Mogil's Mobcast-A Scleroderma Chat

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Richard Silver. He is the co-director of the Scleroderma Center at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC and has been working in rheumatology with Scleroderma patients for 4 decades.  Today he shares his wealth of knowledge about tests that are available for scleroderma patients and the importance of having them done.

In this episode I talk with Kerry Jeffrey, a clinical therapist. We talk about the grief that can happen when diagnosed with a chronic illness. There are 9 possible stages of grief. Kerry explains what stages people might get stuck at and tips on how to move out of that stage. 

In this episode, I chat with Dr. David Leader. He is a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry and has a dental public health masters. Dr. Leader is a nationally recognized expert on Scleroderma and oral health. We talk about how the mouth and skin changes with Scleroderma, the effects of medication, periodontal disease, dry mouth, and adaptive equipment.

In this episode, I talk with Christina Loccke whose daughter has juvenile Scleroderma. Christina takes us on her daughter's journey from diagnosis, medical treatment, and lifestyle. We talk in detail about what juvenile Scleroderma is, since it is very rare. Christina is paying it forward by helping other parents whose children are afflicted with this disease. She is also on the board of directors for the National Scleroderma Foundation.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann. She is an adult Rheumatologist and is the Director of Scleroderma at the University of California-Los Angeles, Scleroderma Program. Her research focuses on the GI tract and looking at the gut microbiome. We start from the beginning of the digestive tract, and work our way down!We talk about causation, medications, nutrition, and ways to handle the frustrations that come with our digestive tracts not working correctly. There is a lot of information.

In this episode I talk with Mary Wheatley, the CEO of the Scleroderma Foundation. We talk about the Foundation, its history, philosophy, services being offered, events and how to get involved.

In this episode, I go on another journey with Scleroderma patient Karen Vasquez. Karen and I talk about her battles with Scleroderma and how she was able to find humor in the disease. This led to her passion of becoming a comedian.

In this episode I talk with Jan Nitti, a board member of the Raynaud’s Association who is also afflicted with Scleroderma. We discuss what Raynaud’s is and some myths about it. We also talk about how to deal with this disease, including medicines, lifestyles, and fun products that can be used. I

In this episode, I talk with Renee Andreasen. She is a functional nutrition counselor, a certified AIP coach, and within the next year, she will be a board certified health coach. Her specialty is gut health. We spent a lot of time talking about AIP also known as Autoimmune Protocol or Autoimmune Paleo. We discussed ways to be nutritionally healthier to our bodies. Renee shares so much information, you might need to take notes!

In this episode I talk with Stephanie Shutes. She is a Scleroderma warrior. She was diagnosed at an early age of 21, although diagnosed incorrectly, it changed the trajectory of her career path of becoming a professional basketball player. She has maintained an upbeat attitude and her positive attitude is contagious, as you will find out.