Today’s topic is one I’ve wanted to discuss for a very long time and one that’s particularly troubling to me: calcinosis. I was absolutely thrilled when Dr. Ariane Herrick agreed to join me for this conversation. She is incredibly knowledgeable on the subject and shared such valuable insight and information about this challenging condition. I’m so grateful for her time and expertise

Today, I’m joined by two incredible guests: Ted Haugh, who was finally diagnosed with systemic sclerosis in 2022 after symptoms began back in 2016 and five doctors later; and his wife, Erin, who not only cares for Ted but also lost her mother to scleroderma when she was just 17.

Together, they share their powerful journeys and perspectives. Let’s listen to their stories.

Today’s guest is Dr. Kathryn Torok, a pediatric rheumatologist at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she directs the Pediatric Craniofacial Scleroderma Clinic. Scleroderma in children is rare, about five in 100,000 develop localized disease, and only about one in a million develop systemic disease. It's crucial to treat to target as early as possible. I learned so much from Dr. Torok about how scleroderma affects children and the best approaches to care.

Today’s guest is Dave Hanson, who shares his journey from his first confusing symptoms to finally receiving a diagnosis. It all began in the fall of 2019, when Dave started experiencing unusual symptoms — painful cramps and a vague but unsettling feeling that something wasn’t right. By early 2020, just before the pandemic, he noticed swelling in his hands and went to the ER. With no signs of Raynaud’s, doctors initially diagnosed him with psoriatic arthritis.

It would take another year before he received the correct diagnosis: diffuse cutaneous scleroderma.

Today’s guest is the incredible Dr. Sara Reardon, a renowned pelvic floor physical therapist, author, and founder of V-Hive, a groundbreaking app for pelvic health. I wanted to have Dr. Reardon on the show because nearly 80% of people living with scleroderma are women, and many face challenges such as urinary issues and fecal incontinence topics we don’t talk about enough. Dr. Reardon offers thoughtful, practical, and empowering ways to address these concerns. Her book, Floored, is full of helpful guidance, and even at 66, I found myself learning so many things I wish I’d known years ago. 

Today I sit down with Dr. Reza Movahed, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who’s making a real impact in the scleroderma community. As scleroderma patients we  know how this disease affects the mouth. Dr. Movahed helps patients regain function and comfort, and the surprising role sleep plays in maintaining oral health. Dr. Movahed was a crowd favorite at our July conference.

Today’s guest is Dr. Laura Hummers, a rheumatologist and co-director of the Scleroderma Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center. In our conversation, we dive into the different phenotypes observable characteristics of scleroderma, as well as the three major antibodies commonly found in patients and how they aid in diagnosis. This episode is packed with valuable insights and information you won’t want to miss.

Today’s guest, Scleroderma Warrior Dr. Joseph Washington, is the definition of resilience and perseverance. His journey began with Raynaud’s symptoms in junior high, but it wasn’t until pharmacy school that he was diagnosed with diffuse systemic sclerosis. So much has happened in just four years since then, and I can’t wait for you to hear his inspiring story. 

Today’s guest is another incredible scleroderma warrior, Natalie Puccio. As many of you know, no two scleroderma journeys look exactly alike. Natalie and I discovered we had so much in common—both personally and in our symptoms—which made our conversation especially meaningful. One big difference, though, is that Natalie was diagnosed at just 24 years old and went on to have three children while living with scleroderma. She’s an amazing resource for anyone navigating questions or concerns about pregnancy and parenting with this condition. If that’s something you’d like support with, let me know and I’ll be happy to connect you with her. 

Today’s guest is rheumatologist Dr. Jessica Gordon. Together, we explore two topics that every scleroderma patient is familiar with skin and Raynaud’s.Dr. Gordon explains the three stages of skin progression in scleroderma, the challenges patients often face, and the treatments available. We also touch on Raynaud’s our discussion may be shorter, but it’s filled with helpful insights.I truly enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Gordon, and I know you will too.