How Fallible Are We? RA and Life Expectancy/Mortality...No doubt, discussing our increased fallibility due to RA is at best, challenging and, at worst, overwhelming. I think we tend to push this to the back of our minds, deep...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Has anyone experienced RA and lung issues ?...Just diagnosed from a pulmonologist with RA affecting my lungs. Monitoring for interstitial lung disease....Reactions0reactionsComments4 replies
Opt Outside...I took a few moments to break the home order to sit on my front steps and breathe in the fresh air. Thankfully, I am forced to enjoy nature multiple...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
I Miss Me...4 years ago I was vibrant, confident, joyful and successful. My worries consisted of paying bills on time and getting overtime at work. I thought nothing of climbing up on...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
My New Normal – Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis...I remember saying to my husband, “I don’t remember what it feels like to be pain-free.”. I still don’t. In 2014, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 10 months after...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Can you have heart problems with RA?...Hi to all; On the 13th of July, I walked up to my friends house. I got there and was breathless - didn't think any more of it, was only...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Can swollen glands and a sore throat be related to RA?...I never know if I should ask my primary care dr or my rheumatologist about random symptoms. Seems like almost everything relates to RA (or to my meds) so I...Reactions0reactionsComments4 replies
Does anyone have muscle twitching and perceived weakness?...I started having muscle twitches last September. I have had two EMGs in and CT’s both were negative. The muscle twitching feels like little zappers in my legs and then...Reactions0reactionsComments2 replies
One painful year later.......At age 65, my functional med NP ran all the tests about a month following carpal tunnel surgery. I was in such pain and agony at the time. Nothing showed...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Surprised!!...I started having ankle pain after I stood up to walk. I thought it was from always being on the go. I told my doctor while I was seeing her...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Amanda Osowski...Amanda Osowski is a wife and mother living and working in Chicago, IL. After earning a Masters Degree in Public Health, Amanda worked in clinical trial recruitment, specializing in breaking...
The Persistence of Pain...People with rheumatoid arthritis are very familiar with pain. In fact, we’re a little too familiar with it! Even if we are fortunate enough to be on a treatment that...Reactions0reactionsComments76 comments
Spoonie Strong...Whether you are new to your rheumatoid arthritis journey or a veteran you may have heard the term “spoonie” thrown around. Many people with chronic illnesses call themselves “spoonies”. If...Reactions0reactionsComments22 comments
How and When Did My Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Start...I think, but am not absolutely sure, that my symptoms started in 2000. I started experiencing achey feet and balance issues but did not go to the doctor. Because I...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
The RA, Vitamin, Mineral, and Food Connection - Part 4...This article concludes a 4-part series entitled, "The RA, Vitamin, Mineral, and Food Connection.” If you have not done so, I highly encourage you to read, “The RA, Vitamin, Mineral...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
My Dog Has It Right...My eldest dog, Affie, is a Coton de Tulear. Cotons are similar to Bichon Frises except their fur feels more like cotton (hence the name!). Cotons and Bichons are small...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
What You Don't See...This spring, I noticed a “what you don’t see – chronic illness version” tag on social media. People re-shared a selfie and wrote down the things that were happening behind...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
I’m going to start Humira next week. Anyone have helpful tips or advice?...Reactions0reactionsComments4 replies
Is anyone else here afraid to use RA medication?...Diagnosed with RA & afraid of meds. My RA has gotten progressively more painful over the past few years. At 64, I’m not used to taking any medications and have...Reactions0reactionsComments4 replies
Sjögren’s Disease...I’ve had severe RA for 8 years. Many years undiagnosed. My Sjögren’s disease is out of control. I use so many prescriptions for my eyes, but nothing seems to help...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments