Scleroderma News Columns

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

January 12, 2022January 12, 2022

Scleroderma Offered Me a Path to Self-acceptance

Scleroderma News Columns

We all face a lot of pressure to appear perfect — educated, attractive, healthy, capable, and independent. This can be a big pair of shoes for a “normal,” healthy person ... Read more

January 10, 2022January 10, 2022

Did Chronic Stress Cause My Scleroderma?

Scleroderma News Columns

Because no one else in my family had scleroderma, I’ve often wondered where I procured this delightful autoimmune disease. Scleroderma is the gift that keeps on giving, something I wouldn’t ... Read more

January 7, 2022January 7, 2022

I’m Not Losing My Mind, but It Sure Feels Like It

Scleroderma News Columns

The scleroderma fog has struck again! My entire brain is floating inside a haze, and nothing is clear. I’ve been sitting in front of my computer for hours, writing and ... Read more

January 5, 2022January 5, 2022

Scleroderma Brings Both Endings and Beginnings

COVID-19 Columns, Scleroderma News Columns

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. in March 2020, it was like time stood still. Many chronic illness patients were on high alert, constantly afraid of contracting the virus. ... Read more

December 22, 2021December 22, 2021

Never Have I Ever: A Game of Life Lessons

Scleroderma News Columns

As young adults, my friends and I used to play a drinking game called Never Have I Ever. The rules were simple: Someone calls out something they’ve never done. If ... Read more

December 17, 2021December 17, 2021

Tiny but Mighty: What I Learned Fighting a Finger Ulcer

Scleroderma News Columns

I pleaded with my doctor. “I want to chop off my finger! Please help me!” With pity in his eyes, he said, “It’s an ulcer. It’s common for people suffering ... Read more

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021

The Traveling Woes I Face as a Scleroderma Patient

COVID-19 Columns, Scleroderma News Columns

My traveling days have been few and far between since I was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma in 2001. Now, it’s even more difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I ... Read more

December 10, 2021December 10, 2021

Scleroderma Stole My Christmas To-do List, and I’m Thrilled

Scleroderma News Columns

When we became parents, my husband and I started our own holiday traditions. One of our favorites was taking our two daughters to snag the plumpest pine tree, and then ... Read more

December 8, 2021December 8, 2021

As a Scleroderma Patient, I Am All of These Things

Scleroderma News Columns

I am a scleroderma patient. Saying or writing that is hard for me. It took 20 years of being a patient to feel confident enough to say it out loud. ... Read more

December 6, 2021December 6, 2021

The Challenges of Dating With Scleroderma

Scleroderma News Columns

Dating in general is hard. You swipe right, swipe left, move up and down, or something like that. Maybe you even do the hokeypokey. And online dating? No way, no ... Read more

November 22, 2021November 22, 2021

Parenting With Chronic Illness Is Hard — So I Lie

Scleroderma News Columns

“Hey, Mom, can you play with me?” my son, with his boundless energy, asks me enthusiastically, his eyes brimming with excitement. My heart is whole, and for today, I am ... Read more

November 19, 2021November 19, 2021

Finding the Right Doctor Can Make All the Difference

Scleroderma News Columns

The alarm on my phone starts its disruptive routine early, and the repetitive noise annoys me out of my slumber. While the rest of the world remains cuddled up for a ... Read more

November 12, 2021November 12, 2021

Anxiety Over Public Restrooms Is Real

Scleroderma News Columns

I take immunosuppressants to stop my body from fighting itself and reduce the symptoms of scleroderma. But that also prevents my body from defending against bacteria and viruses. This makes ... Read more

November 8, 2021November 8, 2021

Applying for Disability Benefits Wasn’t Easy, but I Did It

COVID-19 Columns, Scleroderma News Columns

I will never forget the day I applied for Social Security Disability Insurance. I remember sitting at my computer, willing myself to fill out the lengthy application. Growing up, it ... Read more