Jack, Sorry to hear of your illness, We hope you get the treatment you deserve mate. This is what i found on the NHS website.... Causes of scleroderma Normally, the body's immune system fights off any germs that infect the body. It responds like this to anything in the body it doesn't recognise, and settles down when the infection has been cleared. It's thought scleroderma occurs because part of the immune system has become overactive and out of control. This leads to cells in the connective tissue producing too much collagen, causing scarring and thickening (fibrosis) of the tissue. It's not clear why this happens. Certain genes are thought to be involved, and having a close family member with the condition may increase your risk. Can't see any connection with Exposure to Silicates etc... Perhaps you may need to try and find some connection between what you used to work with and this condition, i'm assuming your not the only one that did this job, perhaps you could try and track down some of the other workers and see if they suffered also as a result to Exposure. I feel that the Doctor will not simply agree that your exposure could of been the cause of this problem, and sometime you need to go in armed with printouts and facts that they can see that indeed exposure to silicates all those years ago gave you scleroderma. Can you find any cases online? that might prove your case to them. Sorry i can't help more.

Jack, sorry to hear your troubles. Were you a trade union member all those years ago. If so the unions may hold some records, or even the employers of the time. You could try Citizens Advice who may be able to write to your GP for you. Personally I think a Solicitor would be useful who would take the case on, assist with getting the right medical help and even may get you some compensation for your work related ill health. Good luck.

Thank you for all the replies I have about my Scleroderma, related to in June, 2016. I now have information from the HSE RR827 document which highlights my condition and in section 3.9 page 11 of that document confirms that my prolonged exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica could well be the cause. Particularly the unguarded period early in my career when no suitable PRE was available, this period could be quoted as "Unwittingly Exposed" to harmful substances. They have also found abnormalities in my legs affecting the connective tissues causing the pain and spasms I hope you will quote the RR827 and gain copies if they may help present day victims, as I know many people are still being afflicted for one reason or another.Bbest wishes from Jack Edwards Membership No.05931