Hi,my name is Christina and I am thirty-six years old. Mystory is about my struggle with every day life. I havetwo children, a boy age fifteen and a girl age ten. Theyare the main focus in my life, as well as James, my partner,whom I love very much.

About three years ago I was diagnosed with Raynaud's and CREST.Then the doctor told me I only had Raynaud's. Two yearslater I was told I have Sclerodermawith CREST and arthritis.

My daily life is a strain on my family, butthey never complain. Not once have they moaned to me aboutthe changes we have had to make. My local doctor is verygood to us in every possible way, but the main doctor thatI see in the hospital every six months is hopeless. Shethinks she knows all there is to know about me, but notonce has she asked me if I was okay. She makes me feellike she just wants to let me know that she is the topdoctor and I am a nothing.

In March of this year I went for my regularcheckup and this time I saw a different doctor who listenedto everything I had to say. After an hour or so she hadto see her boss. After a while they both came back to seeme and told me I had the onset of CREST. I was dumbfoundedby that.

I never got to thank the young lady who wentout of her way to see that I got sorted out. And I stillhave no real information except for what I have learnedon the Internet.

Every day I struggle to cope with my body wantingto do its own thing and knowing that it cannot. It is alot to take. But I am trying every day. I try but thenI find something else I cannot do, but I am not givingup and I hope I never will. God bless you all.