Living

While certainly not inevitable, joint replacement is a viable treatment option for many people with RA when the effects of joint damage is no longer being adequately managed by other...

You’d think all the problems that rheumatoid arthritiscauses—the pain, disability, fatigue, fevers, and that general, all-around cruddy feeling—would be enough. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong. It turns out there’s a whole...

Shortly after the new millennium began I set off to study abroad at the University of Oxford in England. I was a 22 year old college senior, and the world...

“Well, your tests look good.” I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this, but if I were to take a guess I’d start by multiplying the 14 years since...

It’s been eight years now since Lisa was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and in that time, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to provide her care and support...

I am not a morning person. I pretty much hate mornings, actually. Even before I had RA, I was always happier and more comfortable being a "Night Owl" and getting...

We all know that, as with all professions, doctors are not created equal. Ranging from excellent to mediocre to having their medical licenses revoked, physicians all bring different levels of...

A recent report noted that prescription drug prices rose 13 percent last year. Most of the increase in costs is attributed to specialty drugs designed to treat chronic conditions.Rheumatoid arthritis...

Today is a glorious, sunny day. Sure, it’s still cold. Brrrrrrrr. But more than one living creature in our household is finding treasured sunny spots in which to lie and...

About 3 years ago, my voice started getting hoarse now and then. I’d be talking to someone, just minding my own beeswax and boom — suddenly, I was croaking. It...

I have always loved children. When I was a child myself I carried around baby dolls and stuffed animals swaddled in blankets. At the age of eight years old, I...

Just as my condition fluctuates, so does my self-perception. There are days when I am achy, and I want only to rest. Often on days like that I second-guess myself...

Ready to try a new medication? Just follow these 100 easy steps and you’ll be giving it a try it in no time! (Since this is only a slight exaggeration...

I did not make the decision to become pregnant lightly. My husband and I knew that we both wanted kids, and agreed on this common goal before getting engaged. The...

It’s been a rough few months with an increase in fatigue, a noticeable lack of energy, difficulty sleeping soundly, and low motivation levels. It just feels like I’m sick all...

Even as a young child I remember that I couldn’t pass in public. What I mean is that I always stuck out, no matter how I tried, because people could...

When I’m in a flare, every subtle sensation on my body can be agonizing. This is hard enough to contend with when I’m by myself, in those moments when the...

I recently passed the two-year mark in recovering from left knee replacement revision surgery following an infected prosthesis. After 20 years my left knee replacement had developed an infection, which...

We are living in an age of ever-increasing medical options. While it is wonderful to have options, the process of finding which medicine regimen works best can be daunting, and...

6:45 am: My current RA treatment isn’t working. I have an appointment with my rheumatologist next week to figure out what to try next, but in the meantime I am...