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The very first step in the digestion process begins in the mouth. For someone with scleroderma, simply chewing food can be exhausting. Different disease factors affect one’s dental hygiene, but various steps can be taken to try to maintain a good environment within the oral cavity. Over 20 percent…

In an autoimmune disease, the body’s natural defense system, the immune system, malfunctions or “trips out,” resulting in the body attacking itself. The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association lists over 100 different currently identified autoimmune diseases. With the rare…

I have recently become convinced that there is a specific event, kind of a “rite of passage,” that occurs for many chronically unwell people somewhere on their patient journey. I like to call it “The Great Transition.”  It is the point when you realize…

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…