Columns

February 5, 2019February 1, 2019

I’m Bursting the Scleroderma Boredom Bubble

Columns, Scleroderma and the Ordinary Girl

The chronically unwell face plenty of daily challenges, some big and some small. But my latest battle was brought to my attention by binge-watching a TV series. I am ... Read more

January 29, 2019January 28, 2019

Celebrating the Bravery of All Scleroderma Warriors

Columns, Scleroderma and the Ordinary Girl

It’s the middle of summer here in New Zealand. Today the temperature reached 91 degrees Fahrenheit — we Kiwis consider that pretty hot for Down Under. During the ... Read more

January 22, 2019January 18, 2019

Seeking a Second Opinion About My Systemic Scleroderma

Columns, Scleroderma and the Ordinary Girl

I’m going to fess up: sometimes I Google my symptoms. I know it’s not a sensible thing to do, especially when I come across a website that goes ... Read more

January 9, 2019January 10, 2019

A New Year and New Challenges

Columns, Living The Dream

I survived the holidays! As fellow patients living with chronic, degenerative, rare diseases know all too well, there is no holiday from our daily myriad symptoms. The holidays can ... Read more

January 8, 2019January 7, 2019

Is It Possible to Have Fun When You’re in Pain?

Columns, Scleroderma and the Ordinary Girl

Electric scooters have come to Christchurch! For the cost of a few dollars, you can ride around town on these zippy wee numbers to see the sights, get to ... Read more

December 21, 2018December 19, 2018

Graduations, Elephants, and Christmas Blessings

Columns, Scleroderma and the Ordinary Girl

Last weekend was our son’s graduation in Dunedin, a city in southern New Zealand that is home to Otago University. We were extremely proud to be there to watch ... Read more

December 19, 2018December 19, 2018

Christmas Wishes and a New Year to Celebrate

Columns, Living The Dream

The festive holiday season is here. To mark the occasion, check out my little “dream team” Christmas jumper video. As patients living with a chronic, debilitating, and rare autoimmune disease, ... Read more

December 11, 2018December 10, 2018

Silver Bells and Silver Linings

Columns, Scleroderma and the Ordinary Girl

Here in New Zealand, the festive season is upon us. Your average Kiwi Christmas in the Down Under is vastly different from holiday celebrations in the Northern Hemisphere. Today’s temperature ... Read more

December 5, 2018December 19, 2018

‘Celebrating’ 20 Years of Being a Patient at the Scleroderma Unit

Columns, Living The Dream

This week, I am celebrating my 20th year since first dragging my “tin-man” body to the Scleroderma Unit at the Royal Free Hospital in London. The previous year, at ... Read more

December 4, 2018December 3, 2018

I’m Getting Real About Scleroderma

Columns, Scleroderma and the Ordinary Girl

I’m horrified to discover that I’ve been keeping a secret from myself, locked away in my subconscious. It has to do with my scleroderma and what I appear to ... Read more

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