Scleroderma, which affects as many as 400,000 Americans, starts off like skin cancer, but is far more deadly. This edition provides information about the best therapy for this disease, including the second clinical trial of the only therapy to report reversal and remission of this deadly disease.

"The ultimate resource for patients and their families seeking to gain a better understanding of this complex disease."--Back cover.

Scleroderma—a chronic autoimmune condition that causes hardening, thickening, or tightening of the skin and attacks the heart, lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract—is extraordinarily difficult to diagnose and can take a huge toll on the psychological well-being of the individual. From the first moment of her diagnosis, author Karen Gottesman took charge and educated herself on every aspect of her condition. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides those newly diagnosed step by step through their first year with scleroderma. She provides crucial information about the nature of the disease, treatment options, diet, exercise, social concerns, emotional issues, networking with others, and much more. The First Year™—Scleroderma is illustrated with charts and tables, and offers an invaluable guide for everyone learning to live with their diagnosis.

“I highly recommend this book for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals who want quality medical information and support for scleroderma and related illnesses.“Access to high quality reliable modern information is crucial to patient well-being and outcomes. The realization that 'you ARE NOT alone' has therapeutic value in its own right.“The nonprofit International Scleroderma Network (ISN) and its website at www.sclero.org enjoys a well-deserved reputation for top-notch medical and support information and services from both the patient and medical organizations throughout the world. Each book in this series features enlightening articles from esteemed scleroderma researchers as well as over 100 unique patient and caregiver stories from 16 countries and in 5 languages.“It is only with a partnership of patients and scientists in a concerted worldwide effort that we will solve the riddle of scleroderma.”James R. Seibold, M.D.Director, University of Michigan Scleroderma ProgramChair, ISN Medical Advisory Board

Comprised of the authoritative work of international experts, this fully-updated second edition of Scleroderma builds upon the well-regarded approach in the first edition to provide integrated, concise, and up-to-date synthesis of current concepts of pathogenesis and modern approaches to management of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). With a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive care, this book is easily accessible for health care professionals in many fields. The new edition includes extensive updated material based on major developments in the field, with new chapters on personalized medicine, cancer complications, global perspectives on scleroderma, and more. It presents a succinct and thoughtful synthesis of current pathomechanistic concepts, providing a valuable reference tool for basic and translational investigators working in the field. Scleroderma: From Pathogenesis to Comprehensive Management serves as an essential, all-inclusive resource for rheumatologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists and all those involved in the care of scleroderma patients.

Systemic Sclerosis is a comprehensive, standard reference on sclerosis written by well-known experts in the field. The book presents a concise overview of the causes of scleroderma, as well as the latest information on the development and diagnosis of the disease. Problems in affected organs are discussed along with treatment options. The Second Edition has been revised and expanded to make it a more clinically useful reference, with the increased number of diagrams, pictures, and tables, inclusion of highlighted "nuggets" of therapy, and detailed explanation of appropriate tests to order based on organ involvement.

Chronic illness forces you to slow down and reexamine your values, your choices, and the way you define yourself. This book offers companionship throughout the process, helping you face your challenges with dignity and grace.