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Gianfry: Systemic Sclerosis

For more than five years I have suffered from bloated bowels, even if minimally sometimes, and some strange noises, particularly around my anal area, which caused me a small fissure and a hemorrhoid. Two years ago I first experienced a strange bout of pain on my right hand, which gradually took on a darker colour.

One day in February I felt that there was no flow of blood to my index finger, and it turned rather pale. After a couple of months, while smoking a cigarette, my hand turned burgundy in colour. This happened once again during the fall after I had a bath. In October I was reading a medical book when I saw that all these manifestations could be symptoms of scleroderma. I immediately got a capillaroscopic check, and got a diagnosis of progressive systemic sclerosis at the Ospedale di Maglie. I took therapy, followed by an esophageal scintigraphy, a high resolution CT scan of my lungs, echocardiogram and lung, kidney and gastrointestinal ultrasound. Currently I take Medrol, Plaquenil, Pantorc, and Aspirinetta (prescribed by the Pliclinico di Bari, rheumatology department).

One year later the situation has not improved, and even worsened. My feet are turning black and I feel uncomfortable to the point where I cannot walk well. Other symptoms are: bloating and flatulence that I try to overcome with the Mediterranean diet and sometimes VSL3. I hope that they will call soon from Rheumatology in Florence for a five day hospitalization. They want to check upon me and give me therapy. Thanks everyone.

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ISN Translator and Editor: Alba León

Alba León is the ISN Translator for this page. She is studying international relations in Mexico City.

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