(English) by First Name: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V-Z

By Language: French   German   Greek   Italian   Polish   Romanian   Russian   Spanish   Turkish

Keith H: Eosinophilic Fasciitis

It took several tests and blood work and several specialists to determine the problem.

I recently discovered that I have a rare skin disease called eosinophilic fasciitis (EF), a skin and muscle disease which causes tightness of the skin, and sometimes a reddish coloration of the skin in areas. It can also cause symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which is what I have.

I'm forty-one years old, and my symptoms started right before Christmas of last year. It took a few rounds of tests and blood work and several specialists to determine the problem.

I had extremely high white blood cells (eosinophilic) and the doctors could not figure out why, until a red spot showed up on my leg. They took a biopsy of that spot, and that is when they diagnosed eosinophilic fasciitis (EF). I also have swelling in my lower legs and in my hands with extreme tightness in the joints. I have been taking prednisone for the pain and swelling and it has helped a great deal.

I have been on short term disability. I am getting ready to take another drug methotrexate and vitamins. They will keep me under observation with blood work and regular visits and who knows what else.

I will be going into physical therapy. My hands are still a big problem, with lots of tightness, and in my knees and ankles as well. It looks like there is no cure, but only treatment. With a little luck, it will go into remission.

Thanks for letting me post my message. I hope this helps.

To Contact the Author

ISN Artist: Sherrill Knaggs (In Loving Memory)

Sherrill Knaggs, ISN Artist, created the digital photo to illustrate the story on this page. Sherrill lived in New Zealand. Her story was featured in ISN's book, Voices of Scleroderma Volume 2.

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!

SCLERO.ORG is the world's leading nonprofit for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses. We are a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation, established in 2002. Meet Our Team. Donations may also be mailed to: