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Patricia M: Morphea Scleroderma

I was surprised one day to wake up and look at my breasts,
which looked as if they were on fire.

Yellow Flower by Shelley EnszIn 1980 when I was pregnant with my first child, I was surprised one day to wake up and look at my breasts, which looked as if they were on fire.

Needless to say I was very concerned, so I went to my obstetrician and he was just as surprised as I was. He sent me to a dermatologist who did a biopsy on my breast. When I went back for the results he told me I had morphea. I had no idea what this was so I asked him, to explain. He told me that this was a form of arthritis. He give me some type of cream to apply to my breasts.

He told me it would be a good idea not to breast feed, as he did not know if it would be a problem or not but he suggested I did not do that. I went through the next eighteen years not knowing any more than that. I would mention this on occasion to several doctors and they had never heard of this, or so they said.

My sister was diagnosed with scleroderma about two months ago (after years of health problems), and we were looking up on the Internet information for her when I saw morphea. Of course, I still do not understand it all, but at least I know I did not dream this up. Now I still do not know if I should try to find out anything or not, but at least I know this was real.

*Webmaster's Note: There are two main types of scleroderma : Localized and Systemic. Morphea is a form of Localized Scleroderma. It affects primarily the skin, and does not reduce lifespan. Morphea often fades or goes away on its own within five years. Some cases persist, however, and in severe cases it can be quite disabling and disfiguring.

To Contact the Author
Patricia M.
Email: frend777@aol.com
LINKS
Morphea Scleroderma
Morphea Stories
Pregnancy and Scleroderma
What is Scleroderma?
Types of Scleroderma
New Personal Stories
Maria T: Daughter of Deceased Scleroderma Patient (Italy) He, upon looking at my mom's face and hands diagnosed her with sclerodermia, in fact he took care of her until the end...
(Italiano) Maria T: Figlia di una Paziente Defunta di Sclerodemia (Italia) Lui, come vide a mia madre disse "tu hai la sclerodermia", guardandole le mani e la faccia...
(Update) Dee B: Limited Scleroderma/CREST Syndrome (South Africa) There is so much I want to add to my original letter after reading more of other peoples stories. I am certainly not getting better but wish I was...
Tessa: Morphea The nurse just told me that I have morphea and knew nothing about it and she told me to look online for information...
More New Stories: August-November 2009
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Go to Patty S: Localized Scleroderma, Pulmonary Hypertension and Sjögren's
 
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