If you’ve been following along, you know gut health and digestive issues are some of my favorite topics. That’s why I was especially excited to sit down with today’s guest, Allison Samon, a functional nutritionist who takes a holistic approach to health—right up my alley. In this episode, we focused on a major issue so many of us deal with: fatigue. Allison brought such great energy to the conversation (ironic, right?) and shared some really insightful ways nutrition can support better energy levels. It was a fun and fascinating chat.

Her Reboot from Chronic Illness Cleanse (that she referenced during the episode): https://detoxwithallie.com/
And her free gift (that she also mentioned): https://www.chronicillnessrelief.com/

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz, a rheumatologist who takes a holistic approach to treating scleroderma—something that deeply resonates with me.Even after living with this disease for 25 years, I walked away from this conversation with new insights, and I know you will too. Tune in and discover valuable perspectives on managing scleroderma!

I had an engaging and insightful conversation with rheumatologist, Dr. Michael York, a highly knowledgeable expert with a great sense of humor, on my latest podcast episode. We explored the key challenges affecting the hands, including Raynaud’s, digital ulcers, and calcinosis, and their impact on patients. Dr. York also provided a fascinating explanation of why scleroderma research presents such unique difficulties.

The gut microbiome has become one of my favorite topics, especially since, like many of my fellow scleroderma warriors, I experience stomach issues. Today, we dive deep into the intestinal challenges that come with our diagnosis with Dr. Joy Liu. She provides an in-depth and insightful discussion, breaking down these complex issues with great clarity.

Today’s guest is Rashmi Bhasin, a true scleroderma warrior. Like many women seeking a proper diagnosis, she was repeatedly told her symptoms were due to hormones or stress. As a result, it took four years to finally get the correct diagnosis. But rather than letting that struggle define her, she turned it into a force for good. Today, she leads Scleroderma India, advocating for others facing similar challenges. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey firsthand!

Today’s guest is scleroderma warrior Emily Radican. Over the years, Emily has been diagnosed with a range of autoimmune diseases, and five years ago, Limited Scleroderma became part of her journey. Many of her health challenges have revolved around her gut, which inspired her to pursue a degree in nutrition. Now, she’s working toward her Ph.D. in Nutritional Science and Food Chemistry. Join us as we dive into her story, her autoimmune journey, and her exciting plans for the future after graduation!

Get ready for a fascinating deep dive into one of my favorite topics—sleep! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sabra Abbott, an expert in all things sleep-related. Together, we explore the three critical stages of sleep, the unique challenges scleroderma patients face when it comes to getting quality rest, and practical strategies to improve your sleep. By the end of our conversation, you’ll feel informed, inspired, and maybe even a little more well-rested!

Today, we have an incredible guest joining us—rheumatologist Dr. David Collier. With 28 years as a Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado Medical School and 25 years leading the scleroderma clinic, Dr. Collier is a true expert in the field. Currently, he’s consulting with Kyverna Therapeutics, working on groundbreaking (CAR) T-cell therapy.
We’ve all been hearing the buzz about this innovative treatment for scleroderma, and today, we’re diving in to learn what it’s all about. Get ready for a fascinating science lesson—you won’t want to miss this! Let’s get started!

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Dr. Cristina Padilla, a remarkable physician I had the pleasure of meeting at a recent conference. In this episode, we delve into the work being done at the Pittsburgh Scleroderma Center, where Dr. Padilla focuses on translational research into interstitial lung disease. Through our conversation, you’ll not only learn about her invaluable contributions to the field but also hear her deep passion for advancing scleroderma research and improving patient care. Let’s get started!

Today’s guest is Melissa Marquis, who shares her incredible journey of perseverance and advocacy. It took 10 years for Melissa to receive a diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue disease—a condition where the immune system attacks connective tissues, but the symptoms and lab results don’t fully align with any specific connective tissue disease. Three years later, she was diagnosed with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. After years of uncertainty and navigating frustrating symptoms, Melissa turned her experiences into a resource for others. She authored the book Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient’s Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease to support those facing similar challenges in their quest for answers.