Living

Findings from a recent study indicate that rheumatoid arthritis causes mood disorders. While mood shifts come as no surprise because we are battling pain, limitations, and sleep deprivation, it is...

Oh man, now I really feel bad. My husband had to stay home from work today...sick. He’s finally caught whatever crummy bug I’ve been dealing with over the past several...

In 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...

I 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...

I’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...

Perhaps 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...

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...

Like 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...

I 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...

When 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...

Taking 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...

January 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...

I 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...

As 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...

Colder 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...

When 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...

Hopeful 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)...

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...

Periodically 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...

A 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?...