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Chronic stress can lead to many physical and emotional issues, such as anxiety, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and heart attacks. For many people with autoimmune diseases, stress causes a ton of complications and exacerbates symptoms. This is also true for those of us with scleroderma, as stress…

She was fumbling through her coupon book, desperately trying to ignore the stares and loud sighs. As the line to the cash register grew, the moaning and groaning intensified. I gently said, “Take your time. You’re doing great.” The young woman locked eyes with me, and I could instantly feel…

Anyone living with scleroderma knows it is a difficult disease to manage. As patients, we are constantly flustered by a disease that seems to have no boundaries. Symptoms and treatment strategies vary from person to person, and scleroderma has no cure. Because of this, every scleroderma…

My feet were planted firmly on my turquoise yoga mat, and I felt strong as I held the Warrior 1 pose. My front foot was lunging forward as my arms were stretched up high above my head. Soft, spalike instrumentals swirled around me as the instructor’s voice guided me to…

Did you know that gymnastic balance beams are made of aluminum and wrapped with a thin layer of polyethylene foam and leatherlike material? If a stunt is landed incorrectly, it’s like landing on concrete. When I was a gymnast, I once missed the landing of a front flip and my…

If a dog could have Raynaud’s phenomenon, my Tebow would be the one to have it. His tiny frame has the thinnest white coat that barely covers him. His pink skin is visible through his fur. And, like me, he’s always seeking out warm spots to cuddle up in.

A person meets their person. If they are lucky, they fall in love. They may or may not get married. Either way, they lovingly pledge for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. Too often, the vows we speak to one another are taken for granted. We believe…

Each time I read about another scleroderma warrior losing their battle, a tremendous weight crushes my soul — a combination of sadness, anger, and guilt. I’ll always remember the fear I could hear in my mother’s voice when I first discussed my scleroderma diagnosis with her. And in…

My experience with scleroderma has been a mashup of hot and cold emotions, physical highs and lows, and an eye-opening educational experience for both my support system and me. At times I’ve felt completely alone and scared about my future, and specifically how my health was going to look…

As I open the door, a burst of hot air covers my arm. Without hesitation, I shove both hands through the opening, allowing the heat to consume my forever-cold fingers. And for a brief moment, my body temporarily relaxes as the frosty aches in my hands dissipate. I pause for…