Author Archives: Amy Baker

After three years, two denials, and over 12,000 pages of paperwork, I was approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) on Jan. 27, 2021. I never thought I’d see the process to completion. Given my previous denials, I was unsure how the trial phase would go.

When dealing with scleroderma, some things are necessities. Following are the seven must-have items that best help me to manage symptoms and practice the best self-care possible. 1. Heating pad I need my heating pad. I keep one on the couch. Yes, old lady business right here, but the body…

Note: This story was updated Jan. 25 to clarify that the $1.5 million dollar matching grant in honor of Bob Saget was provided by Scleroderma Research Foundation board members Luke Evnin and Deann Wright, not the foundation itself. The late comedian Bob Saget sparks many memories for…

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 wish on anyone. I wonder if there’s a way I can return it, maybe for an in-store credit or a…

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 how. Dating with a chronic illness like scleroderma is exponentially more challenging and terrifying. It’s like going to a carnival…

“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 still his favorite play buddy. Anyone with a chronic, debilitating illness will understand the following few words. “Sure, honey,…

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 was instilled in me to work hard for what I wanted and never accept a handout.

I have scleroderma. For the most part, I am pretty private about my scleroderma diagnosis — except for the fact that I write a column. Go figure. However, the thought of discussing my diagnosis face to face with others causes me anxiety. I know it sounds strange,…

Editor’s note: As the title indicates, this column discusses suicide. Helpful resources can be found at the end of the column if you need support. In June 2011, my father died by suicide. The day I learned about his death was my…

Scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome — all of these are autoimmune diseases. And they’re invading my every cell. I’m displeased by how these diseases have made themselves at home…