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
My 20th RAnniversaryIn September 2000, my life changed. I was 22 years old and was in what was supposed to be my last semester...reactions4comments
To My RA, Thank You!!!The uninvited house guest. I have for years compared my arthritis to an uninvited houseguest that just won’t leave. I never invited...reactions1comment
Showing Off My ScarsThroughout the years I’ve accumulated quite a collection of scars. If I were a painted canvas, I would be an original, abstract...reactions4comments
When to See the DoctorWith RA it seems like there is always something going on: pain, swelling, even the occasional fever. So how do you sort...reactions2comments
Your Incredible Shrinking WrenI'm a slightly smaller wee bird these days. In January, I challenged myself to get serious about dropping some excess weight. The reasons...reactions7comments
Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me That?On a recent visit to my rheumatologist, we were sitting with a medical student when my doctor asked me to explain how...reactions18comments
A New MedicationLast December, I made the switch from taking methotrexate and a biologic injection to a new medication: Xeljanz. Methotrexate had worked well...reactions4comments
Caring for Our Emotional Well-Being & Mental HealthPracticing self-care looks different for each of us. For some, self-care means looking after our physical well-being. For others, it also means...reactions1comment
Workplace Discrimination – Know Your Workplace RightsWhen you live with a chronic illness or disability, it can sometimes be difficult to function in the workplace. However, many workers...reactionscomments
When Lupus Limits Physical AffectionDo you know what my husband needs? A hug. A reassuring hand on his arm. A gentle back rub. All simple physical...reactions2comments
Finding a Good RheumatologistPeople who have chronic health conditions like ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or other similar diseases might be advised by their regular doctor or...reactionscomments
Post-Activity Stiffness and Psoriatic ArthritisPlease do not take this as the standard stiffness all of us with psoriatic arthritis usually experience first thing in the mornings...reactionscomments
Ask The Advocate: How PsA Impacts Daily LifePsoriatic arthritis can change how you live your life every single day. This condition is the center of the wheel that outreaches...reactionscomments
Other Health Conditions Experienced Alongside LupusThe journey to receiving a lupus diagnosis can be a long one. The symptoms of lupus can be nonspecific and overlap with...reactionscomments
Living with Fibromyalgia and ASWhen you live with ankylosing spondylitis, the pain is constant. Not to mention the brain fog, extreme fatigue, stiffness, trouble sleeping, and...reactions1comment
Don't Stress Your Next FlareYou know what it is like. You’ve had a really good day, or perhaps week. Everything is going your direction and you...reactions2comments
