Despite many predictions, I have had scleroderma for thirty eight years. In 1890, Dr. Osler named it as "One of the worst of all human ills." However, no matter how serious one's illness is, having a positive attitude is the only way to go.

Give the best you are able and you will receive the best available. I know the higher power is in control and that I am totally in His hands. For this reason I convened a support group in South Africa to help encourage many others with scleroderma.

I do not intend to minimize the seriousness of this affliction for it is very hard to live with, but it can be done and surely I am living proof with all my bent fingers typing away.

So many people have never heard of scleroderma, therefore, one must not expect too much understanding, but contact with others who have it is a great advantage.

I feel I must refer to one medication and that is a mild antibiotic daily which has helped cleared my finger infections allowing me the use of my hands.

Blessings to you all who have scleroderma and do not let "IT" have you.

~ Update 05-05-09 ~

My name is Dorothy, age somewhere in the young 70s and I have had scleroderma for thirty-nine years. I have an English father and an Armenian mother. I was born in Iraq, schooled in Egypt, then evacuated to South Africa by the British Army and I was married in Rhodesia.

This is my 39th year with scleroderma so there is not much I do not know about it. Particularly since I worked part time in the medical profession for twenty-five years in Africa. In Cape Town I convened a support group which proved to be much encouragement to the participants, as I have a positive attitude. This is the only way to cope with any affliction which is not curable. Give it your best and you will receive the best available.

I was invited to be on television, the radio and to a group of doctors and rheumatologists at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.

Before I came to live in America, I was seen by Professor Carwile Le Roy, a wonderful doctor who confirmed my diagnosis. He and I were on television for the Arthritis Foundation Telethon.

More than twenty years ago I started taking an antibiotic which cleared up all my infected fingers. My fingers are all bent but very usable. My passion is gardening and, of course, helping people to be positive no matter what their problems are.

~ Update 06-19-09 ~

I've learned many things over the years and the most important is having a positive attitude no matter what incurable affliction one has. Give your best and you will receive the best available. Pain is part of life so get used to it and try to keep a sense of humor as much as you are able.

My family and I never thought it was possible for me to live this long and enjoy each day as I do. I keep very busy helping others to cope with their problems, then I retire to my nest exhausted, but happy. Not a wasted day!

I take my medicines as just part of my day and when the going is rough, I pop a pill and rest for awhile.

These thirty-nine years have been a long journey especially since my husband died in 1989 on a golf course. I would guess he now plays golf every day!

I am English but recently became an American for which I am grateful. We had visited so many countries, but this one is the best!

Have faith for I believe God is in control of everything.