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Thank you for visiting my site.
My name is Stacy. I am a 30 year old female who suffers from Systemic Scleroderma, aka Systemic Sclerosis. Scleroderma, which literally means "hard skin", is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. The life-threatening disease has been around for many years. However, it is just recently that it has been talked about. More than 300,000 americans, mostly women, suffer from this disease. The Systemic form of Scleroderma not only affects your outer appearance, but also affects your organs. For most people who suffer from this disease, looking at someone who has it, you may not know they are sick. However, inside, our heart, lungs, and other organs are being affected. I have been diagnosed with this disease for approximately 3 years, but have suffered symptoms for over 7 years.
Systemic Scleroderma:
In Systemic Scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis, the immune system causes damage to the small blood vessels and the collagen-producing cells located in the skin and throughout the body. It is associated with over-activation of the immune system, which normally functions to protect the body against cancers and invading infections. This causes damage to cells that line small blood vessels, which in turn leads to the over-production of scar tissue.
In Systemic Scleroderma, the small blood vessels in the fingers are often narrow. The narrowness causes cuts on the hands and fingers to heal slowly. Sometimes the blood channel is completely closed off. In severe cases, ulcers form on the hands and fingers.
People with Systemic Scleroderma are usually cold-sensitive. The small blood vessels and the decreased blood supply causes the cold sensitivity. Systemic Scleroderma patients also have problems with their heart, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. These problems occur because scar tissue builds up in the skin and other organs for no reason. The scar tissue interfers with the normal activity of the organ.
It is my goal to help the research efforts through fundraising and raising awareness. We have recently been lucky enough to start a support group in Carlisle, PA for family members and people who suffer from this disease to come and talk with other patients. We will be having guest speakers, which will include Rheumatologists, Physical Therapists, Yoga and much more. If you live in the area, and you or someone you know suffers from this disease, please come join us.
Currently, I am affected in many ways. I suffer from CREST, Raynauds, as well as lung involvement and Sjogren's Syndrome. In Systemic Scleroderma, the immune system causes damage to the small blood vessels and the collagen-producing cells located in the skin and throughout the body. Unfortunately, it is not known how long I will live. Currently, I take many medications to just treat symptons to make every day life easier to live.
If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to the Scleroderma Foundation, just click on the link to the Scleroderma website. Thank you very much for your much needed donation and support. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have or if you wish to participate in a fundraising event that will be taking place.
Thank you again for visiting this site!
Free Webpages at Webspawner.com
Scleroderma Foundation
Rheumatology
I Have Scleroderma
The Scleroderma Press
Medi Focus
Scleroderma-Finding a Cure
Send E-Mail to: focusbaby00@yahoo.com
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Copyright © 2004 Stacy. All Rights Reserved