A mother is cautioning the public about a rare life-threatening illness she was diagnosed with after a period of intense stress. Kristina Hamilton initially attributed her anxiety to her divorce but became alarmed when she noticed her fingers turning pale and experienced digestive issues.
Doctors identified Kristina, 43, with diffuse systemic scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, muscles, bones, organs, and blood vessels. This condition causes the body’s immune system to attack itself, leading to excessive collagen production.
Four years post-diagnosis, Kristina, a stay-at-home mother of three from Florida, expressed uncertainty about her prognosis. She described learning about the incurable and life-threatening nature of the disease as devastating, highlighting the unpredictability of the damage it inflicts on vital organs.
Diffuse systemic scleroderma affects an estimated 100,000 individuals globally, with limited research and no known cure. Kristina shared her fears of leaving her family prematurely, losing independence, and the absence of a clear timeline for the disease progression.
Kristina, whose initial symptoms included skin issues she attributed to stress from her divorce, emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention for any skin changes. Early signs of the disease may also include joint pain and swallowing difficulties.
While the exact cause remains unknown, experts believe it may be linked to genetic factors activated by triggers like stress, trauma, or illness. Three years post-diagnosis, Kristina remarried in a small ceremony in Florida, made possible by the non-profit organization Wish Upon a Wedding, which grants wishes to individuals with terminal illnesses.
Reflecting on the support she received during a challenging time, Kristina expressed gratitude for the charity’s contribution in turning a stressful period into a joyous and memorable experience. She highlighted the significance of feeling acknowledged, valued, and deserving of happiness during times of uncertainty.