May 22, 2019May 20, 2019

Like a Snake, Sarcoidosis Strikes Without Warning

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

Dr. Rossi raised my puffy leg, which was three times its normal size, and closely examined it. “I think the inflammation is a secondary condition called erythema nodosum,” she ... Read more

May 21, 2019May 17, 2019

Beating Back the Worry Over New Norms

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

My left leg has been numb from the knee down for months. It started with a couple of toes and climbed its way up. Every once in a while, ... Read more

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019

My Catch-up with a College Friend Was Like Old Times

Columns, No Tears for Sarcoidosis - a Column by Charlton Harris

Last week, I spoke with an old college friend of mine. He’s my age — mid-50s — and a professional with an impressive résumé. I hadn’t heard from him ... Read more

May 15, 2019May 10, 2019

The Relentless Attack of ‘The Cough’

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

It began as just a typical cough. At first, I thought it was related to a common cold or some type of seasonal allergy, and I expected it to ... Read more

May 15, 2019May 15, 2019

Rare Diseases Constitute a ‘Public Health Issue,’ NCATS Director Warns

News

With 250 rare diseases newly identified every year, scientists can barely keep up — even as the healthcare system fails millions of Americans whose rare diseases have already been ... Read more

May 14, 2019May 10, 2019

My Social Life Has Dwindled Thanks to Sarcoidosis

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Sarcoidosis: A life of no Having sarcoidosis means I must say no to many things. That is why when Cinco de Mayo rolled around last week, I was sitting ... Read more

May 10, 2019May 8, 2019

The First ‘Start’ Is Always the Hardest

Columns, No Tears for Sarcoidosis - a Column by Charlton Harris

The hardest part about change is starting. The first “start” is the hardest, whether you’re starting a new job or welcoming a new spouse or child into your world. ... Read more

May 8, 2019May 6, 2019

A Wiped-out Warrior Battles Unrelenting Fatigue

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

The unrelenting fatigue hit me like a bad case of the flu. I longed to stay in bed all day, but I had a full schedule that wouldn’t allow ... Read more

May 7, 2019May 3, 2019

Educating Others About Sarcoidosis

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Sarcoidosis 101 Have you ever tried to explain sarcoidosis to someone? First, you have to phonetically walk them through the funny-sounding pronunciation. If you still have their attention after ... Read more

May 3, 2019May 8, 2019

I Am My Own Life Coach

Columns, No Tears for Sarcoidosis - a Column by Charlton Harris

For the 15 years that I’ve been living with pulmonary sarcoidosis, I’ve learned that every day is not just a new adventure, but a blessing, too. Shortly after my ... Read more

April 30, 2019April 29, 2019

Prescription Blues: Swallowing the Cost of Medications

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

When I left my doctor’s office with a prescription for Restasis (cyclosporine) this month, I was hopeful I would be able to afford it under my insurance plan this year. ... Read more

April 26, 2019April 24, 2019

My PTSD Was Hiding in Plain Sight

Columns, No Tears for Sarcoidosis - a Column by Charlton Harris

Aah … spring has finally sprung! The weather is finally trying to cooperate by giving us a few comfortable, mild days, and folks are starting to come out of ... Read more