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Christin: Linear Scleroderma

I am afraid of what will happen if I do not do something to help myself now and I am even more afraid that there is nothing that I can do to help myself.

My name is Christin. I am a twenty-year-old college student. I have had scleroderma for as long as I can remember. When I was two my mom noticed a strange spot on my right leg. They thought it was skin cancer. After a biopsy and many doctor visits it was revealed that I have linear scleroderma.

The spot on my right thigh grew and got deeper. Over the years more lesions began appearing on my knee, calf, and ankle as well. I was told that when I stopped growing that the disease would stop spreading, but it has not.

I think I have been extremely lucky so far as the disease has never hindered me physically. It was more a matter of appearance, and kids can be cruel when asking what is wrong with your leg! But I got used to that a long time ago.

The problem now is that in the past couple of years I have started to get cramps and pains in my thigh where the oldest spot is, and in the surrounding area. I have started seeing a rheumatologist again, and he started me on methotrexate, but he does not know what to do about the pain that I have in my thigh.

I cannot help but wonder if there is something I can do for myself like stretches or exercises. I am afraid of what will happen if I do not do something to help myself now and I am even more afraid that there is nothing that I can do to help myself.

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ISN Artist: Judy Tarro

Judy Tarro, ISN Artist, created the digital photo to illustrate the story on this page.

ISN Story Editor: Judith Thompson Devlin

Judith 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!

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