What’s Your Canary?
Poor canary. Back before there were noxious gas detectors miners would carry a canary down into the shaft. The canary …
Living
Strength in Digits
I can happily say that except for some osteoporosis in my hips and lumbar spine I have little to no …
The Reality of Care
Until the recent passing of our beloved dog, Leah, I had not really considered the parallels between her situation and …
Do You Remember Your Worst Pain?
When was your last bad flare? The one that was so horrible you thought you were dying? Do you …
Don’t Look Back
As I have moved through the years of my life I found myself, at times, looking back. I like to …
Paralympics Obsession
I confess that I love the Olympics. Every two years, whether summer or winter, you’ll find me nights and …
How Did You React When You Were Diagnosed With RA?
Receiving an RA diagnosis can lead to a variety of conflicting and powerful emotions. Sometimes, these can be fear …
The Importance of Wearing Sunscreen
I grew up a tomboy. I never cared too much for makeup. I only wore sunscreen during the summer …
Farewell Stephen Hawking
Nearly as long as I can remember, I have been a Stephen Hawking fan. While I often didn’t understand his …
Biologic #8: Starting Simponi
I’m about to start another new biologic medication, monthly injections of Simponi, which will be my eighth biologic …
Importance of Normal Conversations
One of the things that I was reminded of lately is how important normal conversations are for coping with …
Being the Right Patient
The doctor who just performed my reverse shoulder replacement is new to me. He is in the …
Menopause in Women With RA: A New Study
Not so lucky for the ladies out there, more women experience RA than men. And if that weren’t …
Autonomy
I am fiercely independent and just a bit stubborn (actually, quite a bit!). While I live with severe rheumatoid …
How I Manage my Never Ending Fatigue
Raise your hand if you’ve ever brought up fatigue with your physician? Raise both hands if there was not …
Let It Snow?
It’s snowing outside now as I write this, which isn’t that unusual for March in Minnesota. March, depressingly, is often …
It’s Not About Pain – It’s About Living
I think we need to change our conversation with our doctors about pain because it’s not really about pain, …
Resilience and RA: A Call To Action
Resilience is the ultimate life skill. We are all innately resilient; life on earth wouldn’t prosper without it. Take …
Benefits of Vacation
I often forget the benefits of vacation on my rheumatoid arthritis until I go on one! Sure, vacations are …
I Spent Most of My 20s Asleep
I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 20. I recently turned 28. Do you know …