Living

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that affects more than joints within the body. It can affect connective tissue and internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, or...

If you were recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were scared, mad, frustrated, anxious, and overwhelmed - sometimes all in the space of ten minutes...

In a post-COVID19 world, it is easier than ever to find yourself sinking into the abyss of depression. Loneliness and isolation are at an all-time high while many of our...

While some appointments can be done virtually using telemedicine, there are still many visits that need to be done in person. If you need to attend an in-person visit, planning...

The Allergies In America survey is now closed! More than 50 million Americans are living with allergies. Allergens can take shape in many forms with widespread and serious effects on...

Perhaps one of the most frustrating things about having rheumatoid arthritis is the cyclical relationship between RA and weight. I’m not sure what other advocates and community members have experienced...

I never remember a time when walking was easy. Yes, I remember when it was easier, but never easy. Being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age two, I also...

Or, pick your poison. Rheumatoid arthritis is a fun disease. It wreaks havoc on every part of our bodies. It provides a full access pass to the carnival of inflammation...

I feel like throughout my journey with RA, this question haunts me as one of the most difficult. Often, I have had to ask this when it comes to so many...

In late April, I came down with COVID-19 and recovered. I feel very fortunate that I had a milder case and recovered without problems, but am still grappling with a...

During normal times, I love to travel. I have been to many places in the US and some lovely places internationally. So I was extremely upset when I saw the...

Recently, I have seen several articles reviewing gizmos and gadgets that help people with rheumatoid arthritis. A couple of these articles have been written by folks with rheumatoid arthritis, but...

Well, I think it’s time, once again, to talk about fatigue. More and more lately, I have seen our community members talking about fatigue and I’ve been sharing my tips...

I recently got back to my swimming regimen after 8 months of not being able to swim in our indoor pool due to its closure. I was thrilled to get back...

…during the pandemic, that is. Yes, I have gotten a couple of takeaways here and there (only things that I could blast in the microwave at home). I have gotten...

I recently had my 20 RAnniversary, having now lived two decades with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease. A reader reached out and shared that she is 22 years old...

The year 2020 has been many things, and for people with RA, it has been a year when timely medical care has often been challenging. This year, my every six-month...

At the end of every year, I like to take the time to reflect on the things that I’ve gained, the things that I’ve lost, and everything in between. Since...

I took middle school Practical Arts. It was required for all 7 graders in my school system in the 1960s. The curriculum consisted of four classes in a 9-week rotation. There was...

One thing I’ve always been proud of is that I rarely got sick. I mean “normie” sick like the flu, colds, and other gross illnesses. I mean, sure, I ended...