Auto Immune conditions

Vandana Mahajan, a palliative care counselor, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 15 years ago. She lost both her thyroid and parathyroid glands after cancer surgeries. In discussion with PatientsEngage, she reflects on her challenging journey and how her cancer diagnosis ultimately led her to find her identity. What were the initial symptoms that you experienced, and how did that lead to the diagnosis you received? In 2009, at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Two years prior…

Dr. Kaushik S. Bhojani, a Consultant Rheumatologist and the Head of Rheumatology Services at Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai Cluster, talked about the importance of clinical trials at the Sclerocon conference 2024 organized by Scleroderma India. He highlighted the process of clinical trials and how participating in the clinical trials can benefit patients and community. Clinical trials play a crucial role in the progress of medical science. However, many individuals are hesitant to participate in a…

Dr. Dinesh Khanna, (Professor of Medicine at University of Michigan, USA.), spoke about Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and its treatment in scleroderma at the 2024 Sclerocon conference organized by Scleroderma India. Dr. Khanna highlighted that lung fibrosis affects 60% to 70% of scleroderma patients and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment. He also discussed the role of autoantibodies, the necessity of immunizations and shed light on ongoing clinical trials for…

After struggling for 7 years with various vague ailments, Nilesh, 32 from Degloor, Maharashtra was relieved when the diagnosis of Scleroderma came through. Through the ups and downs of this condition, he tries to navigates both personal and work life with a positive outlook. He lives by the words: "Death is an End, whereas Life is full of Possibilities.” Please tell us a bit about your condition. Can you describe it? I am suffering from Scleroderma, an autoimmune condition which majorly affects…

Chanchal Verma, a 26 year old from Pune, currently studying at IIM Bangalore talks of the challenges of diagnosis of Sjogren's Syndrome since she had uncommon symptoms starting from when she was just 14 years old. She has also been living with hearing impairment for the last few years. But she continues to strive for normalcy in her life with unstinting support from her family. I am Chanchal Verma, born and brought up in Amravati, Maharashtra. I am a semi qualified CA having 18+ months of work…

26 वर्षीय श्रेया शुक्ला, कानपुर (उत्तर प्रदेश) में अपनी खुद की डिजिटल मार्केटिंग एजेंसी चलाती हैं। उन्हें जुवेनाइल लुपस (बचपन में होने वाला लुपस) है। इस लेख में वे साझा करती हैं कि कम उम्र में लुपस होने का उनका अनुभव साझा क्या था – इस में उनके विलंबित और गलत निदान से लेकर अपनी स्थिति का प्रबंधन और स्वतंत्रता प्राप्त करने की यात्रा और अनेक जटिलताओं का वर्णन शामिल है। लक्षण और निदान नवंबर 2008 में, जब मैं 12 साल की थी, मुझे शरीर में दर्द, जोड़ों में दर्द और हल्का बुखार हुआ, और जब मैंने अपने…

74 year old Jacqueline Colaco, who has lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis for many years, shares her experience of dealing with Covid, Long Covid, dry eyes, hearing loss, fatigue and its impact on her overall health and quality of life. My encounter with the Covid delta strain manifested one morning in January 2022, when I experienced acute weakness and a mighty cough. The nurse on duty at the Senior Citizen Home where I reside, immediately referred to my doctor, who advised immediate…

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in controlling vital functions. There are multiple thyroid disorders. PatientsEngage addresses some of common and frequently asked questions on thyroid related issues. The thyroid gland is one of the most essential glands in the body. It is fundamental to the functioning of several organs, such as the kidneys, liver, brain, heart, and even skin. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the lower-front part of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. It is…

Amita*, a 20 year old working woman from Mumbai, with a diagnosis of Juvenile Lupus shares her experience of dealing with this condition, the emotional and financial toll it took on her and how she has come to realise the importance of medication adherence.  Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment It was around 2018 when I was pursuing my SSC and one day when I came home my mom saw a bald patch in my hair. Like a bunch of hair somebody had cut it off. So we panicked and after visiting a…

Neetu Wadhwa, co-founder Scleroderma India, a patient advocate committed to improving lives of those affected by Scleroderma. As we relive the memories of our interactions with Neetu, let us resolve to continue to champion for the rights and wellbeing of patients and their families. Rashmi Bhasin, Trustee and Core Committee Member, Scleroderma India  Today marks one year to the untimely passing of our dear NEETU.  She was a Warrior in true sense.  I always remember her smiling…