10 Things You Should Know About Clinical TrialsEach year thousands of clinical trials occur. Learning about clinical trials can feel like you are learning a new language. The good news is that there are lots of resources...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Stepping OutSo for the last couple of years, both of my great toes have been painful, in different ways, and in different spots, but nonetheless, restricting my ability to walk as...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Taking Care of Mental HealthGrowing up with severe rheumatoid arthritis was not easy—physically nor emotionally and mentally. Looking back, I feel grateful that I had supportive family and friends. But I also had some...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How Do You Feel Good When You Rarely Feel Good?Rheumatoid arthritis is a physical disease that is harmful to emotional health. For most of my life I resisted this fact, mostly because I didn't want to be saddled with...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Great ExpectationsStarting a new drug treatment always makes me hopeful. But I’ve learned the hard way to be realistic. Most of us believe in our doctors. We believe the medicines they...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
HAHAHAI LOVE TO LAUGH. I simply cannot imagine my life without humor. I grew up with a particularly witty and fun loving brother and so it is integral to my...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Crash Course in Emergency PreparationMy husband and I recently had a crash course in emergency preparation because we happened to be visiting Orlando when hurricane Irma came through. Just to be clear—we were safe...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Pharmacy Benefits Managers: A Patient's PerspectiveThe time for my next dose of medication passed. I stared at my hands and feet, and worried. A week went by with no inflammation. Then it happened: a twinge...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
How You Receive Your Treatment Affects You FinanciallyWe know that RA drugs are expensive, but did you know that how you receive your treatment (pill, injection, or infusion) can affect you financially? As we enter the crazy...Reactions0reactionsComments20 comments
Rise and ShineI still have fond memories from when I was a little girl and my mom would come into my bedroom, first thing in the morning, to wake me up for...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Treatment UncertaintyAbout this time last year I switched biologics because the old one wasn’t working for me anymore. While the new biologic never helped as much as the previous one, it...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Dreamland: RA & The Opiate EpidemicI just finished a fascinating book about the "opioid epidemic" our country is currently embroiled in: "Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic" by Sam Quinones. Quinones, a journalist...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
Now You See It, Now You Don't: The Invisible Nature of RAMy husband Todd went on a mountain bike ride yesterday. It was his birthday and as a former professional bike racer this is something he loves to do. Later, at...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Clinical Trial Consent Form: Understanding Your Rights & ResponsibilitiesInformed consent is the term that signifies a person has been given information regarding all possible consequences for a treatment, including both potential risks and benefits. While informed consent frequently...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Unhealthy StandardsA French woman who has traveled the world and lived in several different countries moved to the United States a few months ago. She had this to say about the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Internet InspirationThere are countless memes and posts of "word inspiration" splashed all over social media every second of the day, I'd argue. Many of them probably scroll right by you, unnoticed...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Importance of RehabRecently my husband and I have been discussing whether I should go to physical therapy for a few ‘tune up’ sessions. Rehabilitation or physical therapy sessions have been very helpful...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Transitioning to Fall and Winter WeatherUsually my best time of year with fewer rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is summer. My joints feel better in the heat and my energy levels improve. This year we’ve had a...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Last DaysWith a title like “The Last Days” one might wonder if I’m referring to something as monumental as the last days of life or the last days before the apocalypse...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
“How are you doing?” Can Be a Complicated QuestionA friend asks me “how are you doing” and I freeze. It’s like being stunned with a taser. I just don’t know what to say. A simple question from a...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments