Hello, My name is Tracey

I was diagnosed with Behcet's Disease June 3rd 2001, after many years of unexplained pains, aches and ulcers My experience with Behcet's has been a battle, one I have always intended on winning. 

I will not bore you with all the details, but get to the point.

On February 14th I decided I would quit smoking, very bad move.  I lost alot of weight, I went down to 92 pounds and developed these lovely spots on my arems and legs.  They hurt, were swollen, were red and had spider like legs running off of each one.  My joints became swollen, painful and I couldn't walk without the assistance of a cane.   My mouth, nose, ears and throat were full of ulcers.  I couldn't eat, drink, talk and it was getting to the point that I couldn't breathe either.  After many visits to my family doctor I insisted she send me to see a specialist as I was sure I was going to die. 

I had done alot of research up until this point and knew what I was about to be told.  I didn't want to admit it but out of all the auto-immune disease I had researched Behcet's was the only logical one.  Little did I know that I had diagnosed myself. 

A went to see a dermatologist and was diagnosed with Behcet's Disease within 5 minutes of being in her office.

That is were my journey with behcet's really began.

Over the past 8 years I have been on:
-Prednisone,
-Dapsone,
-Immuran,
-Methotrexate,
-Colochicine,
-Topamax,
-Solumedral,
-Enbrel,
-IVIG(Immuno Globlin)

and finally I got the approval to start Remicade.  I go every 6 weeks for infusions and am doing much better!

Along with the usual anti-depression, heartburn, pain, and sleeping pills.  I was up to the point were I was taking 14 pills a day, and that was just to get out of bed. 

I have also been diagnosed with:
-Irratible Bowl Syndrome,
-Raynards,
-Chronic Hep "C" (meaning I had it when I was young and I'm now immune)
-Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
-and had 3 Transient Ischemic Attacks A.K.A Mini Strokes.

Apparently I have a great sence of humor, because if I didn't I don't think I would of made it though the past 8 years and been able to continue to fight with a smile on my face.

Behcet's is a disease that turns you into a fighter, that's why I'm telling you about it.

Behcet's is not contagious in any way!

Remember: Awareness is the key to finding a Cure
Tracey.