The Cheese (Ch)EaterI love cheese. I love it so much. And I can taste it right now as I write this: a rich and delicious soft saltiness, melting in my mouth. Of...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
RAlationshipsBeing in a relationship is hard. Anyone who says they have it easy is either lying, or – well, nothing. Lying, that’s it. Laying your soul bare for someone is...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
So Long, SandalsI practically live in my red, double strap Birkenstock sandals. I slide them on as soon as it's warm and dry enough in the spring and wear them as much...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Beware the Pharmacy Benefits ManagerIt’s been a long haul. Last year around this time I realized my current medication wasn’t working as well, that it’s effects were fading. So in December, I made the...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments
When Do I Talk? What Do I Tell?Having a lifelong illness comes with a ton of unique trials and tribulations. There are things that we experience that most people will never understand – couldn’t understand – without...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
There is a Light, Don't Let it Go OutMusic has always been an important part of my life. From as early as age 4-5, I remember my mom playing the radio all the time: in the house, in...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Footwear Transitions and the SeasonsIt is important to transition our footwear from season to season to avoid some RA pitfalls...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Being Let Down by a DoctorWe all know the health care system is changing, and not for the betterment of patients. These days it’s all about reducing costs no matter the impact on patients—especially people...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
It Is Not Too LateYOU ARE NOT TOO OLD AND IT IS NOT TOO LATE! These words of encouragement and empowerment are part of a meme that seems to be going around on Instagram...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Unexpected HelpI admit that I can get feeling cranky and down about things. Lately, I’ve battled the pharmacy benefits manager and been let down by my doctor. It got me thinking...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
The Good LifeI was recently asked to reflect on how I have managed to live with RA for over 20 years, while being a wife of 41 years, a parent of 3...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
I Am EnoughEvery once in a while I come across a string of words that rocks me to my core. A few months ago, I had that experience while watching a Ted...Reactions0reactionsComments28 comments
The Treatment TreadmillWhen I was originally diagnosed with RA and began to consider, along with my care team, how to treat it, I had no idea that the choices would be nearly...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Failing ExpectationsIt can’t be helped, but I’ve done a lot of failing expectations in my life with rheumatoid arthritis. While I’ve worked hard to make a good life for myself and...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
Waking Up is Hard to DoOpen eyes? Check. Stare at the ceiling for five minutes? Check. Make sure pets are still alive? Triple check. Consider everything I have to do that day? Yup. Try to...Reactions0reactionsComments61 comments
Put on a ShowI’ve often said being young with Rheumatoid Arthritis presents some unique challenges and deciding to show my symptoms is a regular debate. I do have a disability placard for my...Reactions0reactionsComments25 comments
The Impact of RA on Quality of Life - Results From the 2018 RA In America SurveyRA comes with a slew of symptoms that impact the day-to-day of those who live with it. Fatigue, pain, stiffness, inflammation, and difficulty sleeping can quite gravely impact the quality...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
RA, PTSD & MeThe other day I read an interesting article that caught my attention, written by my friend Wren for RheumatoidArthritis.net: "The PTSD of RA." She wrote about RA or RD (rheumatoid...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Imagination StationYou know how sometimes someone’s stomach hurts after a meal. The more you think about it the more certain you become that it’s the cause of food poisoning, then you...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Fight ClubI’ve come to realize that my life is fight club. And I’m about to break the first (and second) rules by talking about it. It must have started when I...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments