I am a forty-nine-year-old woman recently diagnosed with early scleroderma. Although my problems with joint pain have been long-standing (approximately one and a half years), confirmation of my disease was made based on a positive scleroderma antibody found in my blood following testing for symptoms of Raynaud's Phenomenon.

Since the onset of Raynaud's phenomenon in the fall of 2000, I have developed many symptoms associated with this disorder: swelling of the hands, long-standing pain in both shoulders (first thought to be a rotator cuff injury for which I am currently slated for arthroscopic surgery), bilateral knee and wrist pain, telangiectases, thickening of the skin on the hands, general muscle aches, weight loss, and fatigue.

I am fortunate that my general practitioner (GP) was familiar enough with my symptoms to draw the appropriate blood work, which ultimately led to my diagnosis by the rheumatologist to whom I was subsequently referred. Until further testing is completed, I am uncertain whether my disease is limited scleroderma or diffuse scleroderma.

As mentioned previously, I am currently awaiting surgery for what was thought to be a right rotator cuff injury. I now understand from my rheumatologist that this constant shoulder pain may, in fact, be a symptom of my disease. This, of course, raises the question whether surgery is still an option? Or do I forego such intervention, as it will not likely be of help?

~ Update - February 2002 ~

It has been one year since my diagnosis was confirmed as diffuse scleroderma. The year can best be described as a rollercoaster ride of emotional uncertainty. However, during the course of that year, I have made a remarkable turnaround, both symptomatically and emotionally.

Gone are the general muscle aches and pains, weight loss, and debilitating fatigue. I have regained eight of the almost eighteen pounds I had lost. No doubt my medications have had a significant impact, but I know with complete certainty that the incredible emotional support of family and friends has been paramount in this improvement.

Last March, I underwent the arthroscopic surgery of my left shoulder following lengthy discussion with both my rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon. This surgery successfully corrected a rotator cuff injury totally unrelated to my scleroderma.

I am now once more walking two to three miles a day and only miss a few miles during our coldest prairie winter days. Although my recent pulmonary function tests (PFTs) last month noted a slight deterioration in my lung capacity since last year's study, I am awaiting a CT scan to rule out alveolitis or pulmonary fibrosis.

I know stress can have debilitating effects on patients with autoimmune diseases. During this past year, I have dealt with my diagnosis of scleroderma, the death of a family member to cancer, life changes associated with the retirement of my husband, and the marriage of our only daughter.

I truly believe that without a strong optimistic outlook and an I-cannot-let-this-defeat- me attitude, the improvement in my health would not have been possible. I know the road ahead is uncertain, but I plan to take each day, one at a time.