AboutAmelia Yaussy Expertise I can answer questions about systemic scleroderma and live and internet resources to help you cope with this disease. I have personal experince with scleroderma, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and Sjogren's Syndrome.
Experience I am a systemic scleroderma patient (12 years) and have been active in support online for nearly the same amount of time. I proposed the Usenet newsgroup alt.support.scleroderma and own the website ihavescleroderma.com.
Organizations I am a board member and volunteer for the Scleroderma Foundation, Ohio Chapter.
Publications Arthritis Today, Sept 1997, "A guide to the internet"
Education/Credentials International Webmasters Association, Web Technologies Certification
Awards and Honors Volunteer of the Year, Scleroderma Foundation, 2004; Advocacy Appreciation Award, Scleroderma Foundation, 2005
Expert: Amelia Yaussy Date: 5/13/2007 Subject: Damp Living Conditions
Question Living in a totally underground basement which is damp and humid in the weather conditions of nyc, which can be from a little below 0 in the winter, and well over 90 in the summer time. Will these conditions make someone devolope arthritis, bone conditions, etc.?
Answer I can't imagine any way that dampness would cause cartilage inside a joint to break down, which is what happens in osteoarthritis. However, there are over 100 conditions we call "arthritis" and many of the people suffering from them swear there is a pain increase when the weather changes. Maybe the variation in temperatures is a bit much for you, or you feel the barometric pressure changes more.
If you're having unexplained pain that's interfering with your life, get thee to a doctor to get a diagnosis. That's the only way you'll know what you're dealing with and how to treat it, even if that just means moving up a few floors...
