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
Question I am a 28 year old female with anxiety. i am scared I have scleroderma, but I dont know if it is all in my mind. The more I read the symptoms, the more I have them. my only symptoms are sore, puffy fingers, and a burning, tingling in my lower legs. Does this mean scleroderma? I am freaked out.
Answer 95% of systemic scleroderma patients have Raynaud's phenomenon. This isn't just tingling or coldness in hands and feet, it's actual color changes. The fingers or toes exposed to cold turn white when blood vessels constrict, blue when the blood trapped by the constriction loses all oxygen, and bright red when the vessels relax and blood flows back into the areas. There's a photo here: http://www.healthinplainenglish.com/health/skin/raynauds_disease/
Much of the time, the only stage I notice is the "blue" - still pretty distinctive.
If you don't have Raynaud's (which you don't list in your symptoms) the odds are good you don't have scleroderma. But see your doctor soon to assess the symptoms you do have, and also to assess and treat the anxiety. I know personally how difficult it can be to be in this "limbo" and the stress related to not knowing. Stay positive and work with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
