Sharon Woodman, Retired
It was Christmas time, 2002 and life was busy. I am a RN and a Certified Diabetes Educator and worked at the Diabetes Outreach Network in Grand Rapids. I loved my work and drove a total of 130 miles on days that I worked. My youngest son and his family came from CO to spend the holidays with us.
The day the kids left to go back to CO, I cleaned house—top to bottom. I was tired but had lots of energy. The following weekend, I went on a New Year’s Eve bus trip. Shopping and being on my feet was exhausting. My feet and ankles were edematous and I was experiencing sharp pain in my right arm. After getting home, I had a hard time cleaning house. I was experiencing stiffness with all the muscles tightening up and had a hard time getting out of the chair. I also had Raynaud’s symptoms starting the summer before. It was time to see the doctor. I thought that I had polymyositis because my mother had been diagnosed with that plus Rheumatoid Arthritis. But within a couple of days, he called me at home and said that I probably had Scleroderma because of the Raynaud’s. My response was “Oh, no. I was hoping it wouldn’t be that one.” Within days I saw a Rheumatologist who said I had systemic, limited scleroderma. Right away I became proactive and trusted in God to get me thought this transition in my life.
Today I am on seven medications to treat my symptoms: Synthroid for the hypothyroidism; Celebrex to keep the pain at bay; Procardia for the Raynaud’s attacks; Nexium for the gastroesphogeal reflex or GERD; Restasis for the dry eyes plus over-the-counter Tears; and Evoxac for dry mouth. The dryness is signs of Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome which approximately 20% of all persons with Scleroderma have. I also take Zanaflex for muscle spasms along with food supplements (Multivitamin, Fish Oil, and Calcium with Magnesium).
Other treatments are yoga and exercises every day to stay flexible. Well okay, sometimes I miss a day but my body sure knows when I do! Monthly, I receive a whole body massage and then right after, I see the Chiropractor to fix all the spinal sublaxations. I try to stay warm to prevent Raynaud’s attacks. My husband bought a muff for me—I heat small rice bags that I made and place in the muff. My hands warm up in a jiffy. I also rest frequently during the day and use hot packs when resting. I no longer do things that are too physical and pace my activities with periods of rest. When I overdo, I experience profound fatigue.
The best thing I did for myself was joining the Scleroderma Foundation. I receive the “Scleroderma Voice” from which I have garnered so much more knowledge about my disease. It also keeps me abreast of the latest in research. I also attended the Michigan Chapter’s October Conference and got to hear Dr. Varga plus other excellent physicians talk about Scleroderma.
My advice to those with this chronic disease is to be proactive. A chronic disease self-management workshop developed by Stanford University is available. Just call your local Commission on Aging Office to sign up for this 6 week workshop. You will be glad you did! |
