Archives for Our stories

Paddling the Whanganui

Paddling the Whanganui

May 16, 2017

Support group member, Yvonne, doesn’t let scleroderma tie her down. Previously, she has reported from the back of a pushbike in the wilds of Otago. This time, it’s from the river rapids. Eight people, four canoes. One unforgettable journey. We put our canoes into the Whanganui River at Taumarunui, and pulled them out for the final time at Pipiriki, 5 days and 145km later. The Whanganui is a small river where our trip began, passing through farmland and gradually into native bush. That first day was a mixture of fear, exhilaration and laughter, as we learnt to control our canoes
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Holiday Happiness

Holiday Happiness

February 10, 2017

Have scleroderma – will travel – Barbara’s Asian and European adventure Armed with trepidation and a 3-litre click-clack of medication I went through customs. “Put your things on the conveyor belt, shoes off, belt off, jacket off, wait, get scanned, then proceed.” Then, plonk your butt onto a seat and put them all back on. Through the first check point – there were to be many more. I took a lot of medication for the 5-week trip. I took an extra week’s worth because you just never know. Travelling on Air New Zealand I thought the seats were very hard. I
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A Carer in Court

A Carer in Court

February 4, 2017

For decades full-time carers, paid by the Ministry of Health, but not recognised as employees, have scraped by on the equivalent of $3 an hour. Support group member and former full-time carer, Jan Lowe, called enough. Carer relief is a part of the health system that gives the full-time carer of an incapacitated person a break. Often the person cared for will have Alzheimers or other serious disabilities. After an assessment, the full time carer is given so many hours a year and has to choose a relief carer of their choice. This may be for a few hours at
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If you have a moment darling?

If you have a moment darling?

January 12, 2017

If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, can you reach scleroderma the same way? Support group, member, Rob Tomkies thinks you can. First, he had to convince his wife. “I have been researching food relationship with scleroderma. I think a change in food regime for 4 weeks will give some relief.” “Ok, good idea to try anything that will help” “The regime is basically a Paleo diet with some additions. I will list them for you: No dairy which includes cheese, yoghurt, milk and the like. No gluten: Bread or anything made with wheat or barley.
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Coeliac Disease – finding support

Coeliac Disease – finding support

November 16, 2016

Scleroderma NZ member, Pam Dempsey, has coeliacs. here’s how she copes. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease nearly 20 years ago and a few years later with scleroderma and then later became dairy intolerant. Way back then it was difficult to be on a gluten-free diet as there was very little help available and the Internet was not an option for help. These days it is so much easier as Coeliac NZ (Auckland) is an amazing organisation that provides an excellent service to those with coeliac. There is a wonderful website providing coeliacs with so much information in every way.
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Tina talks to TV3 about scleroderma and packaging

Tina talks to TV3 about scleroderma and packaging

March 16, 2016

Wellington member, Tina, featured in a TV3 news programme, Story, about her daily struggles with packaging and the need to make it easier for everyone to get at stuff without hurting their hands in the process. By Ryan Bridge Have you ever struggled to open a can, opening the lid of a jar or getting a pair of scissors out of its packaging? The answer is probably yes so imagine what it must be like if you suffered from arthritis. Story met Tina McLean who suffers from arthritis and takes pride in her long painted nails. But they’re not just
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Golden Paste is a Golden Remedy

Golden Paste is a Golden Remedy

March 16, 2016

We learn something new every time we attend a Scleroderma meeting. A couple of meetings ago a new attendee suggested that I could replace my paracetamol, which I was taking at 3-hourly intervals, with “golden paste”. She said that she even gives it to her horses for arthritis, with excellent effect apart from leaving a yellow “smile” around their faces. She said the recipe could be found on the internet, the main ingredient being turmeric. We bought turmeric from Commonsense Organics on the way home and Chris immediately made a batch. The hope was that it would help me replace
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There and back again – Adrienne’s trip

There and back again – Adrienne’s trip

March 8, 2016

It’s northern November, it’s getting cold and days are shortening. The news talks of terrorist attacks in Paris. Europe’s railway stations and border crossings are crowded with refugees. Who would want to go to Europe at this time of year. Well I did – and I went. As part of my bucket list I wanted to do the Christmas Markets that are held throughout Europe in November and December. I’d combine it with a cruise along one of the major rivers. The desire culminated in four kiwis and three Americans joining the last Christmas Market cruise on the Danube for
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Waikato has staged another successful scleroderma seminar

October 6, 2015

Attendees came from Kaitaia, Auckland, Rotorua, Matamata, Tokoroa, Whangamata and there was a good turnout from Hamilton. Many had not attended a seminar before and had just been diagnosed. As we had become incorporated I was able to raise funds to cover the seminar costs involved. I thought the day went very well, I had family and friends doing the catering and there was plenty to eat. There were excellent speakers: registrar, podiatrist, occupational therapist optometrist and a respiratory physician. We also watched the DVD Documentary “Beneath the Surface”. With the help of social media outlets Christy Caffrey connects to
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