The symptoms of sarcoidosis often mimic those of other disorders, leading to under- or over-diagnosis of the disease. An understanding of the clinical manifestations that may lead to sarcoidosis misdiagnosis is necessary for clinicians, according to a study of case reports. Sarcoidosis is characterized by the growth of small collections of inflammatory…

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, reported finding eight proteins in bronchoalveolar fluid (lung washing liquid) in the largest group of patients with sarcoidosis to be studied that distinguishes people with the disease from healthy people and those with asthma. The findings presented in the report “Elevated levels of…

How do you celebrate an awareness day, week, or month? I know how we celebrate other special days on the calendar. New Year’s Eve? Watch the ball drop and kiss at midnight. Passover? Dinner with the family, and no bread for a week. Birthdays? Celebrate with loved ones, perhaps dinner…

Over the weekend, I went to see the Harlem Globetrotters on their 100 Year Tour. I’d seen them as a child, but since I only started watching basketball a couple of years ago, I’ve gained a new appreciation for their incredible skill. The shots they take, the stunts, the acrobatics…

Last week, I met with a new hepatologist to address concerns about my liver function tests. The week before, I had a follow-up with the neurologist who’s been treating my sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy for years. At both appointments, my doctors asked permission to use artificial intelligence (AI) to…

When I received my Social Security Disability retro check after a two-year appeal, the first thing I purchased was a mobility scooter. I had rented one for a couple of advocacy trips and a vacation by then, and knew it would be best to have my own. Consequently, it seemed…

Over the past two decades, I’ve gone from being an active, fit young woman to an overweight, disabled old lady dealing with a range of chronic illnesses. This transformation hasn’t been a straightforward journey; it has been filled with obstacles, detours, and dead ends. Some days, my sarcoidosis symptoms…

“This is a true story based on a lie.” That’s how each episode of “Apple Cider Vinegar,” a Netflix series released earlier this year, begins. The show tells the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer, app developer, and cookbook author. Through sharing her story about her…

I have a confession to make: I don’t read all my email. I try to, but it can be overwhelming. Instead, I skim through my inbox to see if I need to read anything right away, then bookmark things I’ll get back to later. Sometimes I’m too delete-happy with the…