Young A, Rudy B, Volkmann ER. Living with Systemic Sclerosis: A Patient and Physician Perspective.
Rheumatol Ther 2023;
10:785-792. [PMID:
37173569 PMCID:
PMC10326232 DOI:
10.1007/s40744-023-00555-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The fears associated with being diagnosed with a disease unfamiliar to many, systemic sclerosis, is described by a patient living with systemic sclerosis. The patient, a coauthor, also describes the challenges of being a young person diagnosed with a chronic and, at times, debilitating disease. Despite initially being told that she had 6 months to live, she has embraced life and has become a fierce advocate for others living with systemic sclerosis. The physician perspective is provided by two rheumatologists who specialize in systemic sclerosis and work at a scleroderma center of excellence. This section details the current challenges in diagnosing systemic sclerosis early and the dangers of a delayed diagnosis. It also reviews the importance of multi-disciplinary specialty centers in the care of patients with systemic sclerosis as well as empowering patients through education.
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