I Am Enough
Every once in a while I come across a string of words that rocks me to my core. A few …
Tamara Haag
The Travel Hangover
Those of us living with rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD) are familiar with the interplay of activity, rest, and pain …
Four Years and 200 Articles Later
It’s nearing two decades since my diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD). Before long, the post-diagnosis length of my …
The RA Benefits of Yoga
In the 18 years since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD), I have tried numerous medications, over-the-counter …
By Tamara Haag4 months ago
The Neglected RA Symptom: Infections
Rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD) is a misunderstood condition. First, there are the common public misperceptions about the disease. Most …
You Might Be Swollen If . . .
If one were to think of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD) as a social clique, pain is …
A Pleasant Sandal Surprise
Summer is coming, and with it comes sandal season. While some people may enjoy making purchases for the changing …
RA Kryptonite
There are times when I feel on top of the world: capable, effective, useful, powerful. In these moments, the future …
Tips for Doctors to Become More Patient-Centered
“First, do no harm” is a common expectation patients have of their doctors. However, over the years I’ve had a …
Bad Genes
Last year, my then-four-year-old son had a terrible cold/flu season that extended through May. In the course of six …
RA Daydreams: A Disease Genie
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel like a nightmare, which sometimes leads me to daydreaming about things that …
This Is 40
I recently hit the big 4-0. While many people are living more vibrant elder years than was once common, thanks …
My Body Is Important Too
Over the nearly two decades that I’ve lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis/Rheumatoid Disease (RA/RD), I’ve realized that stress is …
Homebody for the Holidays
The holiday season can be wonderful, giving people an excuse to decorate their homes with color during the dreary …
The Calm After The Storm
Those of us living with rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD) can have our lives upturned at a moment’s notice by …
Pain and Silence
Anyone who knows me would say I talk a lot. I’m friendly, loquacious, extroverted, and open. I always received full …
By Tamara Haag11 months ago
The Difference Between Illness and Chronic Illness
Everyone has dealt with illness, whether it’s a stomach bug or strep throat or the common cold. Many have …
Sometimes I Have Only Hate for RA
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age of 22, after years of symptoms and misdiagnoses from the time …
Dancing It Out
Those who have watched the tv show Grey’s Anatomy are likely familiar with the phrase “dance it out.” When the …
I Wish You Could Live in My Body for a Day
I am lucky to have many supportive people in my life. In this online community people have shared being …