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...reactionscomments
Phantom FeversPeriodically and unexpectedly, I come down with fevers. Sometimes they come with other symptoms like coughing, congestion, or headaches. But more often...reactions95comments
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...reactionscomments
Taking ChargeI read and write about these things frequently: I even nag, cajole, and encourage others, like you, to adopt them into your...reactions2comments
Day After DayChronic pain is so different from temporary pain. The ephemeral pain that can be brought on by injury or sickness garners a...reactions2comments
Hands Off!I’m sitting in my wheelchair, minding my own business, while taking the elevator and BAM! Someone decides I look like furniture and grabs...reactionscomments
Do Auto Immune Conditions Target the Go-Getters?I’ve had a nagging thought, a theory really, that only becomes more persistent as I communicate with more and more people with...reactions23comments
How Does RA Impact Quality of Life?What’s life with RA really like? As with many chronic conditions, particularly those considered to be “invisible illnesses”, the full impact an...reactionscomments
When The Holidays Get You Down: It’s The Season Of Giving And I Have Nothing To GiveI can’t get excited about the holidays this year. It all just feels like too much. And ask anyone I know, I...reactions4comments
The Sweaty Side of DrugsSide effects from medications can sometimes be just as uncomfortable and miserable as the condition for which a person is taking them...reactions30comments
What Scares MeWhen I had my first joint replacements, I remember telling a friend that I was worried about the lifespan of my joints...reactions3comments
What We Really Want for ChristmasToday I made my Christmas list for Santa. Don’t those sound great? Yep, but here’s the reality: I already have a four-year-old...reactions2comments
Personal Safety and RAGlance at the news online some morning or turn on the radio or TV at nearly any given moment and you'll find an...reactions4comments
Pain Before Beauty?I like to think of myself as a practical person. However, if I’m honest, I sometimes put vanity and ego before practicality...reactions6comments
'Tis the Season...for Holiday Parties!Hundreds of our RheumatoidArthritis.netcommunity members recently participated in the “Handling the Holidays” survey; Thanks to everyone who took the survey! As we...reactionscomments
What's in a Name?I don’t use the common name of the disease I’ve had for almost three decades. Instead, I call it rheumatoid disease, and...reactions8comments
SociabilityI won’t deny that I love the Internet. I’ve been an avid website explorer, both for fun and for work, since the...reactionscomments
Faking ItMany people with “invisible disabilities” have felt at one point or another that the severity of their condition is called into question...reactions34comments
Preparing for the WorstOn September 13, a 72-year-old disabled woman with multiple sclerosis lost her life in the California wildfire known as the Valley fire...reactions1comment
Let us give thanksThis is without a doubt my absolute favorite time of year. Yes, I actually do better RA wise once the days are...reactionscomments
