Hi, my name is Donna, I am a 44-year-old married female, who suffers from CREST. CREST Syndrome is also referred to as generalized or limited Scleroderma.  CREST stands for a combination of symptoms:

C	Calcinosis (kal-sin-oh-sis) - happens when small white calcium lumps form under the skin.  This is caused by scleroderma and NOT caused by too much calcium in your diet.
R	Raynauds (ray-nodes) Phenomenon - is a problem of poor blood flow to fingers and toes.  Blood flow decreases because blood vessels in these areas become narrow for a short time, in response to cold or to emotional stress.
E	Esophageal Dysfunction - the digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and bowels.  Scleroderma can weaken the esophagus and the bowels.  It can also build-up of scar tissue in the esophagus, which narrows the tube.
S	Sclerodactyly - (sklare-oh-dack-till-ee) - means "scleroderma of the digits" (fingers and toes).  The skin becomes hard and shiny and there is difficulty in bending.
T	Telangiectasia - (tah-lan-jec-tay-shah) - happens when tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin show through the skin.  Small reddish spots appear on fingers, palms, face, lips, and/or tongue.

Crest is usually a slower onset of Scleroderma, with the first symptoms appearing 10 to 20 years before the full syndrome occurs. It usually affects the skin on the face, fingers, and hands. Later on, it may affect internal organs, such as the esophagus (the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach) the lungs, and bowels.

Donna's Family Photo Album

Autoimmune Home Page For All

Doris Reichard's Internet Haven

 I  Have Scleroderma

Raynaud's Foundation Home Page

Raynauds & Scleroderma Association ,UK

Scleroderma Foundation

Scleroderma From  A to Z

Scleroderma  Living With Hope

Scleroderma Research Foundation

Scleroderma  The Bluebonnet Chapter

Scleroderma  World Of Scleroderma Links

SD World

Site For Scleroderma

Sjogrens Syndrome

Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation

Find the Chapter or Support Group in your area.  

1998  Scleroderma Foundation Annual Conference

Houston, Texas

July 30th - August 1st

Special pricing for Scleroderma/Raynaud's Patients.






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In loving memory

to my "Best Friend" Doreen,   

who lost her battle to Scleroderma.

Funeral Eulogy, written and given by Doreen's Father, Jim Kuhn

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