My husband, who is fifty-two years old, was diagnosed with scleroderma in September 2000. Of course, it was quite a shock to hear what it actually was, but we had known something was wrong for several years because of the different symptoms he experienced.

I am thirty-seven years old and we are both confused about everything being thrown at us. I am trying to stay positive, but my husband is very pessimistic.

~ Update August 2002 ~

Things are much better now. We have gotten through the last two years with all the support we have received from everyone on this website.

The first year was the worst physically for my husband. He was on many different medications, and between the effects of the medications and the emotional strain, it was overpowering. Thankfully, my husband reacted positively to the medication and has been stable for eight months now.

I would love to hear from other spouses who would like to share their story. We are all here to support each other and get through this hard-to-understand disease together.

Thanks again to the SCLERO.ORG site for all the support and encouraging information you provide. Take care to all of you and god bless.