Learning to Speak RAWhen you’re diagnosed with RA you become a member of an exclusive club. To quote the iconic comic, Groucho Marx (and others...reactions1comment
I Am EnoughEvery once in a while I come across a string of words that rocks me to my core. A few months ago...reactions28comments
The Need for Better Diagnostic and Individualized Tests for RAThere are several blood tests that rheumatologists currently use to diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an...reactions5comments
Weasel WordsI believe the two most disheartening words you can hear from a doctor are “chronic pain.” As in “You have chronic pain.”...reactions16comments
RA Medicine Treatment PrimerFor those who have only been recently diagnosed with RA, the treatment options can be overwhelming. There are Biologics, DMARDs, NSAIDs, steroids...reactionscomments
Early Morning Exercise for the Late NighterExercise, as tolerated, and sufficient sleep and rest, are integral parts of rheumatoid arthritis management. Both in combination can elevate mood (depression...reactions2comments
What Scares MeWhen I had my first joint replacements, I remember telling a friend that I was worried about the lifespan of my joints...reactions3comments
No. 3 - Find a Rheumatologist You TrustThis is the third of ten things I’d like to go back and tell my newly diagnosed self about living with RA...reactions8comments
Mamas Facing Forward – A Community to Help Mamas Facing Chronic Illnesses Move ForwardI’m only four years into my experience as a mom, but even in that short amount of time I can make this...reactionscomments
Dreamland: RA & The Opiate EpidemicI just finished a fascinating book about the "opioid epidemic" our country is currently embroiled in: "Dreamland: The True Tale of America's...reactions8comments
What's in a Name?I don’t use the common name of the disease I’ve had for almost three decades. Instead, I call it rheumatoid disease, and...reactions8comments
Pregnancy & Parenting With Arthritis – An Interview with Laurie ProulxAt the age of fourteen, Laurie Proulx first started showing signs of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (which is now called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis)...reactionscomments
Surgeries and Rheumatoid ArthritisMany of you have had surgeries. Some of you have had surgeries since the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Then, there are those...reactions2comments
Rheumatic Conditions Quiz: Test Your KnowledgeWhat is a rheumatic disease? A rheumatic disease is an autoimmune and inflammatory condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack...reactions10comments
Habit FormingI've written quite a few articles on my attempts at spontaneity and changes in habits. I appreciate routine and its benefits for...reactions2comments
The Most Important Relationship is......with ourselves. During the time of the year where everyone focuses on their relationships with other people or frantically tries to find...reactions13comments
Remission: Real or Wishful Thinking?The concept of remission was not even on my radar during the first year or so after being diagnosed with RA. My physician...reactions5comments
Understanding A Social Security Disability DenialAfter the long, confusing process of applying for Social Security disability benefits, it is understandably very frustrating to receive a denial. While...reactions5comments
It's Not Too LateI get a flu shot every fall, usually after a routine rheumatologist appointment. The VA medical center where I get my care...reactions8comments
How to Avoid the RA “Snake Oil” MarketersI clearly remember that once I began to do any type of research or reading online with regard to rheumatoid arthritis, it...reactions1comment
