I was diagnosed in 2003 with morphea. It began as a bruise-like patch on my upper right arm. I ignored it for months before going to see my general practitioner (GP) who referred me to a skin specialist who did various tests including a biopsy.

After receiving the results, they prescribed a cream that I needed to use three times a week but it did not have any effect.

I moved to a new area twelve months after my diagnosis and had to change doctors. When I kept suffering from bad acid reflux, I was sent in to hospital for a endoscopy and was prescribed medication. Within the next few months I began having recurrent chest infections and sore throats. My blood pressure was also high, which I never had before.

I was referred to a chest specialist who has been brilliant. I feel he has good knowledge of this disease. I have just had a CT scan, various blood tests and lung function tests and should know the results in three weeks.

I did not even know there was a web site for us. My husband and family have little knowledge of this disease and say that I am imagining the tightness in my shoulders, legs and feet. Each day I wake up I have these symptoms and when I have sat in the same position for a period of time.

I am just hoping that when my results come through that I can get some treatment to help ease these things. I am taking my husband with me when I get them so he will realize that I am not imagining how I am feeling.