"Can We Switch Bodies?" and Other Empathy-Building IdeasThere have been so many times in my life dealing with chronic illnesses that I have wondered what it would be like to take a moment to step out of...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Leveling Up With RALeveling up. It’s for video games, sure, but for those of us who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, we do it every single day. "What could you possibly mean by that?"...Reactions0reactionsComments25 comments
RA in Longer WintersNever in my life have I experienced the amount of snow that has fallen in Wisconsin this winter, and apparently, this is a warm winter for Wisconsin. Coming from Florida...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
When a Fever Amplifies Your RA SymptomsI am hardly ever a person who gets a fever. To be honest, I can count on one hand the number of fevers I experienced during this past year. And...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
The Great Flare DebateWhen you explore Dr. Google for general information about rheumatoid arthritis, you will often see references to the term "flare." Many general information websites discuss flares as if patients with...Reactions0reactionsComments34 comments
Celebrating New Milestones Despite the Fear of Living With RAThis May, I will be celebrating my 20th anniversary of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I was in my twenties when the diagnosis came into my life at the force...Reactions0reactionsComments33 comments
Keep Away, Toothfairy! My Tips for Healthy Teeth and RASince June 2023, I’ve been scared into really taking care of my teeth. Last year, I had a tooth removed due to severe infection and deterioration. It had nothing to...Reactions0reactionsComments28 comments
Sweet Dreams Are Made of This"Wisdom comes through suffering. Trouble, with its memories of pain, drips in our hearts as we try to sleep." -Aeschylus, Agamemnon My sleep hygiene is appalling. It's erratic and unhealthy and...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
Ask Our Health Leaders: How to Get Through the Worst DaysLiving with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be an overwhelming journey filled with physical and emotional challenges. The daily battle against joint pain, fatigue, and uncertainty can leave some people feeling...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Rheumatoid Arthritis Good Days Are As Rare As Leap Years!As you may have realized already, this was a leap year! Time to jump for joy! (Spoiler alert: If you don’t like leaping puns and word play, better click off...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol If You Have RA?Some environment and lifestyle factors can make rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and progression worse. One of the most well known is smoking. The relationship between RA and alcohol, however, is...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
RA, Chronic Illness, and Lost TimeOne of the things that comes along with chronic illness that almost never gets talked about is the inordinate amount of time it takes. I’m not talking about flare-ups or...Reactions0reactionsComments21 comments
Heart Health and RA: A New and Unexpected PainIt's that time again: I've developed yet another pain and complication because of my RA. For those of you who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know this feeling of dread...Reactions0reactionsComments33 comments
RA or Other? Distinguishing Symptoms and Self-AdvocatingI live with several comorbid conditions along with rheumatoid arthritis. Some of them have distinct symptoms, but many of them happen to cause similar responses in my body. Recently, I've...Reactions0reactionsComments54 comments
4 Treatment Hurdles and How to Overcome ThemTreating our rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can come in many forms. Some of us choose to manage it with traditional pharmaceutical medications, while others choose alternative methods such as functional medicine...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The RA Fun Never Stops? Here We Go Again...Well, here we are again, on the roller coaster. Now, I know what you are thinking... "Who doesn’t love a roller coaster?" Well, I don’t. Real ones and emotional ones...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A Weighted Blanket is an RA Must-HaveI have a dear friend whose love language translates to mysterious Amazon packages showing up at my doorstep. Sometimes the items are funny, such as a bizarre pair of lobster...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Why I Look Forward to Infusion DayI recently had an infusion, something that happens 4 times a year for me. As I was getting settled in my chair, I realized I was happy to be there...Reactions0reactionsComments21 comments
My Journey With Community Acupuncture and RASince my diagnosis over 19 years ago, I have implemented a holistic approach in treating my rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I use of combination of Western medication, dietary changes, exercise, physical therapy...Reactions0reactionsComments22 comments
Stopping and Starting HumiraI recently went through a painful experience. I woke up one morning in incredible pain; my neck was almost locked up, I couldn't move my hand, and I felt just...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments