in our series. The predominant clinical pattern is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis, with bilateral and symetrical hand involvement. but with much less severe radiological damage and no association with rheumatoid factor (RF). Beatriz E. Joven. 7/7. ACR 2007. |
| Reconstructive Hand Surgery for Scleroderma Joint Contractures. The most common surgical procedures have been digital sympathectomy, arthrodesis or arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal or both, and metacarpophalangeal joints. The Journal of Hand Surgery Volume 32, Issue 7, September 2007, Pages 1107-1112. |
| Clinical features of scleroderma patients with contracture of phalanges (CP). Our study suggested that the presence of CP may be a marker of oesophageal involvement, pulmonary fibrosis and heart involvement. PubMed Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Aug;26(8):1275-7. (Also see: Esophageal Involvement, Pulmonary fibrosis, Cardiac Involvement ) |
| Therapeutic management of acral manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Acral manifestations of systemic sclerosis include Raynaud's phenomenon, calcinosis cutis, and sclerodactyly. In the later stages of the disease, contractures of the skin and joints as well as obliterative vasculopathy leading to digital ulcers and necrotic lesions may occur. PubMed. Med Klin (Munich). 2007 Mar 15;102(3):209-18. (Also see: Raynaud's, Calcinosis, Sclerodactyly, and Digital Ulcers ) |
| The use of the hand anatomic index to assess deformity and impaired function in systemic sclerosis. Measurement of the HAI in scleroderma provides a reliable and objective measure reflecting variable degrees of hand deformity and functional impairment and might provide a valid clinical outcome measure in patients with this disabling disorder. PubMed. Rheumatol Int. 2005 Oct 20;:1-6. |
| Surgery of the hand in patients with systemic sclerosis: outcomes and considerations. The goals of surgery for advanced SSc affecting the hand are limited and include pain relief through sympathectomy and increased perfusion, repositioning the digit, providing a functional position of fusion, and modest mobilization through resection arthroplasty. J Rheumatol. 2005 Apr;32(4):642-8. (Also see: Sclerodactyly, Raynaud's Treatments, and Calcinosis) |
| Evaluation of paraffin bath treatment in patients with systemic sclerosis. In this pilot study hand exercise in combination with paraffin bath seemed to improve mobility, perceived stiffness and skin elasticity. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to attain more reliable results of the effect of paraffin bath treatment in patients with scleroderma. PubMed. Disabil Rehabil. 2004 Aug 19;26(16):981-7. |
| Daily activities and hand function in women with scleroderma. Impaired hand function was related to ADL (activities of daily living) difficulties and the use of assistive devices improved ADL. This emphasizes the importance of treatments that improve hand function and of testing ergonomic tools. PubMed. Scand J Rheumatol. 2004;33(2):102-7. |
| For optimum results, make every effort to seek out a physical or occupational therapist well-versed in scleroderma (few are, since scleroderma is so rare) — and diligently follow their advice. |
| Photo of Finger Contracture |
| Skin Involvement: Sclerodactyly ISN. |
| A Multidisciplinary Approach to Hand Function Problems in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases. A structured, multidisciplinary approach towards hand function problems in patients with rheumatic diseases shows that the problems the patient faces are in general multiple and complex and can in many cases not be solved by a single intervention or health professional. F. Van der Giesen. SP0182 EULAR 2003 (Also see: Skin Involvement and Disability Resources) |
| Joint Inflammation and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
| Scleroderma can also cause joint inflammation (pain, redness and/or swelling) which is usually treated with NSAIDS or other anti-inflammatories. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is often an initial symptom of scleroderma (usually along with Raynaud's), preceding the development of other symptoms by months or years. |
| Articular Involvement In Systemic Sclerosis. We described two variants of SSc articular involvement with different mode of presentation, clinical features, pace of progression, degree of functional disability, underlying MRI and US findings that may help in early SSc diagnostics and correct assessment of disease activity. M. Starovoitova OP-0194 EULAR 2008. |
| Efficacy and Safety of Etanercept in the Treatment of Scleroderma-Associated Joint Disease. This case series demonstrates that etanercept appeared to be efficacious in improving active inflammatory joint disease in a subset of scleroderma patients, and it was generally safe and well tolerated. J Rheumatol 2007 July;34:1636. Letter to the Editor. (Also see: Medications ) |
| Relationship between physical activity and stiff or painful joints in mid-aged women and older women: a 3-year prospective study. These results are the first to show a dose-response relationship between physical activity and arthritis symptoms in older women. They suggest that advice for older women not currently experiencing stiff and painful joints should routinely include counseling on the importance of physical activity for preventing the onset of these symptoms. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9:R34 doi:10.1186/ar2154 March 29 2007. (Also see: Arthritis ) |
| Clue to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Found. A microscopic look at carpal tunnel syndrome may have uncovered the cause of the painful condition. In all of the carpal tunnel syndrome patients, the researchers found, the connective tissues appeared to be damaged, causing bulky fibers and scar tissue. WebMD. 11/16/06. |
| The Efficacy of Self-Administered Stretching for Finger Joint Motion in Japanese Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Self-administered stretching program may be useful for improving finger joint motion in patients with SSc. J Rheumatol 2006 August;33:1586–92. (Also see: Sclerodactyly ) |
| Ultrasonography shows increased cross-sectional area of the median nerve in patients with arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Cross-sectional areas of the median nerves were significantly higher in the CTS patients compared with the rheumatoid arthritis controls and healthy persons. No significant differences in cross-sectional areas were observed between the two control groups, or between the right and left hand in the control groups. Rheumatology 2006 45(5):584-588. (Also see: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Arthritis) |
| The arthropathy of systemic sclerosis: a 12 month prospective clinical and imaging study. This cross-sectional prospective study confirms that an arthropathy is common in SSc patients and shows that it is a major determinant of disability. A classification of radiological alterations into three specific patterns is proposed. PubMed. Skeletal Radiol. 2004 Sep 17. |
| Hand/Wrist/Arm Problems A number of common injuries, aches and pain in the hands, wrists and arms occur with sporting activities or work. Follow this flowchart for instructions on self-care and when to see your doctor. familydoctor.org |
| Evaluating inflammatory joint disease: how and when can autoantibodies help? In a patient with inflammatory joint disease, the diagnosis can be sought by assaying a limited number of autoantibodies according to a decision tree. PubMed. Joint Bone Spine. 2003 Dec;70(6):433-47. (Also see: Antibodies) |
| Reliability and validity of the arthritis hand function test in adults with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). The results from this study suggest that the AHFT is a reliable and valid test to measure hand function in persons with systemic sclerosis. PubMed. Arthritis Care Res. 2000 Apr;13(2):69-73. |
| Hand Mobility in Scleroderma (HAMIS) test: the reliability of a novel hand function test. HAMIS consists of 9 items designed to measure all movements assessed in an ordinary range of motion (ROM)-measured hand test. HAMIS is a reliable instrument for evaluation of hand function on scleroderma patients. PubMed. Arthritis Care Res. 2000 Dec;13(6):369-74. |
| Validity of HAMIS: a test of hand mobility in scleroderma. HAMIS has a demonstrated concurrent validity compared with ROM and skin score, and it showed a good ability to discriminate between healthy individuals and persons with scleroderma, although a lack of variation in the items measuring pronation and supination inferred worse psychometric properties for these two items. PubMed. Arthritis Care Res. 2000 Dec;13(6):382-7. |
| Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIg) in the Treatment of Joint Involvement in Patients Affected by Systemic Sclerosis. In SSc quality of life may be significantly impaired by articular involvement. IVIg have already shown a benefit in SSc, leading to a rapid decrease of skin score. Preliminary results show that IVIg treatment may improve skin and articular involvement by reducing pain and ameliorating quality of life in SSc pts. F. Nacci. FRI0112 EULAR 2003 (Also see: IVIg and Treatments ) |
| Lower Back Pain Back pain and discomfort with movement are common problems, often originating from overuse of the back muscles. Other causes of back pain are also described in this chart. familydoctor.org |
| Paraspinal cervical calcifications associated with scleroderma. Although soft tissue calcifications are well known to occur as a late manifestation in scleroderma, symptomatic paraspinal calcinosis is very rare. Clinically, patients present with focal neck pain, weakness or radiculopathy, and decreased range of motion of the neck. PubMed. JBR-BTR. 2003 Mar-Apr;86(2):80-2. (Also see: Calcinosis) |
| Wrist Stretching Exercises Remember, never stretch to the point of pain! Myofascial Pain Therapy Associates |
| Myositis (Muscle Inflammation) |
The skin tightening may irritate the underlying muscles and tendons below the skin, causing myositis (inflammatory muscle disease), which often goes along with scleroderma. When this happens, a blood test will show elevation of muscle enzymes. Repeated blood tests for detection of muscle enzymes should be performed at your doctors discretion. Once myositis is diagnosed, its very important to quit exercising, since repeated use of muscles will worsen the inflammation. |
| Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis. Polymyositis is an inflammatory condition of the muscles ; dermatomyositis is an inflammatory condition of the skin and muscles, which causes a distinctive rash. ISN. |
| Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept): an alternative therapy for autoimmune inflammatory myopathy. A striking clinical and laboratory response of active myositis in six out of seven patients in this series illustrates that MMF can be effectively used in management of autoimmune inflammatory myopathy and may be a suitable alternative to the conventional immunosuppressive agents. PubMed. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2004 Nov 30. (Also see: Medications) |
| Assessment of Patients with Myositis. Assessing disease activity and damage in patients with myositis is an important goal not least to help determine whether newer therapeutic approaches are truly of benefit. D. Isenberg. SP0099 EULAR 2003 |
| The Myositis Cutaneous Assessment Tool (MCAT): A New Approach to the Assessment of Cutaneous Disease and Damage in Adult and Juvenile Dermatomyositis. The MCAT is a new instrument that identifies and evaluates a broad range of skin findings in dermatomyositis with the purpose of establishing a standardized approach for recognizing and assessing cutaneous disease activity, severity and damage. E. Dugan. SP0100 EULAR 2003 (Also see: Overlap Syndrome and Dermatomyositis) |
| Laboratory assessment in musculoskeletal disorders. Autoimmune-mediated musculoskeletal disorders feature the presence and pathogenic role of circulating autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells. Determination of these autoantibodies provides crucial information to establish the diagnosis of these diseases. In addition, the determination of these antibodies may have prognostic value or may be used to monitor response to treatment or to predict relapse of disease. PubMed. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2003 Jun;17(3):475-94. (Also see: Antibodies) |
| Neurological Involvement |
| New Orthostatic Hypotension treatment reduces symptoms without causing high blood pressure. A drug traditionally used to treat myasthenia gravis shows potential benefit for reducing symptoms of orthostatic hypotension without raising blood pressure when people lie down. News-Medical.Net 04/19/06. |
| Evaluation of abnormalities of orthostatic postural control in systemic sclerosis. This study seems to indicate a subtle neurophysiological dysfunction in the orthostatic postural control of female SSc patients. PubMed. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2005 May-Jun;23(3):297-302. |
Connection between scleroderma and the autonomic nervous system. Prolonged sensory chronaxy (the length of time needed to stimulate a muscle or nerve cell with an electric current) in the entire seemingly normal skin is a characteristic and pathognomonic (a particular sign whose presence means, beyond any doubt, that a particular disease is present.) feature of scleroderma. As a whole, the investigations suggest that in scleroderma the primary lesions concern the autonomic nervous system, in both the skin and the autonomic ganglia and centres. Journal of Neural Transmission, Volume 24, Numbers 1-4 / March, 1962. |
| Blink reflex discloses CNS dysfunction in neurologically asymptomatic patients with systemic sclerosis. The lack of overt trigeminal symptoms in our patients favours a suprasegmental dysfunction, possibly due to microvascular lesions disseminated in the subcortical white matter. PubMed. Clin Neurophysiol. 2004 Aug;115(8):1917-20. |
| Peripheral neuropathy in scleroderma. Our findings suggest that peripheral neuropathy occurs in patients with scleroderma at a higher frequency than previously appreciated. These findings cannot be ascribed to compression neuropathies, but rather involve large and small fibers in a non-length-dependent fashion. PubMed. Muscle Nerve. 2003 Sep;28(3):330-5. |
