Posts by: Lisa Weber

Lisa Weber

July 29, 2022July 29, 2022

Adapting, Accepting, and Finding Peace Despite New Scleroderma Challenges

How many times have you asked yourself, “Is this scleroderma?” Odd sensations, abnormal changes, pain, and even visible deformities — there’s no shortage of strange symptoms with this disease. I ... Read more

July 22, 2022July 22, 2022

Making Today Matter Is More Important Than Worrying About Tomorrow

Scleroderma News Columns

The day after my high school prom, a group of us went to an amusement park to continue celebrating. After navigating the ticket line, I noticed a new attraction that ... Read more

July 15, 2022July 15, 2022

Taking My Next Step Without Scleroderma’s Permission

Scleroderma News Columns

“Your life is controlled by what you focus on.” I read this Tony Robbins quote when I was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2014, and my takeaway was to focus on ... Read more

April 15, 2022June 16, 2022

Celebrating Signs That Scleroderma Awareness Is Increasing

Scleroderma News Columns

Note: The headline of this story was updated April 19, 2022, to clarify that scleroderma isn’t becoming less rare, but rather awareness of the disease is increasing. One evening in ... Read more

April 15, 2022April 15, 2022

Celebrating Signs That Scleroderma Is Becoming Less Rare

Scleroderma News Columns

One evening in January 2014, I answered a call from my doctor’s office. After going over my lab results, a nurse nonchalantly told me I had scleroderma. I pressed her ... Read more

April 8, 2022April 8, 2022

I’m Scheduling Free Time, Not Just Appointments

Scleroderma News Columns

Do you remember playing “house” when you were little? I have fond memories of each of my little friends choosing a family member to imitate, and together we would act ... Read more

April 1, 2022April 2, 2022

CellCept Ended My Love Affair With Pedicures

Scleroderma News Columns

It had been years since I’d stepped foot in a nail salon. Yet the moment the doors opened, I was immediately reminded how much I missed those days of being ... Read more

March 25, 2022March 25, 2022

Battling Scleroderma Doesn’t Make Me a Hero

Scleroderma News Columns

I couldn’t find our family’s teacup-size dog. She had only been out of our sight for a few minutes. I scanned the dark, fenced-in yard looking for this adorable, fluffy ... Read more

March 18, 2022March 18, 2022

Scleroderma Has Dented My Ego and My Forehead

Scleroderma News Columns

Having a rare disease often means dealing with uncommon symptoms. Sometimes I get lucky and one of my specialists can explain and treat them. However, the mysteries of my scleroderma-stricken ... Read more

March 11, 2022March 11, 2022

Smart Technology Helps Me Outsmart Scleroderma

Scleroderma News Columns

With medications, doctors’ appointments, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s no way I could remember it all if I didn’t have reminders. Most days I’m lucky if ... Read more

February 25, 2022February 25, 2022

The Personal Choice of Telling My Bosses I Have Scleroderma

Scleroderma News Columns

My classroom door flung open, and the principal of the school where I work swiftly entered. Closely behind her was our school officer. Realizing there was some kind of emergency, ... Read more

February 18, 2022February 18, 2022

4 Ways I Bargain Hunt for Better Prescription Drug Prices

Scleroderma News Columns

At the start of the year, I received a call from my local pharmacy. The lovely employee told me she was giving me a courtesy call because my prescriptions were ... Read more

February 11, 2022February 11, 2022

I Wish ‘Feeling Better’ Was Permanent

COVID-19 Columns, Scleroderma News Columns

Cradled in my husband’s arms is one of my favorite places to be. His 6-foot-2 frame engulfs me in a blanket of warmth and safety. When I’m in pain, his ... Read more

February 4, 2022February 4, 2022

Learning to Catch My Breath With Interstitial Lung Disease

Scleroderma News Columns

I stare at the two flights of stairs in front of me, wishing there was a magic elevator. With no other choice, I start climbing, slowly. Suddenly, my breathing is ... Read more

January 14, 2022January 14, 2022

The Strange Gastrointestinal Sounds of Scleroderma

Scleroderma News Columns

I remember it like it was yesterday. The classroom was quiet. My stomach suddenly decided it was angry with me for skipping lunch. The grumbling gastrointestinal noises were like thunder ... Read more