Melissa’s journey to a scleroderma diagnosis was anything but straightforward. It began in 2008 with Raynaud’s symptoms in her hands and feet, as well as chilblains and nodules on her fingers. While she sought care early, Melissa’s lab results appeared normal, leaving her without answers for nearly a decade.
“I saw many specialists over the years and often felt dismissed,” Melissa shares. “There were times I believed others thought I was over-exaggerating my symptoms and the way I felt.”
Her symptoms worsened to include severe joint pain and significant gastrointestinal issues. In 2021, after a positive ANA test, she was diagnosed with Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (LcSSc). Reflecting on the challenges of her diagnostic journey, Melissa channeled her experiences into writing.
In 2024, she published “Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient’s Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease”. Her book combines medical knowledge, patient stories, and practical advice to address topics such as self-advocacy, the mental and physical toll of autoimmune diseases, and the importance of resilience.
“I wanted to create a resource that was both medically sound and reflected the patient experience,” Melissa says. “My hope is that this book will help others feel less alone and, more importantly, not invisible.”
These days, Melissa is a passionate advocate in the search for a cure. “Research is critical to finding a cure for this awful disease,” she says. “I participate in as many studies and clinical trials as I can. While I know that it is unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating, I believe that my role will be invaluable to understanding and unlocking this disease for future patients.”
We are deeply grateful to Melissa for sharing her story and for her support of the scleroderma community.
