| The Saskatchewan Scleroderma Self Help Group welcomes anyone who wishes to learn more about Scleroderma - patients, family and friends. We try to provide support, information and friendship. We try to help patients and families cope with Scleroderma. We work to promote awareness of Scleroderma to the public and medical communities and encourage research through funding. We are a registered charitable organization - receipts are issued. Funds are donated to Scleroderma research. Please contact us for more information. Group Leader: Linda Shauf Treasurer: Gerald Shauf 465 Willow Bay Estevan, Saskatchewan Canada Ph: (306) 634-3433 Email: glshauf@sasktel.net Canadian Arthritis Society: 1-800-321-1433 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scleroderma Scleroderma literally means "hard skin". Scleroderma is a rare disease of the vascular and immune systems and a disorder of the connective tissue. There is NO KNOWN CAUSE and NO KNOWN CURE for Scleroderma. Scleroderma affects each person differently, no two cases are identical. Sometimes it takes a long time to diagnose. Scleroderma causes the skin, underlying tissue and the major internal organs to harden and lose functional ability. The body's own immune system turns against itself and attacks its own tissues. Scleroderma is a chronic (long lasting) disease and is a rare form of Arthritis related to Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Scleroderma is not contagious or hereditary. Scleroderma affects men, women and children of every age and nationality. It affects women four times more often than men. Symptoms can be mild or very severe. Symptoms of Scleroderma may include: * Cold, discolored fingers. Hands and fingers become swollen, tight and hard and the circulation poor. * Raynaud's Phenomenon is seen in 90% of Scleroderma patients. This causes the fingers, toes and extremities to be very sensitive to the cold. They turn blue, white, become painful and go numb and finally become pink again. * Muscle weakness and joint pain * Fatigue * Shortness of breath * Trouble swallowing * Weight or hair loss * Digestive problems * Heart and lung problems No one medication is a cure for Scleroderma. Many drugs are used to treat various symptoms. Patients should consult with knowledgeable doctors and other specialists, especially a Rheumatologist. Exercise is important to maintain flexibility. A Physical therapist is very helpful. Research is being conducted world wide to find a cause and then a cure for Scleroderma. We have to keep a positive attitude and hope for a cure in the future! |
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