Stacy M: Scleroderma and Lupus

I was diagnosed with lupus on October 28, 2004, and put on prednisone four days later, which cleared up my facial rash. They took a blood test to see what kind of lupus I had and on Sunday, November 7, 2004, they said I have scleroderma and lupus.

Finally I have something to go with all the problems I have had over the past ten years. I have had joint pain and swelling for ten years with a skin rash on my face and chest and on my scalp for six years. I also have been having migraines for three years.

Three years ago they told me I had degenerative disks in my neck from a car accident. I have carpal tunnel syndrome that was diagnosed in 1997 but I haven't had surgery for it. I have muscle weakness all the time. I also have bi-polar disorder and am not working because of that.

I am only a thirty-three-year-old male and I feel like I am eighty years old. I cannot get out of the house and go for walks like I used to. I am constantly sleeping all the time due to major fatigue. I have sores all over my legs and so many scars that I cannot even wear shorts in public anymore. I got the sores from scratching at night uncontrollably. My feet are very scarred, too, from athlete's foot. I put cream on my feet to cure that but it keeps coming back. I have facial cellulitis which has not gone away after taking antibiotics for it. I see a specialist this week for my disease.

I am a mess I need some advice. Please help me.