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Greetings!
Thanksgiving. At this very special time of year, it's appropriate for us to pause in the midst of our often hectic lives to remember the many people who work to advance the mission of the Scleroderma Foundation. From donors and corporate sponsors, advocates and chapter leaders, medical professionals and researchers, support group leaders and caregivers, to volunteers and staff members, the scleroderma community and the work of the Foundation advances thanks to the efforts of many.
Whatever role you play within this dynamic community, your efforts help to ease the burden of those living with this terrible disease. More importantly, your support takes us ever farther down the road towards better treatments and the hope of a cure.
As always, but especially at Thanksgiving, it's my honor to extend to each of you my sincerest gratitude for your support of the Foundation and of those living with scleroderma. And so, on behalf of the national Board of Directors and staff, I want to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. May your lives be filled with happiness, joy, and a spirit of hope.
Gratefully yours,
Robert J. Riggs
Chief Executive Officer
Please note that our offices will be closed on Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. |
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Strategies for Special Holidays |
The holidays can be a time of renewal - renewal of friendships through visits and cards, renewal of family relationships through gatherings and shared meals, and renewal of one's faith. But the holidays also are a time that can be particularly challenging for a caregiver. It is a time during which the changes in one's life are highlighted and there are additional demands placed upon on an already stressed life.
The holidays are always a whirlwind and this is especially true for caregivers. During the holidays it is important for caregivers to seek a balance - between caring for someone else and caring for oneself; between celebrating good memories of past holidays while not dwelling on what might have been lost.
To read this article by David Lowell, MD, and view ideas to keep in mind for both the caregiver and the care receiver as the holiday season arrives, please click here. |
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Participate in a Research Interview for Digital Ulcers | |
Have you been diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, or CREST? Do you currently have at least one digital ulcer on your hand?
If you answered "yes" to both questions and you live in the US, then you could be eligible to take part in an interview study and be paid for your time and participation. Click here for more information. 
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Rheumatology Mythbusters
Thirteen Things About Rheumatic Diseases That Just Aren't True |
From the American College of Rheumatology
ATLANTA - A diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic disease can cause someone to feel anxious and even a little overwhelmed. Being a knowledgeable and empowered patient can help alleviate some of those feelings, and being able to navigate through the many misconceptions about arthritis and rheumatic diseases is vitally important.
Click here to view the article. |
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Lower Extremity Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis: Features and Response to Therapy |
Introduction:
Non-digital lower extremity ulcers are a difficult to treat complication of scleroderma seen both in limited and diffuse scleroderma and also in scleroderma sine scleroderma. They contribute to the pain and disability of advanced disease. The etiology of these ulcers is unknown, but they may reflect chronic vasculopathy.
Conclusion:
Lower extremity ulcers are seen in 4% of scleroderma patients and cause pain and morbidity over and above that of the scleroderma. In this small study we identified higher than expected frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies and MTHFR mutation. We recommend that scleroderma patients who develop leg ulcers should undergo prothrombotic evaluation. Clearly this small uncontrolled study is insufficient to draw clear conclusions as to etiology of delayed wound healing in scleroderma. However, lower extremity ulcers represent a challenging clinical problem in scleroderma and further studies into their pathogenesis and potential therapies may yield new insights into the vasculopathy of scleroderma at a cellular and molecular level. |
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