SD World is a list dedicated to providing a place where those who suffer from Scleroderma and other autoimmune problems may gather in a warm, friendly forum for an upbeat, open and free exchange of thoughts, ideas and information. We also offer a section of links for scleroderma medical, support, health or fun information.
Autoimmune Diseases.
Arthritis
Arthritis. Chances are you or someone you know has a form of arthritis or a related condition. These conditions cause pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in or around joints. This can make it difficult to do the movements you rely on every day for working or taking care of your family. There are many things you can do to help maintain your independence.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition where the airways of the lungs become narrowed or completely blocked, impeding normal breathing. In asthma, this obstruction of the lungs is reversible, either spontaneously or with medication.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition of prolonged and severe tiredness or weariness (fatigue) that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes C.F.S. as a distinct disorder with specific symptoms and physical signs, based on the exclusion of other possible causes. The number of patients with C.F.S. is unknown.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a common form of generalized muscular pain and fatigue that is believed to affect approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population, or 5 million people. Fibromyalgia mainly affects muscles and their attachments to bones. Although it may feel like a joint disease, it is not a true form of arthritis. It is, instead, a form of soft tissue or muscular rheumatism.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a term that implies weakness of the stomach. Following a meal, the stomach starts a slow process of grinding the food so that only very small pieces pass into the small intestine, to be absorbed. This process may take a few hours to complete, depending on the size of the meal and the type of food. It requires a fine coordination between the muscle of the stomach, nerves and hormones. When any of these factors are impaired, the food takes a while to empty, resulting in nausea, vomiting and weight loss.
Lupus (SLE)
Systemic lupus erythematosus, also called lupus (or SLE for short), is a rheumatic disease that affects joints, muscles and other parts of the body. Lupus is inflammatory and may be chronic. Nearly all people with lupus have changes in disease activity known as flares and remissions.
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a collagen disorder. It is often used to describe what may be an overlapping group of connective tissue disorders that cannot be diagnosed in more specific terms.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynauds Phenomenon is a condition in which poor blood flow results in discomfort and skin color changes in affected parts of the body. The parts of the body most commonly affects include the fingers and toes, but the ears, nose, nipples and knees can also be involved. This condition can begin at any age, but usually begins between ages 15 and 40.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma. The word scleroderma means hard skin. It is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that can affect your skin, joints, blood vessels and internal organs. Scleroderma is a rare disease that affects women three to five times more often than men. It is sometimes seen in children and the elderly, but usually starts between the ages of 30 and 50.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic, autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks it's own moisture-producting glands. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, infiltrate and destroy these glands causing decreased production of saliva and tears. The hallmark of symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are dry eyes and dry mouth.
Thyroid Disease
Thyroid Disease. The thyroid gland is critical to normal body function. It affects your heart rate, cholesterol level, body weight, energy level, muscle strength, skin condition, vision, menstrual regularity, mental state and many other conditions.
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD)
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease has symptoms of several connective tissue disorders but not quite enough to be called that disorder. The patient may have also have overlap of some well-established disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a common skin disorder in which white spots appear on the skin. It has been around for thousands of years. Vitiligo occurs in 1-2% of the population. It affects both men and women, all races and all ages.