How advocacy work helps me embrace living with scleroderma

Living with scleroderma has resulted in many new experiences, opportunities, and challenges for me. Since my diagnosis in 2001, I’ve spent much of my time educating others about how to manage symptoms, decrease stress, process mental health issues, navigate treatment options, and improve quality of life. This month, I was able to share my insight at a leadership conference hosted by the National Scleroderma Foundation, in New Orleans.

Amy poses for a snapshot at this month’s National Scleroderma Foundation leadership conference in New Orleans. (Courtesy of Amy Gietzen)

During the three-day event, I reflected on how involved I’ve become with the scleroderma community. The more I share my thoughts and feelings, the more opportunities I have to travel across the country and connect with patients, caregivers, clinicians, and medical professionals.

Traveling empowers me — not only as a patient, but as an informal educator. I love teaching other patients about how to change the trajectory of their life while navigating medical boundaries.

I’ve now lived with this debilitating, incurable illness for 22 years. For more than two decades, I’ve woken up every day in a body I can’t control. It took me a lot of time, patience, and determination to learn how to overcome the physical, mental, social, and professional adversities I’ve faced.

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During the first year after my diagnosis, I learned how to manage unwelcome stressors, such as side effects of new medications. I had to come to terms with the complete dissolution of my educational and professional career.

As time passed, I hit more speed bumps, including the loss of my independence, the financial burden of a chronic illness, and the end of many relationships. I began to lose faith in myself, my spirituality, and my loved ones. I felt isolated, with nowhere to turn for support and encouragement.

Amy showcases her abstract poster at a scleroderma conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. (Courtesy of Amy Gietzen)

On top of all of my problems, I was still trying to find my place in the world as a young adult. Many areas of my life suffered because of scleroderma — relationships, education, confidence, self-worth.

I finally arrived at a pivotal point in my life. One day, when I was at my lowest, I stood in my bathroom staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror. I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me. Her lips were thin white lines. She had stringy, thinning brown hair, and there was no life behind her eyes.

In that moment of pure vulnerability, my life felt more chaotic than ever. Oddly, though, a sense of determination and purpose washed over me. I knew in my heart that I needed to free myself from the shackles of scleroderma so I could grow.

I realized I carried a wealth of information inside of me that could help others who were struggling. They just needed access to it.

Inch by inch, I peeled back the layers of myself and processed each one. I strengthened my support system by forming relationships with other young adults, took an active role in my healthcare, and educated myself on all things scleroderma. Over time, I conquered each link of the chain holding me down.

Speaking out on behalf of others

The last step to freeing myself from the prison of scleroderma was to speak out about my experiences. That small idea soon became my life’s purpose.

I remember my first speaking event so clearly. I was terrified. I didn’t want to give anyone listening a sense of false hope or the wrong information.

Amy holds a letter stating that her advocacy work was recognized by Congress, in 2022. (Courtesy of Amy Gietzen)

I stood at a lectern in a lecture hall in Albany, New York, where I was attending an interprofessional education event. More than 300 students, clinicians, and patients were all waiting to hear what I had to say. I took a deep breath and began sharing my journey. My descriptive words became a battle cry of sorts.

Every year, I still participate in that education event, which jump-started my career as a public speaker and educator. Each time, my voice grows stronger, surer, and more effective.

Scleroderma has taken me on some crazy twists and turns. But each unexpected detour has helped me to grow as a woman, a patient, and an advocate. My life is now focused on helping those who need guidance, as I did all those years ago.

The difference is that I was alone back then. Now, these young people have me as their champion.

Note: Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Scleroderma News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to scleroderma.