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Jen: Scleroderma Morphea

No one ever even knew I had them.

When I was thirteen years old, I noticed a bruise-like spot on my stomach. Within just a few months, I had more. I was always able to cover them since they were on my back and stomach. No one ever even knew I had them.

I got married, had two awesome kids, and now at the age of thirty-four, I am dealing with a flare up of the disease.

About six weeks ago, I hit a low when I discovered new spots on my arms and neck. Not so easy to hide. I am in a depression, on an antidepressant, and seeing a great therapist who is trying to help me.

I just wish I could make these spots go away. I have never been able to wear a swim suit comfortably. I hate my body. Even trying on t-shirts is depressing since the spots on my arms show, looking like bruises.

Hopefully someone out there has my disease and knows of a medicine or treatment to make the spots go away or at least get lighter. Please respond with any information. Thank you.

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ISN Artist: Sherrill Knaggs (In Loving Memory)

Sherrill Knaggs, ISN Artist, created the digital photo to illustrate the story on this page. Sherrill lived in New Zealand. Her story was featured in ISN's book, Voices of Scleroderma Volume 2.

ISN Story Editor: Judith Thompson Devlin

Judith Thompson Devlin is the ISN Story Editor for this story. She is also lead editor of the ISN's wonderful Voices of Scleroderma book series!

SCLERO.ORG is the world's leading nonprofit for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses. We are a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation, established in 2002. Meet Our Team. Donations may also be mailed to: