Hello, my name is Marie. I live in Freeport, Maine. I have had this sad disease since 1995.

It started in my middle toe. Four months later I was tired, stiff and had pain all over. I knew something was wrong. I thought I was all alone. My doctor told me I had two years, but I am still here, fifteen years later. Now my fingers are like claws and my legs get tight now and then.

I had given up until a lady in "Woman World" got me to talk. I spent a year in therapy. I got off the walker and cane and I can move everywhere now. I still get stiff at times but I feel alive again. I changed my way of eating, got off the fat food and stopped smoking.

I take a pill for heart burn and a nifedipine for my heart and Raynaud's. I do feel better. The pain seems to stay but I fight it and often take a Tylenol. I also use vitamins, and bone pills.

I do a lot of volunteer work and also clean houses. I gave up sewing. And I am off the couch. I realized that either I get up and walk, move, quit smoking and take care of my body or suffer more. I try not to sit too long in a car or at the computer. I do not snack while I am typing or I'll get too fat and won't be able to walk. I ache too much if I sit too long.

Please email me anytime and take care.