I was diagnosed with linear scleroderma when I was twenty years old. We had a lot of difficulty finding out what was wrong with me and we went to several hospitals and doctors here in the Philippines.

My symptoms included severe cramps in my right leg, where the pain is pushing me to my limits. Often times, I would have cramps in the middle of my sleep and while I was driving. I am always shaking during my attacks because of the pain, and I would cry, thinking that it may help alleviate the pain a little. My leg and arm on the right side of my body are smaller. There are also a lot of spider veins on my right side.

It is a good thing that my family, relatives and friends are all supportive of me. My mother's friends helped us source for D- Penicilamine which I am suppose to take three times a day at the start. We got this medicine from Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA. It costs us so much since we are just an average income earning family. I stopped taking this after five years, when I had rashes all over my body.

I know I had to fight this disease since it is there already and there is really no cure. I have learned to accept the fact that I am so gifted and that is why I was given this "special" disease. Depression was my number one enemy back then, but I am glad that I was able to overcome it.

I am now almost thirty-three years old, on my first pregnancy (I am six months on the way) and enjoying every minute of it. I am aware of relapses but I have strong faith that I will never be alone in this. It is always a blessing to have such a wonderful family and a very loving and supportive husband who understands my condition.

I hope that all scleroderma patients will never lose hope and realize how beautiful life is.