Project Scleroderma: Hollie’s Story

This Project Scleroderma video posted on their Facebook page is all about 21-year-old Hollie from London, U.K.

MORE: Scleroderma patient appeals for help for a complicated lung transplant

Hollie first noticed something was wrong in her mid-teens when she began to experience joint pain in her hands. After visiting the doctor she was diagnosed with Raynaud’s phenomenon.

However, the pains in her hands continued to get worse and her fingers began to curl inwards. Dreams of being a hairdresser came to an end because Hollie could no longer hold a pair of scissors. At 17 years old, she was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma and just two years later doctors told Hollie that she may only live another year due to heart failure brought on by the disease unless she had a heart transplant.

Hollie eventually had a successful heart transplant in July 2016.

MORE: 12 things to care for when you have scleroderma

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.