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Terri: Subcutaneous Morphea

I woke up one year ago today with a circular indentation in my upper arm. I was finally diagnosed with deep morphea (or subcutaneous morphea) around mid February 200, after having a biopsy. My dermatologist also said that there was nothing that could be done for it.

I started taking extra vitamin E supplements at night in addition to my morning multivitamin and calcium. At night, I also take vitamin A, C, calcium with zinc and magnesium. I also take flax seed and salmon oil once or twice a day, and I take glucosomine (with chondroitin and msm) three times a day.

So far, I have been very fortunate. The doctor had originally told me that the indented area would never fill back in (without using restylane filler administered by a plastic surgeon) but amazingly, the area is not as deep as it was at first.

I read that vitamin E can help, and I truly believe it has helped me. The disease (indentation) has not spread to other areas yet and I am praying that it never will.

I did, however, start experiencing some joint pain in the spring in my left hand and shoulder. This is what prompted me to start taking glucosomine supplements, which seems to help, somewhat. I maintain a healthy diet (vegetables, protein, and fruit) and work out at the gym.

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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!

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