Living

Recently I returned to physical therapy (PT) for some refresher sessions. When I last met with my rheumatologist we spoke about my questioning if my medications were working as well...

So for the last couple of years, both of my great toes have been painful, in different ways, and in different spots, but nonetheless, restricting my ability to walk as...

Growing up with severe rheumatoid arthritis was not easy—physically nor emotionally and mentally. Looking back, I feel grateful that I had supportive family and friends. But I also had some...

Rheumatoid arthritis is a physical disease that is harmful to emotional health. For most of my life I resisted this fact, mostly because I didn't want to be saddled with...

I LOVE TO LAUGH.  I simply cannot imagine my life without humor.  I grew up with a particularly witty and fun loving brother and so it is integral to my...

My husband and I recently had a crash course in emergency preparation because we happened to be visiting Orlando when hurricane Irma came through. Just to be clear—we were safe...

The time for my next dose of medication passed. I stared at my hands and feet, and worried. A week went by with no inflammation. Then it happened: a twinge...

We know that RA drugs are expensive, but did you know that how you receive your treatment (pill, injection, or infusion) can affect you financially? As we enter the crazy...

I still have fond memories from when I was a little girl and my mom would come into my bedroom, first thing in the morning, to wake me up for...

About this time last year I switched biologics because the old one wasn’t working for me anymore. While the new biologic never helped as much as the previous one, it...

I just finished a fascinating book about the "opioid epidemic" our country is currently embroiled in: "Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic" by Sam Quinones. Quinones, a journalist...

My husband Todd went on a mountain bike ride yesterday. It was his birthday and as a former professional bike racer this is something he loves to do. Later, at...

A French woman who has traveled the world and lived in several different countries moved to the United States a few months ago. She had this to say about the...

There are countless memes and posts of "word inspiration" splashed all over social media every second of the day, I'd argue. Many of them probably scroll right by you, unnoticed...

Recently my husband and I have been discussing whether I should go to physical therapy for a few ‘tune up’ sessions. Rehabilitation or physical therapy sessions have been very helpful...

Usually my best time of year with fewer rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is summer. My joints feel better in the heat and my energy levels improve. This year we’ve had a...

With a title like “The Last Days” one might wonder if I’m referring to something as monumental as the last days of life or the last days before the apocalypse...

A friend asks me “how are you doing” and I freeze. It’s like being stunned with a taser. I just don’t know what to say. A simple question from a...

At various times during my life with rheumatoid arthritis I have needed help to assist me with my limitations. This includes after surgeries, like joint replacements. But it also includes...

Pain is one of the most fascinating, frustrating and excruciating life experiences we all get to have. It is a universal experience, yet so individual in its presentation that it...