The Armor of Rheumatoid ArthritisI sometimes feel like an armadillo. Sounds very strange, I know. But I think it is intriguing to look at how we relate to other animals in nature in terms of...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Taking Humira Weekly: A Worsening of RA SymptomsI’m not sure what’s been making my RA worse lately, but my joints are in a lot more pain and my bloodwork has gotten worse. So much to the point...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Getting Used to the Stares AgainI haven’t been out much in the last few months. (Understatement of the year, right?!) So, I actually am not used to being around people. Other than living with my...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Just Color It: 6 Benefits of Coloring for Individuals with Rheumatoid ArthritisI can remember, from an early age, loving to color. I would spend hours upon hours choosing the perfect colors for my picture. Absolutely, I would get lost in my...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments
The Pitfalls of Seronegative RAAs many as a third of people with rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD) are diagnosed with what is called seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. This means that rheumatoid factor is not present in...Reactions0reactionsComments56 comments
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known When Diagnosed with Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatoid arthritis has become such an integrated part of my life that it is hard to believe it’s been 13.5 years since I was diagnosed. Fortunately, I’ve learned a few...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
How I Catch Some ZZZsI am very lucky that I do not have any sleep disorders but I still have trouble falling asleep and staying that way. I haven’t pinpointed the reason. It could...Reactions0reactionsComments23 comments
RA-darYes, I do believe that after 25 years with RA I have developed an ability to sense when someone I am around has RA. I call it RA-dar. I certainly...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
My RA Hands: Shades of Pink, Purple, Red, White, and BlueAbout three years ago, I was diagnosed with Raynaud’s syndrome as secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. My hands can get really cold and alternate between turning whitish to purplish. My feet...Reactions0reactionsComments18 comments
Take the Connected Health Survey! (CLOSED)In the digital age, there are so many devices, websites, and technologies related to health. From fitness trackers to mobile apps, we use connected health technology to track symptoms, monitor...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Habit FormingI've written quite a few articles on my attempts at spontaneity and changes in habits. I appreciate routine and its benefits for my rheumatoid arthritis. If I take my medications...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
There Is No Secondary Gain in Chronic Pain Secondary gain is a psychoanalytic term for the advantages someone with pain has because of their chronic pain. The idea is that some people exaggerate their symptoms, consciously or unconsciously...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
Describing the Worst Days with Chronic PainIn September of 2019, Health Union (the parent company of RheumatoidArthritis.net) partnered with the US Pain Foundation for our first ever Chronic Pain in America survey to ask members of...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
RA Medication InteractionsPrior to being diagnosed with RA, I took no prescription medications. I was able to get up out of bed each day and not have to worry about remembering what...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
How to Avoid the RA “Snake Oil” MarketersI clearly remember that once I began to do any type of research or reading online with regard to rheumatoid arthritis, it was not long before I began to get...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Tips for Opening All Kinds of Doors with RAUnlocking doors, using keys, and twisting handles can be difficult when you have rheumatoid arthritis pain in your hands. Occupational therapist and our RheumatoidArthritis.net patient advocate Cheryl Crow is here...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
My 20th RAnniversaryIn September 2000, my life changed. I was 22 years old and was in what was supposed to be my last semester of college. While I should have been exploring...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Could a JAK Inhibitor Be Right for Your Rheumatoid Arthritis?Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have changed the landscape of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment and improved the quality of life for many people living with the condition. However, only about 30...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
To My RA, Thank You!!!The uninvited house guest. I have for years compared my arthritis to an uninvited houseguest that just won’t leave. I never invited RA to come into my life. Honestly, even...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Caring for Our Emotional Well-Being & Mental HealthPracticing self-care looks different for each of us. For some, self-care means looking after our physical well-being. For others, it also means taking action to better our mental or emotional...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments