A mother has issued a cautionary message to the public regarding a rare life-threatening illness she was diagnosed with following a period of intense stress.
Kristina Hamilton initially attributed her anxiety to her divorce but grew concerned when she noticed changes in her fingers and began experiencing digestive issues. Doctors identified Kristina, 43, as having diffuse systemic scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, muscles, bones, internal organs, and blood vessels. This disease causes the body’s defense system to act aggressively, leading to excessive collagen production.
Now, four years post-diagnosis, Kristina, a stay-at-home mom, expresses uncertainty about her future. Learning about the incurable and life-threatening nature of her condition was profoundly distressing for her, leaving her feeling adrift. With the disease impacting vital organs, the extent of internal damage remains unpredictable.
Diffuse systemic scleroderma is estimated to affect around 100,000 individuals globally, with limited research conducted due to its rarity. Kristina highlights the absence of a cure and a lack of clarity on disease progression timelines.
The Florida-based mother of three reflects on grappling with unexpected fears, such as the notion of premature separation from her family and the loss of independence. Despite the uncertainties, she remains resilient, emphasizing that as long as she is breathing, there is hope for healing and perseverance.
Kristina’s initial symptoms, mistaken for stress-induced sores and rashes post-divorce, included joint pain and swallowing difficulties. She advises individuals noticing skin changes to seek medical attention promptly. Having experienced the emotional turmoil of a terminal illness diagnosis, Kristina encourages embracing the present moment and cherishing the time left.
The exact cause of diffuse systemic scleroderma remains unidentified, though it is believed to stem from a genetic predisposition triggered by stress, trauma, or illness.
Three years after her diagnosis, Kristina remarried in a small ceremony in Florida with her new husband, Chris, 44, thanks to Wish Upon a Wedding, a non-profit organization that granted them financial assistance. The charity’s support transformed what could have been a stressful period into a memorable and joyous occasion for Kristina, providing her with a sense of appreciation and happiness amidst uncertainty.
