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Jennifer B: Morphea Scleroderma

I am still unclear exactly what I have, and exactly what it means.

When I was about seven or eight years old, I went on vacation with my family to Galveston, Texas.

When we returned, I noticed that I had a "bruise" on my left knee. It did not go away, so my mother took me to the doctor. He pointed out that I also had white spots down my leg all the way to my ankle.

He wanted to do some tests. They took tissue samples (with huge needles) and marrow samples. I have huge pock marks on my leg from those needles. Anyway, he diagnosed me with scleroderma and told me to apply a cortisone cream daily.

I went to Children's Memorial Hospital a few years later, and they changed my diagnosis to morphea.

I am now twenty-four years old. I still have the permanent "bruise" on my left knee. Every summer, without fail, someone asks me where I got the bruise. I am still unclear exactly what I have, and exactly what it means. If anyone can put it into laymen's terms for me, I would be really grateful. How did I get this disease? Thanks!

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This Story is Featured in 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!

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