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Bobbie Thrasher: Scleroderma

I have been on an experimental medication for five months, and I have improved very much.

Granny Bird, photography by Shelley Ensz I was diagnosed with lupus in 1992. In November 1996, I was diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon, and my family doctor sent me to a rheumatology clinic. My toes and fingers were so cold that they burned. There was an open sore on the end of my toe and one of my fingers.

I was put on a blood thinner and soon after that, blood appeared in my stool. I became very weak and entered the hospital and was given many tests. They found that my stomach was weeping and I was given blood.

All this time, I began to notice my fingers were becoming curved and very sore. After six months, my finger and toe did heal with medication and prayer.

By January 1998, I had full-blown scleroderma. I could not use my fingers to eat or write, nor did they have very much strength. They were very curved and stiff. I could stand, but I was put in a wheelchair to get around. My husband would push me because my fingers could not push the wheels.

I've been on an experimental medication for five months, and I have improved very much. I can type, write, and do many more things. I can walk a great distance. I have strength, and I have softened spots on my arms and legs. I do not need pain pills or ?itch? pills. I am not depressed. I live every day as if it is a blessing and, who knows, maybe a cure will be found. I will not give up.

I love to hear my grandbabies call me, ?Gammy.? I have started collecting Beanie Babies. I may write a book about my childhood because I am blessed to use my fingers once again.

~ Update - September 1999 ~

Now I am using my wheelchair only for very long walks. I can climb stairs, take my own bath, feed myself, comb my hair, and put in earrings. I no longer take pills for itching, nerves, or for the pain all over my body. I have gained strength in my arms and hands as well as the rest of my body. My fingers are still very curved and fit around a soda can, but nothing bigger. They are sore, but usable. My doctor took me off the medication for six weeks to let my body rest. I now take only half a dose. This therapy has been very good for me. My doctor said we would give forty percent for the medicine and sixty percent for prayer. I am so happy with my progress that I wanted to give you all an update.

To Contact the Author

Bobbie Thrasher
New email address needed 07-19-06 SLE
Old Email Prefix: harbob
Story edited V1 JTD 7-27-03

Story Artist: Shelley Ensz
Story Editor: Judith Devlin
LINKS
Fingers Curving
Lupus
Open Sore
Raynaud's
Scleroderma
About Minocycline (Antibiotic Therapy)

This Story is Featured in Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1

Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1 The story on this page is featured in the top-notch Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1 which features articles by top scleroderma experts, including Dr. Joseph Korn, as well as 100 true patient and caregiver stories from this website! The book delivers excellent information and support for scleroderma patients and caregivers. It's a great way to inform family and friends about scleroderma, too!

ISN Story Editor: Judith Thompson Devlin

Photo of JudithJudith 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!

Go to Boo: CREST Scleroderma
 
 

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