Greg
@88digitalkeys
11Following
11Followers
Cary, IL USA
Joined Mar 3, 2008
I've spent the past 12 years dealing with the symptoms of a terminal disease called scleroderma. My first symptoms began in December of 1997 and I was diagnosed in January of 1999. Scleroderma is closely related to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis -- all autoimmune diseases that attack a person's own body. In my case, my body is producing too much collagen - the type of collagen one's body produces to form scar tissue. My arms, legs, torso, hands and face have all been affected to a great degree, limiting range of motion and causing tightness in all of these areas.
My form of the disease (diffuse systemic sclerosis) is usually fatal in most cases; 70 percent die in the first 10 years of the disease with 90 percent of those deaths happening in the first 5 years of onset. Mortality occurs when the disease begins attacking organs internally that are comprised of collagen, namely the lungs, kidneys, and esophagus. I have developed scarring in my esophagus and, in the past 4 years, my lungs. I am, at this writing, down to about 50 percent lung capacity with 13 percent diffusion capacity (the ability to transfer O2 and CO2 within the lungs). I will be a terminal case if I don't find a way to stop the disease. Over the past two years we've been turned down for both a stem cell transplant and a double lung transplant... I'm just not in a state at this point to survive either procedure. You can read about my battle at: http://www.gregledford.webs.com
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3
windjammerchick
Jul 08, 2010
Greg...your music is beautiful. I pray that the new drugs protocol will be effective and enable you to continue writing and recording. Thank you for sharing your gifts here at soundclick.
allgood asylum
Jun 15, 2009
There is no way to know what tomorrow holds.... But i have hope for you. i hope that you are healed by the stem cell procedure, & that you become the walking miracle - that will display to those people in this world who question WHY? They ask why is it these things happen, i hope that you'll be an example that good things do happen to good people. These are the blessings we receive. That there is a reason for all the troubles we face in our lives, & that everything happens for a reason. Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts, Greg. God bless you. ~Chuk (lead singer for allgood asylum)
If it means anything to you, I added Distant Shores on my station.