| Rosie: Limited Systemic Sclerosis (Australia) Some of my symptoms may not be due to limited scleroderma, however most of these symptoms have appeared since my diagnosis... |
| Susie: CREST Syndrome I have had CREST syndrome for the past eight years. My specialist is Dr. Frederick Wigley, from Johns Hopkins... |
| Transverse Myelitis |
| Transverse myelitis in systemic sclerosis. Transverse myelitis can occur as a rare manifestation of SSc and may respond favorably to immunosuppressive therapy. PubMed. Arch Neurol. 2004 Jan; 61(1): 126-8. |
| Patient Stories: Skeletal Involvement |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
| Annette: Diffuse Scleroderma (Illinois) I can see where having friends who understand what I am going through would be a big help... |
| Bill: Diffuse Scleroderma I was relieved to have a label for my condition but the doctor was not very reassuring telling me that there was no effective cure or treatment... |
| Claudia: Systemic Scleroderma Nature is wise, no doubt about it, when something is wrong with our body we have to pay attention... |
| Denise E: Diffuse Scleroderma I was first diagnosed with diffuse scleroderma in February 2002, but my symptoms began subtly in the summer of 2000... |
| Kathi: Scleroderma/Lupus I am 43 years old and have not been feeling well for ten years... |
| Kerrie: CREST Syndrome with Limited Scleroderma If I was not stressed before I went in, I certainly was then. I am going to get referred on to see someone different. Hopefully, I will be luckier second time around... |
| Ro M: Scleroderma After six months of suffering, I have just been diagnosed with scleroderma. I was constantly tired, run down and plagued with infections... |
| Rosemary F: Surviving Daughter of Diffuse Scleroderma Patient She tried to explain it, but it was hard for me to comprehend the disease's symptoms. Mom said that it was the same thing that her oldest sister died from... |
| Sandy A: CREST Syndrome I have had surgery to remove the calcinosis on my knee and forearm twice, and once on my elbow. Yet it always comes back... |
| Sheri: CREST Syndrome In the winter of '97, my fingers and toes started turning white and numb in response to the cold weather... |
| Sherrell: Possible Scleroderma When he examined me, he mentioned the possibility that I may have scleroderma. He said my fingers and face showed signs of this disease... |
| Shirley Wright: Limited Scleroderma I have had this disease for over twenty years now and I plan on being around a lot longer... |
| Soose: Limited Scleroderma I may have had scleroderma for the last year and a half or two years and did not know it... |
| Wes C.: Brother of Systemic Sclerosis Patient Just days ago, my sister Michelle was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, after being misdiagnosed for almost two years... |
| Costochondritis |
| Brenda M: Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), Fibromyalgia, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Sjogren's Syndrome In 1965, when I was twenty-six, I went to work for a firm of electro-platers, which was mainly aircraft work... |
| Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis |
| Personal Stories of Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis ISN. |
| Joint Contractures |
| Daniel B. Koch: Mixed Connective Tissue Disease with Scleroderma Two months after I was born the doctors noticed that my growth rate was very slow... |
| Karen M.R.: Diffuse Scleroderma and Fibromyalgia I was so glad she was there, because I sort of went into shock when the doctor said she was going to start me on chemo treatments... |
| Lisa V: Diffuse Scleroderma and Raynaud's When I first got sick, I thought I was dying. My fingers started hurting really bad... |
| Also see: Sclerodactyly (fingers curling inward) ISN |
| Joint Pain |
| Leslie R: Scleroderma, Vitiligo, Lupus, Anemia, Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes He told me that I have scleroderma and explained what this disease is about. After suffering so long I finally got some answers... |
| Theon: Scleroderma and Pneumothorax This is very hard for me, because I was a very active woman, and then suddenly I am totally and completely disabled... |
| Peripheral Neuropathy |
| Craig R: CREST Scleroderma I had my first scleroderma symptoms at age twenty-two, which included severe Raynaud's with some ulceration and tissue loss... |
| Rotator Cuff Injury |
| Dawn: Confirmed Early Scleroderma I am awaiting surgery for what was thought to be a right rotator cuff injury. I now understand this may, in fact, be a symptom of my scleroderma... |
