Not Cured YetThe first blood test result after starting my new medication, I actually didn’t believe it. I thought there was an error at the blood lab. But after a second test...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Treating RA During the "Opioid Crisis"I’ve had rheumatoid disease (arthritis) for more than 30 years, and I’m very interested in how the “opioid crisis” affects patients like myself. So, I’ve been reading articles in rheumatology...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Pain is RelativeWe’re all familiar with that common and oh-so-subjective medical tool, the pain rating scale. “On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you rate your pain?” is a common...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
The Value of RA Related Pre-Pain CluesAt first thought, it may seem strange to discuss pre-pain as a concept but I believe it is a distinctive part of RA and one worth tuning in to. It...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
Brain Fog and RA – What Do Researchers Know?Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition, and most of us living with RA know from personal experience how inflammation can impact our joints! But how else might that...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
“How Are You Today?” and Other Hard QuestionsEach time I encounter another person I face a choice: should I pretend to be the person I think I’m supposed to be or should I be authentic? Whenever we...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Goodbye (and Good Riddance!) 2018: Part 2Part 2 of "Goodbye (and Good Riddance!) 2018" After suffering from painful whiplash from a car accident, an excruciating throat infection, and bizarre back spasms that landed me in the...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Practicing PatienceI’m guilty of not always being a patient person. But I cover it up well! I was recently surprised when a friend commented on how patient I am (with my...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
On Being an OptimistI am, and at the age of 64, will likely remain, an optimist by nature. I have always lived with the outlook that there is a positive side to nearly...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
There's Always EvidenceI speak about my seronegative Rheumatoid Disease often because it irritates me. I am a scientist so it does bother me! I strongly believe there is a reason for everything...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
Is It RA or Not and Does It Matter?How to differentiate between RA and non-RAsymptoms, which are perhaps, just as important...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Too Close For ComfortThere are many things to hate about rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease [RA/RD]. There’s the pain, immobility, and crippling fatigue. There’s the cost, time, discomfort, and side effects of medical treatment. There...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
Bills. Bills. Bills.Medical billing. Just saying those two words is enough to make a Delta Force soldier cringe. It’s something all of us who are chronically ill deal with and it’s the...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
Endless Decisions and RAJust like life in general, living with rheumatoid arthritis is a series of endless decisions. From the very big decisions about medication to the daily decisions about how much activity...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Carpal Tunnel and Rheumatoid ArthritisMy career in the salon industry has been an extremely successful one. For the past 16 years, I have built my business and reputation on hard work and a listening...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Goodbye (and Good Riddance!) 2018: Part 1I know I'm late writing about the new year (resolution: stop procrastinating!), but I still have some strong thoughts about it. Well, especially about 2018 and what nightmare of a...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Art of Doing Nothing“Doing nothing often leads to the very best of something.” —Winnie the Pooh One of my secret goals for this year is to be better at doing nothing. I’m one...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Yes, I CAN Meditate!It’s funny how powerful our mental blocks can be. I’ve long heard about the powerful benefits of meditation. For instance, the Mayo Clinic states that meditation may help with stress...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
What is a Pain Management Specialist? Should I See One?Pain management specialists are physicians who have special training in treating all kinds of pain. Pain can arise from a number of reasons, including from injury, nerve damage, surgery, or...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Updating Goals for 2019Reflecting on my goals for the last five years has been really helpful for me to think about the previous year and where I hope to go with my health...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments