Living

I have previously written about an initial injury (a herniated disc), which led to a very difficult surgery and recovery, and then how adaptations made to move and exist during...

Here at RheumatoidArthritis.net, our community members and the stories they share in our forums are invaluable sources of connection, knowledge, and support for all, no matter where they are in...

Content Note: This article discusses disordered eating. At another regularly scheduled endocrinology appointment, I'm sitting in pent-up anxiety wondering what is wrong with my body. Here we go again. I've...

During the first months of my reverse shoulder surgery recovery, I saw rapid changes and improvements. First the healing, then the strength made great strides in recovery. Now that I’m...

Every time I start a new form of treatment for my rheumatoid arthritis, I've learned that it is key to have an honest conversation with your doctor about what you...

I think we need to come up with a new slogan for rheumatoid arthritis and chronic illness, and the way I’m feeling lately makes me think that the perfect one...

For the past 1.5 years, I have walked a unique journey as I have supported my mom through stage 4 melanoma, a type of skin cancer that has spread to...

As I finish my prerequisites and slowly work towards my veterinary school applications, I am constantly bombarded by the fact that my chronic illness might be the main reason why...

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis over 19 years ago. Since my diagnosis, my ability to get a sound sleep has been greatly impaired. I have trouble falling asleep, and...

Unless you have RA — or another chronic illness — you probably won't understand this. But in July, I had my last appointment with my rheumatologist in Florida. This rheumatologist...

When I was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, I was already living with Crohn's disease, another autoimmune disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, I was actually already...

When I had my knee infection and revision surgery about 10 years ago, I told everyone my goal for recovery: to stand and walk. It was my fifth joint replacement...

Here at RheumatoidArthritis.net, our community members and the stories they share in our forums are invaluable sources of connection, knowledge, and support for all, no matter where they are in...

"Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!" Do you ever feel that way? Sometimes I feel like my ride is a never-ending roller coaster with twists, turns, and...

That old familiar feeling. Those of us who have been living with RA for a while know what it feels like when the illness flares up. Whether you have been...

Stress management is a key element of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease management. Because, for many of us, stress is a key contributor to ongoing battles with flares and fatigue. However...

It's hard to believe the big day has come: I graduated with my master of arts (MA) degree in literature, media, and culture in May 2023. This has been a...

As a newbie to the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) community (although not a newbie to the chronic illness community), I truly had no idea about the treatment options when it came...

Here at RheumatoidArthritis.net, our community members and the stories they share in our forums are invaluable sources of connection, knowledge, and support for all, no matter where they are in...

Read the first part of this article here. As a child, my juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (now called juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA) was extremely aggressive. Starting with my left knee...