RA Flare or RA Nudge...I recently had a significant RA flare, which is probably not news to anyone with rheumatoid arthritis. What was new for me was that it was the first one that...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
When Symptoms Are Not Mirrored in Lab Tests...In August 2022, I started having pain in my middle fingers on both hands. Of course, it was worse in my dominant hand. I also could not straighten those fingers...Reactions0reactionsComments18 comments
Conversation of the Week: How To Stay Resilient Mentally and Physically with RA...I feel like the words, Rheumatoid Arthritis and resiliency go hand in hand. Let's face it, no one with the diagnosis, chose to sign up for it. It is something...Reactions0reactionsComments11 repliesMental HealthCoping
Relieving pain without NSAIDS...I’m on Xarelto, a blood thinner, and cannot take anti inflammatories. I also cannot take Tylenol because it elevates my liver enzymes. I’m aware of diet, exercise, cold packs, warm...Reactions0reactionsComments7 repliesCoping
Getting Rhematologist support for time off work...I need advice about getting approval for a reduced work schedule for my RA. I've got RA and have had to move to a part time schedule at work -...Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesInsurance & DisabilityWork & Employment
My Journey into a New Career Path with RA...I was diagnosed with RA shortly after graduating as an occupational therapist. I was in my 20s, and the diagnosis dramatically altered my career and presented many challenges along the...Reactions0reactionsComments24 comments
It's Okay to Ask for Help...If you have read any of my previous articles, you know one of my faults is pride. I am a very independent person who is also petite and thin. I...Reactions0reactionsComments18 comments
Shingles...October 17th of this year, I called my doctor for an appointment regarding my suspicion of having shingles. I had them 12 years ago, so I knew immediately what I...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Before Surgery...So, last week my family was here in the house and they all came down sick. This continued for this whole week. They have been to a clinic and Dr...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Cooking and Baking: A Surprising RA Intersection...Recently, I've been taking time for myself away from family, friends, and other opportunities. I've found myself feeling overworked and overwhelmed, so I've been looking into new hobbies and ways...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Seronegative specialist ...Good morning, I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for a Rheumatologist that specializes in seronegative RA in California? Thank you!...Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesSeronegative RATips & AdviceTreatment
Biologic drugs...Which biologic do you feel is best for RA?...Reactions0reactionsComments4 repliesBiologic Medication
Happy Anniversary: 25 Years of Pain, Grief, and Hope...“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” -Khalil Gibran July 11, 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of my diagnosis with rheumatoid...Reactions0reactionsComments20 comments
The Invisible Disease...I was diagnosed this last February with RA. I'm 48 years old. I've told my closest family and friends, but they tend to forget. I am the matriarch of the...Reactions0reactionsComments43 repliesAwareness
It's Not You, It's Me - Cancelling Plans and RA...It’s not you, it’s me. We’ve all heard that before – usually when breaking up with someone or being broken up with. I realized recently that it applies to living...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
That Pivotal Moment with RA...When I was first diagnosed with RA, I recall my thoughts largely being centered on what aspects of my life would now be altered in a negative way and what...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
What Is the Social Health Network?...Like our other Health Union condition communities, the Social Health Network brings people together to drive unique and impactful conversations about health. It also aims to expand opportunities for health...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Hands...Things I can hardly do with my RA hands. Open a bottle, large or small, open the tab on a soda, scratch an itch on my shoulders or anywhere. I...Reactions0reactionsComments49 repliesCopingVenting
Pain Is Relentless ...Not much. RA got in right wrist - first time severe pain is asymmetrical. Now at 48 hrs. Typing without moving wrist. Moving phone not hand. Interesting… Several days, including...Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesVentingAwareness
Where Is the Problem?...In recent years I’ve had more problems with reduced neck and shoulder mobility and increased pain. I went for some sessions of physical therapy and found that helpful, but not...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
