Consolidating Spoons
“I quit.” I did not say it like that. But the meaning was there. For five years I have served …
Living
Golden Years, Re-Written
I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 20. At the time, I had an “A” plan. I was …
The Art of Doing Nothing
“Doing nothing often leads to the very best of something.” —Winnie the Pooh One of my secret goals for this …
Yes, I CAN Meditate!
It’s funny how powerful our mental blocks can be. I’ve long heard about the powerful benefits of meditation. For instance, …
Ask Me About My RA
“Nothing happens in contradiction to nature, only in contradiction to what we know of it. And that’s a place to …
Could A Scorpion Take the Sting Out of RA?
Ever since I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I’ve kept my fingers crossed for scientists to identify …
I Am Not Pitiful
This past week a friend asked about my health. They were sincere in wanting to know how I was doing, …
What is a Pain Management Specialist? Should I See One?
Pain management specialists are physicians who have special training in treating all kinds of pain. Pain can arise from …
The Walking Dilemma
If you have RA, or OA, or are of any active age you have heard time worn sayings like “move …
RA Snapshot: A Cold Day
On a cold morning, leaving the refuge of my soft bed and heated mattress pad is all the harder. …
A Better Understanding of Pain Isn’t Making Talking About it Better
I can’t remember a time when the word, “Pain,” was more loaded, and I’ve been paying attention for a …
Updating Goals for 2019
Reflecting on my goals for the last five years has been really helpful for me to think about the previous …
Sick of Sickness!
I had really been looking forward to saying (shouting?) goodbye to 2018. Why? 2018 was a tough year, especially regarding …
The Miracle of a Well-Timed Good Day
The unpredictable nature of rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD) is an incredibly frustrating aspect of living with this disease. While I’d …
Surprising Triggers
Periodically, I encounter surprising triggers—senses that give me a jolt of anxiety and remind me of negative experiences related …
The NOT To-Do List
I feel like I’m always jotting down “to-do” lists, yet more often than not I’m unable to cross off …
The New Year & Checkpointing
The new year. Every time it happens I always feel compelled to write the standard “hopes and resolutions” piece. Problem …
The Great Sinus Situation of 2018
Oh, my lungs hurt? It’s the methotrexate. My ribs are inflamed? It’s the rheumatoid arthritis. My tongue is …
RA Anxieties: Relationships & Family
In this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing physical illness and its side effects. Phrases in …
Shouldering the Burden
Of all the joints in my body associated with the dreaded RA flare, by far, the most painful for …
