Mariah Z. Leach

Not everyone in the RheumatoidArthritis.net community has children of their own at home, but I know there are many who have grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or who act as godparents...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition, and most of us living with RA know from personal experience how inflammation can impact our joints! But how else might that...

We’ve all heard it over and over (and over and over) again: it’s so important for people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to exercise. Physical fitness can be extremely useful...

At the age of fourteen, Laurie Proulx first started showing signs of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (which is now called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis). Today, Laurie is the mother of two children...

As I explained in a previous post, about a year ago my sex life was really suffering – partly as the result of having two very young children but also...

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is a professional organization committed to improving the care of patients living with rheumatic diseases. Each year, ACR hosts a meeting attended by rheumatologists...

Though it isn’t often talked about, I think most people living with RA would agree that RA can have a very negative impact on a person’s sex life. Pain and...

Communication is an essential part of maintaining a healthy relationship – it’s how we share our thoughts, ideas, feelings, and desires with our partners. But, in a relationship where one...

Here’s a scenario I’d like you to consider: two people are currently experiencing acute and intense pain. The first person is generally in perfect health and almost never experiences pain...

This article explains how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires medications to be labeled concerning the safety of use during pregnancy and breastfeeding – and if the first...

A diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) impacts more than just the person who receives it. Even if you have no personal experience living with a chronic illness, if your loved...

There are many benefits to babywearing – from increased bonding, to reduced crying, and the ability to get something done! But for parents living with rheumatoid arthritis, there may be...

I’m only four years into my experience as a mom, but even in that short amount of time I can make this statement with complete authority: being a mom is...

Since being diagnosed with RA, the biggest challenges I have personally faced have all been related to pregnancy and parenting. It was back in 2011, before I was even married...

Though the statistics vary somewhat from state to state, nationwide about 65% of all disability claims are denied on the first application. Luckily, receiving a denial does not mean that...

After the long, confusing process of applying for Social Security disability benefits, it is understandably very frustrating to receive a denial. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) has no official...

When you live with a chronic illness or disability, it can sometimes be difficult to function in the workplace. However, many workers who are struggling may be reluctant to speak...

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits The Social Security Administration is a branch of the United States federal government that provides disability benefits to individuals who cannot work due to...

In November, I attended a session entitled Sexual Issues in Rheumatology: Assessment and Intervention at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting. The session presenters were Doctor Mijal Luria, of...

Almost five years ago, I talked with my rheumatologist about altering my treatment plan so that my husband and I could try to start a family. Though my rheumatologist was...