My guess is that most chronically unwell patients experience some level of anxiety on a regular basis. After all, our minds are constantly preoccupied with matters involving serious health issues, which can consequently lead to thoughts about our longevity. Anxiety can be exacerbated or caused…
Spring cleaning is a good method to get rid of old clothes, memorabilia, and things that serve no purpose. Getting rid of old stuff can leave a person feeling less cluttered and mentally cleansed. Releasing the past can spark clarity and peace. When dealing with chronic illness,…
“Your skin cancer has cleared.” 2018 started with a scleroderma-related, potentially life-threatening additional health challenge. A Bowen’s skin patch presented itself on my left knee. Last summer, I recognized the symptoms and knowing that the medication Efudix cream had…
There are chances taken in life that can feel like pulling a lever on a slot machine. The outcome relies on a blind leap of faith, with fingers crossed for the best result. The same can be said of choosing a treatment plan for the course of your…
My body and mind have not been doing so well lately. Too many issues have been going on all at once, and I’ve been feeling torn while trying to figure out which to deal with first. I do believe that being overstimulated and overwhelmed…
The majority of our immune system — almost 70 percent — is in our digestive tract. Every morsel of food ingested filters right into our digestive tract. While I think it is true that everything in moderation is OK, someone with an autoimmune disease should pay close attention…
Today, Feb. 28, is Rare Disease Day. This year’s theme is “Research.” https://sclerodermanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/NW-rdd-2017-video-research.mp4 Living with a rare disease is daunting in every way imaginable. Having been a diffuse scleroderma, rare disease patient for 21 years, I believe research provides immense hope. Hope that the desperately needed…
Those with scleroderma will tell you that the disease is many things, but fun is certainly not one of them. Lately, I have been struggling with the effects of medication changes to address my secondary adrenal insufficiency. Weaning off hydrocortisone is part of…
I ended up with a really nasty urinary tract infection (UTI) a couple of weeks ago that I could only get rid of after two attempts of using two different antibiotics. Because I am an immunosuppressed patient, any type of infection puts me in…
Today, Feb. 14, is Valentine’s Day. Scleroderma can affect the heart in various ways. Fibrosis of the heart can be life-threatening, and may contribute to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Upon initial examination and diagnosis, the heart should be assessed for any disease activity. Electrocardiogram…
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