Tooth Decay and RAI have had issues with my teeth ever since my RA diagnosis (circa 2010). I went from perfect pearly whites to hell in my mouth in the span of a...Reactions0reactionsComments49 comments
How RA and Chronic Illness Make Us More EmpatheticWhy do those of us who live with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic illness make such good caretakers? Well, I think it comes down to 1 thing — the "e" word...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments
When the Cold Strikes Yet Again!Going into the fall and winter months means the cold is returning, even to the warmest parts of the country. Around this time last year in Florida, our temperatures went...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Using Hygge to Cope With RAEvery fall as the weather turns colder and the leaves begin changing from green to red and orange, I curl up with a cozy blanket (and usually some ibuprofen) and...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
The Battle of Fitting Into ShoesLiving with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as you all know, is a constant test. A gauntlet that must be run on a daily basis that takes years to learn how to...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
You May Fail at Something, but Try It AnywaysFor many years, I had wanted to learn how to knit or crotchet. Then, in 2004, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). My hands constantly hurt, my coordination is...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Why Is It So Hard to Say No?I’m definitely a yes person. In an ideal world, I’d be getting up in the morning and saying yes to social engagements, walks with my dog, trips, and all the...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
RA and Recurrent Stress FracturesI have previously written about an initial injury (a herniated disc), which led to a very difficult surgery and recovery, and then how adaptations made to move and exist during...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Community Forums Roundup: Support for the Undiagnosed and Newly DiagnosedHere at RheumatoidArthritis.net, our community members and the stories they share in our forums are invaluable sources of connection, knowledge, and support for all, no matter where they are in...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Talking About Eating, RA, and WeightContent Note: This article discusses disordered eating. At another regularly scheduled endocrinology appointment, I'm sitting in pent-up anxiety wondering what is wrong with my body. Here we go again. I've...Reactions0reactionsComments74 comments
Sticking With the ProgramDuring the first months of my reverse shoulder surgery recovery, I saw rapid changes and improvements. First the healing, then the strength made great strides in recovery. Now that I’m...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Realistic Treatment Expectations With RAEvery time I start a new form of treatment for my rheumatoid arthritis, I've learned that it is key to have an honest conversation with your doctor about what you...Reactions0reactionsComments21 comments
RA Just Keeps Taking and Taking and Taking!I think we need to come up with a new slogan for rheumatoid arthritis and chronic illness, and the way I’m feeling lately makes me think that the perfect one...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Is Grief a Pain Trigger for Me?For the past 1.5 years, I have walked a unique journey as I have supported my mom through stage 4 melanoma, a type of skin cancer that has spread to...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
PermanentAs I finish my prerequisites and slowly work towards my veterinary school applications, I am constantly bombarded by the fact that my chronic illness might be the main reason why...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
My Journey With RA, Insomnia, and a Bedtime Story PodcastI was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis over 19 years ago. Since my diagnosis, my ability to get a sound sleep has been greatly impaired. I have trouble falling asleep, and...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
My Last Rheumatologist Appointment in FloridaUnless you have RA — or another chronic illness — you probably won't understand this. But in July, I had my last appointment with my rheumatologist in Florida. This rheumatologist...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
The Unavoidable Challenges of Being ImmunocompromisedWhen I was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, I was already living with Crohn's disease, another autoimmune disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, I was actually already...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments
Leaving the Door Open to PossibilityWhen I had my knee infection and revision surgery about 10 years ago, I told everyone my goal for recovery: to stand and walk. It was my fifth joint replacement...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
New Humira Biosimilars for RA Treatment in 2023Humira® (adalimumab) is a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. Humira is created using live cells to make a specific antibody. This antibody targets a specific protein...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments