 I was diagnosed with this wonderful disease one year ago, although it is thought that I have had it for at least fifteen years now. I have it on my left foot, on my left shoulder blade and I have been told that I am probably systemic.
I have tried every topical cream-steroid and many different medications. My best results cam from a naturopathic doctor. Tanning beds and a sauna have been the best results for me.
The morphea has stopped spreading and seems to be shrinking now after a year of treatments. The treatments are I.V.C. and ozone therapy, tanning bed, infrared sauna two times a day to detoxify the body, natural herbs and a balanced diet.
I was a little disappointed with most of the doctors that I had seen. "Let's try this, let's try that, maybe we should cut it off. Take prednisone." I think one of the worst things to do is take multiple drugs. They all have adverse side affects that just compound the illness.
Right now I am tired all the time. My foot is swollen and sore, making it hard to walk. My disability has been discontinued, as they do not understand this disease, and there are no clear cut facts as to the type of scleroderma I have.
I sit here sore, sad and disappointed, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. What can I do? Who can I see in Ontario, Canada, that has the knowledge to diagnose me properly? |
Judith Thompson Devlin is the ISN Story Editor