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 "When
I can dance, I dance."
My name is Awilda. In 1971, I had the first symptoms of Raynaud's.
I'm 53 years old and live in Puerto Rico. I observed that when
I held objects with my hands, such as the phone, or when the weather
was cold, or when I was in an air conditioned room, my fingers
would turn white or deep blue (almost purple). For that reason
I went to the doctor and he said they were symptoms of Raynaud's
Syndrome. He also said that I didn't have the illness, just the
symptoms.
I was single, young
and, worst of all, I was starting my first job as an accountant
at the university. In 1973, I developed an esophageal hernia with
reflux and stomach pain. Doctors said I also had many stomach
ulcers. By using medications to control these symptoms, I continued
to live my life like a normal person.
I was a smoker for
25 years, and my condition got worse. In 1988 I had a black heart-finger
that stayed that way for a week. I tried many alternative medicines
trying to heal this condition. I even tried acupuncture. Finally
a doctor took me to the surgery room and injected a liquid in
my neck to help increase my blood circulation. It was a very bad,
painful, and dangerous solution. It was supposed to be done three
times, but luckily, by the second time the finger had returned
to normal. This procedure scared me so much, that since that day
I've never smoked again. I continued a normal life with Raynaud's
episodes and stomach reflux and ulcers.
In 1997, when Hurricane
Hortense struck our island, I had double pneumonia. The day after
the storm I was rushed to the emergency room and hospitalized.
I was very ill. While I was in the hospital, I was diagnosed with
CREST and then consequently, with scleroderma.
I was out of work for
about four months. It wasn't easy for me, because I had always
been a hard worker. I worked in high positions, such as a Finance
Director, a System and Procedures Director and a Budget Director,
and had many stressful duties with these jobs. I had to change
many things in the way I did my job, in order to continue working.
Since then I have developed
Morphea, cellulite, and phlebitis in my legs. My legs are sometimes
red with other dark marks that hurt me. The marks start little
and then grow and eventually the skin gets as hard as a rock.
I developed Rosacea
on my face, so I am always watching my skin. I also have developed
little finger ulcers. Asthma is another illness that I have been
hospitalized with many times.
My body is always cold,
including my toes. Sometimes I woke up very tired, but I still
had to go to work. I tried to do my best in my job, and thanks
to God, I managed to do my 30 years in public service work. I
retired from service on December 31, 2001. I didn't want to stop
working, but it was the best thing for me. Now I feel free of
stressful situations.
I have ups and downs,
but by reading other's testimonies, I think that after all, I'm
not so bad. I try to feel fine and keep going. When I can dance,
I dance. When I feel tired, I simply do nothing. No matter what,
I do my best.
Actually, I am now
working as an Independent Travel Agent. It's a home business job.
With not much investment, I am doing what I always wanted to do
and I love it! I just want to keep working. I enjoy being a useful
person. I am planning to go on vacation soon, thanks to this job.
I recommend a home business. It works for me and has been a new
life opportunity.
I think I have been
blessed because, after all, I have accomplished my duties as wife,
mother and public server. I'm still here enjoying the beauty of
life, and no matter how I feel, I keep on!
May God bless all of
you! With hope and faith, your friend,
Awilda
Story posted 3-16-02
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