Advice from A Sexual Counselor For Chronic PatientsIn November, I attended a session entitled Sexual Issues in Rheumatology: Assessment and Intervention at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting. The session presenters were Doctor Mijal Luria, of... By Mariah Z. Leach3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Free To BeI have a tendency to overdo things. A perfectionist and “type A” personality, I hold myself to very high standards. My worldview is a sea of potential projects, with constant... By Tamara Haag4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Assistive DevicesI’m amazed when I stop and think about how many “assistive devices” I now have in my life. I’m not talking about canes, crutches, or walkers (although I own all... By Carla Kienast3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Not So Bad After AllPerhaps it’s the change to colder weather, but I have not been feeling well. My joints are generally achier and I’m experiencing more stiffness. I think increased exhaustion also brings... By Kelly Mack2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Did RA Fatigue Kill My Relationship?Fatigue is one of the most difficult RA symptoms to treat, and over the last year and a half, it has been my most pernicious symptom in dealing with my... By Leslie Rott2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments19 comments
Beginning AgainLike a lot of people, I don’t have much regard for New Year’s resolutions. Why, I always wonder, should I make myself a bunch of promises that I’ll break long... By Wren4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Please and thank youI often feel that in today's world we are all so busy and in such a rush to get our point across that we sometimes forget the simple value of... By Nan Hart3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Own Best FriendWhen I’m with a friend who makes a disparaging comment about herself, I often respond, “Hey, don’t talk about my friend that way.” I hate to hear people I love... By Tamara Haag3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments8 comments
The good, the bad and the uglyTaking a look at RA from the perspective of the good, the bad and the ugly reveals some interesting insights worth sharing. Let's start with the good. For me the good... By Nan Hart3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
New Year, New BillsJanuary 1st is usually a date that's welcome and met with hope and enthusiasm, a chance for people to meet goals and better their lives in the new year. Not... By Angela Lundberg4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
If It’s Not One Hip, It’s The OtherI went to Washington, DC over the summer to visit some good friends of mine. I spent one of the days wandering around by myself, checking out many of the... By Leslie Rott2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
A Reminder on LimitsAs a care-giver, I feel both happy and fortunate to see my wife responding well to her medication, Rituxan. Over the past six years, Lisa’s Rituxan infusions have brought her... By Rob3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Community Thoughts: Handling RA Stiffness in the MorningsColder weather can hit with full force - and mornings, especially winter mornings, can be a challenge for many people with rheumatoid arthritis. So we asked our Facebook community: What tips do... By Stephanie Huston3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
HurdlesWhen I was a little girl, I hated getting shots. Annual vaccinations for school were bad enough but when you were sick and had to go to the doctor, it... By Carla Kienast2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Less Need for Assistive DevicesHopeful news from a study reports that modern treatments work to minimize the need for assistive devices (like jar openers, long-handled reachers, raised toilet seats, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and others)... By Kelly Mack2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Evaluating the Doctor’s Office: Who Do You Talk To About Laboratory Results?Earlier this week I was meeting a new rheumatologist to possibly replace my doctor who has retired. Ahead of time I picked a few questions to help determine if we might... By Lisa Emrich3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Phantom FeversPeriodically and unexpectedly, I come down with fevers. Sometimes they come with other symptoms like coughing, congestion, or headaches. But more often, they arrive and depart mysteriously. Over the years... By Kelly Mack3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments67 comments
Pain DiscriminationA recent article in TheNew York Times took me by surprise the other day: "Minorities Get Less Pain Treatment in E.R." Although, sadly, maybe I shouldn't be that surprised by it?... By Angela Lundberg2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Taking ChargeI read and write about these things frequently: I even nag, cajole, and encourage others, like you, to adopt them into your lifestyle because of the all-around good they can... By Wren5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Day After DayChronic pain is so different from temporary pain. The ephemeral pain that can be brought on by injury or sickness garners a certain level of respect. Used to feeling well... By Tamara Haag3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments