How Do You Feel Good When You Rarely Feel Good?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...reactions4comments
HAHAHAI 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...reactions2comments
Crash Course in Emergency PreparationMy 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...reactions4comments
Pharmacy Benefits Managers: A Patient's PerspectiveThe 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...reactions2comments
How You Receive Your Treatment Affects You FinanciallyWe 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...reactions20comments
Rise and ShineI 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...reactions1comment
Treatment UncertaintyAbout 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...reactions7comments
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 Opiate Epidemic" by Sam Quinones. Quinones, a journalist...reactions8comments
Now You See It, Now You Don't: The Invisible Nature of RAMy 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...reactions2comments
Unhealthy StandardsA 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...reactionscomments
Internet InspirationThere 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...reactionscomments
The Importance of RehabRecently 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...reactions2comments
Transitioning to Fall and Winter WeatherUsually 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...reactions2comments
The Last DaysWith 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...reactions6comments
“How are you doing?” Can Be a Complicated QuestionA 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...reactions10comments
Aides to the RescueAt 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...reactionscomments
Why I Became a Pain Relief Trailblazer and Why You Should TooPain 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...reactions1comment
Seeing the Basket as Half FoldedLiving with a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can make it challenging to feel like a productive person. The inflammation this disease causes can decrease range of motion, making...reactions3comments
Let's Get RealSo how do we deal with the day to day realities of RA? First of all we need to be honest about every aspect of this chronic disease. By that...reactionscomments
Attitude Makes a DifferenceIn previous articles, I’ve written about finding a good doctor and firing bad ones. But another important part of my experience with good clinical support focuses on the staff at...reactions2comments
