Getting a Second Opinion Or Changing Rheumatologists
Tips for getting a second opinion or changing rheumatologists Finding treatment options for your Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can be very challenging. The journey that comes with a diagnosis of RA can be frustrating and confusing. Many resources available often leave you with more questions than answers. Sometimes a new perspective on your personal medical […]
Self Love and Body Image with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis
It can be hard to feel good about yourself when you feel betrayed by your own body. If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) you know how it feels for your body to double cross you! One day you are capable of many things, and the next you may find you […]
PsA versus RA
You know they aren’t the same… but what’s the difference? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) are both medical conditions that cause progressive joint damage. This joint damage causes stiffness, pain, swelling, and sometimes limited ability to use that joint. Both diseases are auto-immune, which means the immune system is malfunctioning to a certain […]
Navigating the US Healthcare system and insurance with a chronic illness
Navigating the US healthcare system can be frustrating, exhausting, and full of dead ends and rabbit holes. Having a chronic illness makes navigating the way even harder. Having a chronic illness makes health issues more complex, and even more challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the burden of the healthcare system to meet the […]
Love and RA, a personal story and tips
As a woman with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), I understand how difficult it is to live with this disease. Sometimes it impacts every second of every minute of every single day. Even things one wouldn’t expect. Shampooing my hair, doing laundry, and feeding myself can be pretty tough some days. Getting through an entire day upright […]
Finding a New Rheumy
So many things have changed in the last 2 years. Our world will never be the same. Needless to say, healthcare is also forever changed. According to this article in Forbes, 47% of healthcare workers are planning to leave their current role by 2025. The American Medical Association refers to this period of time as […]
Exercise with Chronic Pain
Committing to regular exercise is hard. The American Heart association has identified these common barriers to physical fitness here. Everyone has their own reasons for not exercising everyday. If you have chronic pain, and other chronic health conditions, staying active can be exceptionally challenging! According to the CDC, over 20% of adults have chronic pain. […]
Continue to be Inclusive as COVID restrictions lift
The desire to return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic is palpable. Everyone wants things to go back to the way they were before. Some are even trying to forget about the virus and the subsequent shut downs, as though it was just a blip in time. With over 82 million cases, and over 1 […]
Benefits of being in a relationship with someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Dating is hard! As if dating weren’t already complicated enough, having an auto-immune, inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can make it even harder. The chronic pain, complicated medications, limited mobility, and fatigue associated with this diagnosis can make planning adventurous dates and spontaneous romance seem impossible. Sharing how RA affects your life and […]
What To Expect At Your Rheumatology Appointment
If you are living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you will likely visit a rheumatologist this year. A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in treating arthritis. They’re also experts in treating other rheumatic conditions, such as lupus, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis. They also treat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. All medical appointments are not created equally! If […]