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Sandy A: CREST Syndrome

I have had surgery to remove the calcinosis on my knee and forearm twice, and once on my elbow. Yet it always comes back!

I am forty-two and I was diagnosed with CREST in 1997. I have calcinosis in both knees, both elbows, my left forearm and now in my right foot. I have had surgery to remove the calcinosis on my knee and forearm twice, and once on my elbow. Yet it always comes back!

My Raynaud's was not bad until last year. Now I cannot seem to get warm. I take medication for it, but I have not seen any difference yet. My hands and feet hurt all the time. I take medication for heartburn and the tightness in my throat, and it is helping.

In the last six months I have had joint pain in my ankles, wrists, knees and hips. Six months ago I had a vein infection in my left ankle/shin area and this winter, I had a similar thing in my wrist.

Three days ago I went to the doctor because I have had a grinding sore elbow for two weeks. The doctor said it was bursitis.

I do not know what to think about all this. I would like to talk with anyone going through the same thing.

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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!

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