Waking Up is Hard to Do
Open eyes. Check. Stare at the ceiling for five minutes. Check. Make sure pets are still alive. Triple check. …
Monica Y. Sengupta
Put on a Show
I’ve often said being young with Rheumatoid Arthritis presents some unique challenges and deciding to show my symptoms …
Imagination Station
You know how sometimes someone’s stomach hurts after a meal. The more you think about it the more certain you …
The Morning After…
I recently crashed at a friend’s house overnight because I was too sleepy to drive home. As a 20-something, you …
Bottom of the Barrel
Last month my father underwent an arthroscopy, or knee cleaning. During high school, forty some years ago, he sustained a …
Familiar Lessons
My mother’s death day anniversary was at the beginning of August. She passed away when I was 12 and not …
Why I Like Going to the Doctor’s
I used to hate going to the doctor’s. It was time ill spent and usually came with needle sticks, blood …
What Does it Feel Like?
“What does it feel like?” my friend asked (asking generally what the pain of RA – the experience of …
By Monica Y. Sengupta8 months ago
Pride Rock
“Ow, I hurt.” “WHY DIDN’T YOU ASK FOR HELP??” “…” I recently wrote an article asking why I continually …
RA or not RA?
One of my favorite summer shows is about a concierge doctor in the Hamptons, New York. In one episode, a …
Gotta Love It, Gotta Hate It, You Just Gotta Take It
When you fall in love with someone you expect, no, you hope you feel this burning passion for them. …
Young and In…RA?
Rheumatoid Arthritis presents a unique set of challenges that most people cannot fathom. This autoimmune condition causes odd …
I Call ‘Time Out’!
If you could call “time out” on your Rheumatoid Arthritis for 24 hours (with no repercussions the following day), …
Support in Unlikely Places
A very interesting thing happened to me a few weeks ago: I attended my 10-year high school reunion. First of …
Spontaneity: A Side Effect of Rheumatoid Arthritis??
Growing up I was pretty straight-laced. I didn’t break the rules or push my limits. Even after my mother passed …
The Monster Under the Bed
How many times did we cry for our parents at night, convinced there was a monster under the bed? At …
Me, Myself and Rock-Climbing
I’ve mentioned I’m an avid rock-climber in previous articles. It is not only a sport I hold dear but it …
Swamp Monster
I live in the same place I grew up. I guess I love it, maybe? The biggest reason I love …
Why Do I Keep Doing That??
When was the last time you pushed yourself too far and suffered the consequences of extra pain, stiffness and …
Help Wanted
When was the last time someone did something inexplicably beautiful for you? It really amazes me that civility is lost …