Aged 35, Deirdre Yager first became aware something was wrong in 1995 when she started having breathing problems. She had developed scarring in her lungs - caused by the production of collagen, which was reducing their capacity. However, doctors failed to pick up on these signs at the time and she was only properly diagnosed as having scleroderma three years later, at the Royal Free Hospital.
Describing the initial effects of her condition, she said: “At first I couldn’t walk up the road. I had to have oxygen in the house because I couldn’t breathe. I told friends it was like living on Everest. I also had a terrible time with cuts and sores on my hands to the point that I couldn’t do up my buttons.”
Now 50, Deirdre’s symptoms have stabilised since she was put on a rolling course of steroids. But with two children, aged 15 and seven, Ms Yager said, while she doesn’t over-do it because of her breathing, she is determined to continue living as normal a life as possible.
“I personally try not to let it stop me doing anything,” she said.
Taken from the Ham & High
