Learning about My DisabilityI’ve always considered myself lucky with my Rheumatoid Disease. My clinical symptoms don’t stop me from working, rock-climbing, and generally taking care of myself or my pets. However, recently I...reactions16comments
The Elephant in My RheumRemission is that big idea that often hides like the elephant in the room when I talk to my doctors or other Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. It also hides in my...reactions4comments
My Strange HandsI know that my hands look different, but I am used to them. They are small and my fingers are short and stubby. More than that, several of them have...reactions22comments
Regular and Continuous Movement Prevents FlaresNan discusses the importance of intentional and frequent movement throughout the day and how it can make a difference in preventing flares & RA pain management...reactions5comments
The Sleep TestAs I had written earlier, one of my doctors was worried that I may have sleeping problems. To be honest, over the years a few doctors had mentioned sleep apnea...reactions12comments
What Pain WantsI'm currently reading a fantastic book about living with chronic pain, "Pain Woman Takes Your Keys, and Other Essays from a Nervous System" by Sonya Huber. Huber herself struggles with rheumatoid...reactions9comments
When the Harassment Plan Doesn't WorkKelly Mack recently wrote an article on her techniques to make sure prescriptions and other medical procedures run smoothly through her insurance company. I agree with her article and often...reactions6comments
Traveling with RAI love to travel. I love exploring new places and new cultures. If you're also like me in that you have RA, you know that traveling can be a struggle...reactions1comment
Where It Doesn’t HurtIn recent months I’ve been meditating, and this practice has helped me shift my brain’s focus from the pain in my body. As I’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease...reactions8comments
Fatigue-Inspired BlundersOne of the worst things about autoimmune illness is the lack of energy. It makes everything else worse, and it saps time like nothing else. Be that as it may...reactions15comments
Not Talking About the PainI know that every day I have pain. I know that the name for this state of being is called living with chronic pain. I know that my pain comes...reactions25comments
What Happens if Obamacare is Struck Down: Part 1President Trump is back with a vengeance, once again trying to repeal Obamacare a.k.a. the Affordable Care Act, (ACA) and all of the health care protections and provisions the act...reactions4comments
What Does 'Remission' Mean to Me?The definition of remission is “a temporary or permanent decrease or subsidence of manifestations of a disease”. No symptoms? No need for meds? It sounds like something I’ll never achieve...reactions27comments
'Normal' ?It is fascinating that people ask about what is a ‘normal’ day, week or life with Rheumatic Disease (RD)? This question led me to ask myself what is ‘normal’? According...reactions5comments
Guinea PigI need to start by saying I am incredibly grateful to have found a medication that is making a difference in my rheumatoid arthritis in the most substantial way I...reactions4comments
Sleep Hygiene as a Defense Against RA PainsomniaPeople with rheumatoid arthritis have more than a passing acquaintance with painsomnia—the sleep-disrupting pain caused by RA. In fact, more than half suffer from suboptimal sleep, thanks to pain. Throbbing...reactions1comment
Seven Ways to Improve InjectionsMany RA medications come in the form of self-injectables. Over the last 18 years I have heard many people complain that they cannot learn to give themselves injections or if they...reactions5comments
Feeling Good When I Don’t Feel GoodLife with JRA has meant that for the majority of my life I haven’t felt good in one way or another. The triad of chronic inflammation, chronic pain, and fatigue...reactions3comments
Questions for the Newly DiagnosedA rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis can be a lot to process. Yes, you're finally relieved to know what was causing all those awful symptoms like pain, unprecedented morning stiffness, and...reactionscomments
How to Treat Your Eyes with KindnessIn this video, I discuss some strategies for easing the discomfort that RA often causes to our eyes...reactions1comment
