Mrs Hoffman now knows she has scleroderma, a chronic, often progressive disease in which a person's immune system attacks itself. Scleroderma literally means "hard skin" and the thickening of the skin is the most obvious symptom. In the long term, scleroderma can affect most organs of the body, resulting in abnormal function.

It can also be life-threatening.

Mrs Hoffman first noticed a change about two years ago when the skin on her hands became swollen.

About six months ago, she had a heart attack and shortly after lost the use of a hand. Doctors thought this was related to her heart attack, but a specialist diagnosed scleroderma.

Mrs Hoffman said she hoped to raise awareness of the condition. Other symptoms include breathlessness and constantly feeling cold. "I have spasms in my muscles and joints. I can't imagine what's going to happen in years to come."

Associate Professor Glenn Reeves, staff specialist and director of immunology at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, said: "Scleroderma is like a civil war occurring in a person's body. The body attacks itself, resulting in scar tissue.

"Women are affected at three times the rate of men and early symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness often go undiagnosed. It's likely we underestimate the number of people with scleroderma as they often present late with symptoms. Early diagnosis leads to better management and quality of life; we're trying to redress that by raising awareness."

Visit: www.sclerodermaaustralia.com.au.< p>